Outdoor Adventure USA

I've been looking into exploring a few trails I've never been on. The area that I'm interested in is east of Twentynine Palms, along hwy 62 just north of Joshua Tree National Park. From what I've read up on, the place is full of old mining sites and challenging trails through the rugged Pinto Mountains. If anyone knows this area or wants to head out and explore it, just let me know.

BorregoWrangler wrote:I've been looking into exploring a few trails I've never been on. The area that I'm interested in is east of Twentynine Palms, along hwy 62 just north of Joshua Tree National Park. From what I've read up on, the place is full of old mining sites and challenging trails through the rugged Pinto Mountains. If anyone knows this area or wants to head out and explore it, just let me know.

Sounds like a fun time, but I'm not familiar with it...maybe another time, though...

Many years ago, we used to explore and camp in those areas. We were young and dumb and did stupid things such as tie ropes to the trucks-K-5 blazers and go down into the mines. It has been too long, so I don't have any specific recollection of where we went. It would be worth exploring again.

Regards, SSC

BorregoWrangler wrote:I've been looking into exploring a few trails I've never been on. The area that I'm interested in is east of Twentynine Palms, along hwy 62 just north of Joshua Tree National Park. From what I've read up on, the place is full of old mining sites and challenging trails through the rugged Pinto Mountains. If anyone knows this area or wants to head out and explore it, just let me know.

I believe that is the Dale Mining District. Yes, there are some fun trails over there.

Some photos:
33°59'23"N, 115°41'26"W

33°59'27"N, 115°41'46"W

33°59'23"N, 115°41'27"W

The problem with taking pix like these is that you need to have windshield wipers on on the inside of the machinery 'cuz your going errrrrrrrrrrr, thbbbbbbbbbbb!

I have made a bunch of trips over the years to that area.

One area already pointed out is the Dale Mining District is one. There are a few days worth of roads to explore with many mines. Some of these are private property and most still have open shafts, so respect and safe conduct is needed. If you go to Ghost towns dot com you will find a little history and pics of the town site(s) of Dale, written by your truly.

The other area is Gold Park, and a fun full weekend of exploring with lots to see. It looks like Gold Park will become part of JTNP. Here is a link to a map, see the pinto mtns winderness.

http://www.desertmountainwild.org/docs/ ... ss_map.pdf

BTW this map also shows the area for wildness designation south of JTNP that includes Thermal, Pinkhan, and Rockhouse canyons. If you have not been to these areas, check them out too.

SteveS wrote:I have made a bunch of trips over the years to that area.

One area already pointed out is the Dale Mining District is one. There are a few days worth of roads to explore with many mines. Some of these are private property and most still have open shafts, so respect and safe conduct is needed. If you go to Ghost towns dot com you will find a little history and pics of the town site(s) of Dale, written by your truly.

The other area is Gold Park, and a fun full weekend of exploring with lots to see. It looks like Gold Park will become part of JTNP. Here is a link to a map, see the pinto mtns winderness.

http://www.desertmountainwild.org/docs/ ... ss_map.pdf

BTW this map also shows the area for wildness designation south of JTNP that includes Thermal, Pinkhan, and Rockhouse canyons. If you have not been to these areas, check them out too.

Thank you, sir. I will.