Outdoor Adventure USA

5 MINUTE DESTINATIONS

It's time once again for the OAUSA version of the outdoor travel advisor. The net will be a great opportunity to get some ideas for future outdoor adventures. The "5 Minute" idea is our way of getting as many participants as possible, as they each have 5 minutes for their adventure. Each will post information and pictures.

Don't be shy - if you have a favorite camping spot, hiking adventure, hunting trip, river rafting trip, 4 wheel drive adventure, or sky diving trip, post up with a description and pictures. As long as it's an outdoor adventure, it's fair game!!! So, join us on the net.

Mojave Road

Plan a minimum of a 3-day trip. I like to start at the Colorado River near Needles, CA since this was originally the main wagon trail going east to west into California. It lasted for only a relatively short time, two decades after the civil war, until the railroads came. While it was used, the Mojave Road was plagued by hostile Indians, lack of water, long stretches of sand and rough hill climbs. Like most trails the Mojave Road was first an Indian path, used as a trade route. The Mojave Indians, who lived along the Colorado River, would travel to the coast, following the path that guaranteed water. The first European to use the Mojave trail was probably Father Francisco Graces in 1776.
IMHO, this is almost the gold standard for a 4-wheel overlanding trail. While it is not difficult, there is modicum of 4-wheel Drive challenge, major scenic views of the Mojave Desert, and layers on layers of history.
Traveling the Mojave Road isn't a picnic. It's a 2- or 3-day excursion, best made in convoy with other 4-wheelers. The trip begins on the bank of the Colorado River. The terrain is mostly desert; some hills over the various mountain ranges; a dry lake; water crossings; canyons; and areas of soft sand. The trail goes from spring to spring to spring. There is much history to observe along the way. You will see springs, remains of forts, lava flows and Indian petroglyphs.

The Mojave Road would have faded from sight except for the curiosity and perseverance of Dennis Casebier, of Goffs. He points out that the road, while not a particularly tough 4-wheel drive trail, is a dangerous place. "You can die out there," he said. "And the people who want to go see the trail need to be equipped properly. There are no signs leading you onto the Mojave Road; just rock Cairns. Purchase his book. It lays out the trail and history every tenth of a mile.

Because of the length of the trail and the isolation, I recommend you bring to bring an extra 5 gallons gas. The road is 120 miles long. In addition, bring a few gallons of water. There is nowhere to get fresh water. Bring your own food and a means to cook it. You will need appropriate clothing/shelter/sleeping arrangement. This is the desert in the winter. It gets below freezing at night. Also bring your own Bathroom. There are none. Bring firewood so we can have a campfire.

We rate this trail at a 2. Trail rating 2 requires good vehicle clearance and use of 4WD with no special driving skill required.

Great topic! I have Mojave Road in my Bucket List so hopefully soon!
Around Bishop there are several trails that are worth exploring, Coyote Flats area is wonderful! Also the Silver Canyon Rod and Alabama Hills.
All these trails are very scenic and there is a big range in difficulty but for the most part any 4x4 will be able to enjoy. Additionally you have the flexibility of staying in Bishop or Big Pine and run a few trails for the day or you can camp out in the woods.
Many trails are closed in the winter months and if it snows a lot during the winter they might remain impassable through mid summer.
I hope someone can share some trails in Big Sur, I'm planning on going there soon.

MONUMENT VALLEY

Monument Valley (MV) ranks amongst the world's greatest and most beautiful places. It is also one of the most photographed and filmed, but despite this, most people who see pictures or films of it don't realize where it is or what it is. In many ways, it has become the iconic symbol of the wild west, and made so due to the work of movie director, John Ford and Actor, John Wayne, back in the 30s. Here are just a few examples of the many films where MV was the filming location:

• Stage Coach (1939)

• Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

• My Darling Clementine (1946)

• She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)

• The Searchers (1956)

• How the West Was Won (1962)

• The Eiger Sanction (1975)

• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

• Back to the Future Part III (1990)

For those whose points of reference began in the late 20th century, you have probably seen the movie which included this famous image. Bets are high that very few knew where it was taken. Now you know.


The history of Monument Valley, of course, runs much deeper than the extent to which Hollywood has featured it, primarily in westerns. MV lies in the Navajo Nation and is managed under their rules. Monument Valley's official title is "Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park" and was created by the Navajo Tribal Council in 1958. The closest thing to which we can compare this is our National Parks. It is located in the State of Arizona, near the "Four Corners" region of the US, and occupies an area which exceeds 91,000 acres. It is huge.

The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department has this message for visitors:

“The Navajo people have a custom that has endured. Whenever visitors come they are always treated as honored guests. They are offered shelter, warmth and nourishment so they can continue on with their journey. The same hospitality we offer to you, and we hope that you have a safe and pleasant visit to our land.”

When you visit the Park, keep in mind that there is so much more to experience than the scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to learn Navajo history, culture, traditions, and food. Don't leave without having a heaping helping of Fry Bread (lots of honey really makes for a very tasty treat!!!!)

If you plan on visiting the Navajo Nation, be aware that there are many rules that regulate your right to travel, and you are well advised to make certain on your routes of travel, BEFORE you arrive. In the case of MV, there is a self guided road which requires no special permits, but for those who want a greater view of the Park and Navajo culture, there are much better ways to do so.

Contained within the Park are many miles of "off road" trails, and depending on how much time you have, and how much you are willing to spend, the benefits are awesome!!! We will go into more detail on the net, but for now, let these pictures entice.

Please check me in.

WD6USA
Jeff, Highland, CA

Please check in
K9ATK BRIAN
K9FOG TRISH
KD0GPE AUSTIN
KD0EXI CHEYENNE
THANKS

Thanks for early check in, KF6KOC Randy.

Check in please - Thanks - Bernie

One of the photos, in DaveK's post, reminded me of the movie called, "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind," which I believe used one of the monuments in the movie.

Please check in

John KN6VL

Bruce KD6GCO

Ironwood Group Camp

I have been testing a new application for easily providing geographical links.

https://w3w.co/wreck.lilac.architecture

https://w3w.co/wreck.lilac.architecture
///wreck.lilac.architecture
34.303943, -117.013143

This 3 word address refers to an exact 3m x 3m location. Tap the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it.

Ironwood group camp is a very nice weekend run to get a good night or two of camping in. It has the advantage of a nice clean vault toilet with skylight. Fire rings, picnic tables and charcoal stoves.

Be sure to have your campfire permit, and ensure a campfire is allowed due to fire restrictions that are in place occasionally. You must bring your own water as none is available. There is plenty of nice hiking in the area free yellow post camping is also nearby. Three shooting ranges are local, however they are currently closed until January at least.
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