Bradshaw Trail (Gold Road to La Paz) in mid-March?

[Chazz Layne]

Updated dates: April 17-18th, see this post for more info.



Dates: the weekend of 3/19-21 or 3/26-28?

I picked up the guide book by Delmer Ross after seeing it in my copy of the Mojave Road Report, and have been wanting to do this trip for some time. The guide is written in similar style to Dennis Casebier's Mojave Road Guide. It is a shorter trip in mileage, and suitable for stock vehicles, so I figure it'll be perfect for my post-lift shakedown cruise.

I'm thinking of camping on Friday night at the trailhead, then spending all day Saturday and part of Sunday exploring our way through to the Colorado before heading home (ending at the Patton Museum for those interested). Another option would be to just meet up early Saturday morning at the trail, I'd like to be underway by 09:00. We'll be on BLM land almost the entire time, so I'll be renewing my CA campfire permit and bringing some wood (we can always use more) for a fire Saturday night.

The trail runs from outside Mecca (south of I-10 as it leaves Cochella Valley) and ends outside of Blythe, following part of the old Butterfield Stage route from Los Angeles to Phoenix. We'd be stopping to explore ruins, springs, graves, geode fields, and a few side trips up the mountains/canyons. I have never explored this area before, so if anyone else has I'm open to suggestions. We'll also be right next to the bombing range in Chocolate Mountains, so I wouldn't be surprised if we get a lightshow on Saturday night.

Some info:
http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pa ... agodLjmefA
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmspri ... dshaw.html

[taugust]

I will be leading a group on the trail again this year, in April. I had planned on April 3-4, until I realized it is Easter weekend and the potential for scheduling conflicts. I may push it back two weeks. All are welcome.

[Chazz Layne]

Well if it doesn't conflict with the Indian Tour I'll just tag along with you in April then.

[BorregoWrangler]

I've been wanting to run this trail for awhile, so I'll keep an eye on this.

Something else I've considered doing over several days along with the Bradshaw Trail is Black Mountain, Indian Pass Road (in the Picacho State Recreation Area) and maybe Red Cloud Mine Trail in Arizona. That would make quite the overland expedition. You'd also probably be able to get some fishing in since the route would take you close to the Colorado River.

I got some planning to do...

[Chazz Layne]

There's some neat areas in and around Cibola Wildlife Refuge out there as well, including one-lane bridges on dirt roads for crossing into the People's Republik without checkpoints (or papers).



Black Mountain has been on my list for a while as well...

[ssc]

This sounds interesting. John let me know what trails you are hitting and I may join you for a day run.

Regards, Steve

[Mc Jeep]

Mc Mom and I did some geocaching on the west end and want to go back. It will be cool in March.

[unwiredadventures]

Dates: the weekend of 3/19-21 or 3/26-28?

The trail runs from outside Mecca (south of I-10 as it leaves Cochella Valley) and ends outside of Blythe, following part of the old Butterfield Stage route from Los Angeles to Phoenix. We'd be stopping to explore ruins, springs, graves, geode fields, and a few side trips up the mountains/canyons. I have never explored this area before, so if anyone else has I'm open to suggestions. We'll also be right next to the bombing range in Chocolate Mountains, so I wouldn't be surprised if we get a lightshow on Saturday night.

A weekend run would be great. I could bring both my kids.

[joemama]

There's a race going on March 13-14 and they have the Bradshaw Trail closed those days. I know because we were going out then and just found out about the race. Sorry about that for us.

[Chazz Layne]

I think later is going to work better anyhow, at least it will for me (my truck is still in pieces). I'm thinking first, maybe second weekend of April at this point.



Oh, and welcome aboard!