Mojave National Preserve is a large (1.6 MM acres) park that consists of spectacular desert with unique vegetation and wildlife. The park offers great hiking, backpacking, camping, 4-wheel driving and wild flower viewing. The park is accessible by road from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Community Trips
Probably more a walk than a hike, the goal was to check out some cool and old petroglyphs, drawn (or carved) on dark volcanic rocks. Interestingly enough, those petroglyphs are not on the map. You have to know about them (there are books about the various petroglyphs areas in North and Central America).Several persons in the groups came to this place before and knew where to go.We saw dozens of petroglyphs. Some...
We camped at Hole in the Wall. What a unique place! The scenery is great, and the desert vegetation very cool. Lots of cactus and Joshua Trees. The kids loved it. The weather was nice. Highly recommended. Will add photos later.
Location: Mojave National Preserve CARoute: Unpaved and unmaintained 4WD roads through the Cima Cinder Cones and Cima Dome.Conditions: 4WD high clearance required for some side tripsWildlife: Lizards, hawksHighlight: Lava tube! Exploring several abandoned mines. Camping alone under the stars.Distance: 52.9 miles. Date Hiked: March 15-16, 2009
I was invited by Rebecca to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with friends in the Mojave desert. It was a lot of fun. We set up camp in an old abandoned corral and cabin known as "Thomas' Place" (it's on Google Maps).The plan for Friday was to hike up to the top of Kessler Peak, and then to the top of Teutonia Peak.Kessler Peak is a rocky mountain sticking out from the relatively...
After having climbed Kessler Peak in the morning, and after a short lunch break, we were ready to climb Teutonia Peak. This time, there was a trail (Teutonia Peak trail) and we happened to be parked right at the trail head.The hike to the foot of this mountain was quite easy. Even though we were actually climbing on the slopes of the "Cima Dome" (whose summit was further away, behind Teutonia Peak),...
This is an easy loop hike with a neat beginning. There are two sets of rings that help you get to the lower section of Banshee Canyon. The rings help you by being good foot and hand holds. WHen I first saw the bolts years ago I thought you'd have to be nuts to do that. It really was not difficult at all. We did get off trail after the first 1/3...
Location: Mojave National Preserve CATrail Head: End of unpaved New York Mountain Road up Caruthers Canyon. 4WD high clearance. Add 1.5 miles to hike for 2WD.Conditions: Moderate climbWildlife: Lizards, mojave rattlesnakesHighlight: Exploring the Giant Ledge Mine. Soaking your feet in the spring-fed creek. Fantastic eroded rock formations.Distance: 1.6 miles. Date Hiked: March 20, 2009
One of the few maintained trails in the Mojave National Preserve. Definitely worth doing once, but recommend Kessler Peak for a better panorama of the region.
Hiked to the top of this mountain 15 years ago with my best friend Martin Beebee. Sadly he could not join me this time. I was in my mid-20s back then. Now that I'm 40 I'm grateful to say that I could still do this climb with relative ease. I hope to say the same in another 15 years.
A tricky little solitary peak in Mojave National Preserve. I recommend our descent route - the way up was a bit looser.Beta and Pictures
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