Old Mojave Road Run - 10/18-10/20

This weekend ttfhell, 10frank9, drew@offroadevolution and myself headed out to run the Old Mojave Road to traverse 140 miles across the deert. Without getting into too much back story it is the route the indians took to cross the desert a couple years ago.

We met up Friday morning and headed out east to start the trail. Our first stop was for breakfast at the historic Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs.



After a creepy breakfast which consisted of tang, biscuits and gravy and an attempted robbery we continued on our way east along Highway 40.



Gassing up at the Avi Casnio




At the trailhead airing down along the Colorado River




First stop was Some abandoned buildings we saw. There was a couple other groups there so we made the stop quick.





Next, Fort Piute




The long road ahead



Working our way up the and out of the canyon



Next stop was the school bus



Some lunch for the kids



The block was about all that was left






Continuing on our way we made it to Penny Can Tree and all dropped in our pennies



Further ahead we made it to the homestead of Bert G. Smith and amazingly it is in great shape for being 80 years old




View from the porch





Continued below with day 2

Day 2 started with the Government holes





Then we drove to the Kelso Train Depot





And had a banana milkshake



Continuing South we made it to the Kelso Singing Sand Dunes




Back on the Mojave Road we made a stop at Marl Springs




Next was the Mojave Road Mailbox where we all signed in



and found some toads




The highlight of the trip for all of us was the lava tubes. Pretty cool experience and the pictures don't do it justice.







After the lava tubes we were headed to Soda Dry Lake but before we could make it I hit a rock doing 65 and put a slash in my sidewall.



After the change we crossed Soda Dry Lake and made it to the Travelers Monument where we all placed a rock. ttfhell was first

Great pics. On my list of places to go this winter. Next time you guys head up that way let me know. It's right near my neck of the woods.

Looks like a good time someone will be happy franks rig got dirty lol

Looking across the lake bed





Camp for the second night



Some refreshments



Coming out of Afton Canyon on the morning of Day 3 we crossed under the train tracks





Then about 1/2 mile from the finish ttfhell ran out of gas



So Drew made the trek into town to get some for him. After we got Russ moving we all aired up and headed in two separate directions anticipating the next event. 11 miles from the end of the trail and 8 miles until town I ran out of gas as well.

Frank and I waiting for ttfhell and Drew to bring us gas



After getting 1.5 gallons I made it to the gas station and still put 17.7 gallons in my 18 gallon tank. :crazyeyes:





Thats all the pictures I have hopefully the others have some to add.

Awesome trip report! Looks like you all had a great time - wish I could have been there.

crowrb29 said:

Great pics. On my list of places to go this winter. Next time you guys head up that way let me know. It's right near my neck of the woods.

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RockyJk said:

Looks like a good time  someone will be happy franks rig got dirty lol

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It was fun for sure! And we most certainly gave Frank crap for his dirty rig. :thumb:

wayoflife said:

Awesome trip report! Looks like you all had a great time - wish I could have been there.

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Wish you guys could have made it. It was a blast.

The water coming out of Afton Canyon was really deep! The first ones wasn't too bad but the second was up to my doors.

Very nice! I'd like to do this someday.

MTG said:

Very nice! I'd like to do this someday.

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Bring extra gas. :thumb: :cheesy:

OverlanderJK said:

Bring extra gas. :thumb: :cheesy:

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And oil...

OverlanderJK said:

Wish you guys could have made it. It was a blast.

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I really wanted to, believe me. This weekend was just too busy. :grayno:

The water coming out of Afton Canyon was really deep! The first ones wasn't too bad but the second was up to my doors.

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That's really good to hear. Sounds like it's back to the way it used to be.

ttfhell said:

And oil...

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Only you need 6 quarts of oil in 300 miles.

This trip was a blast. Thanks putting this together Overlander.

And if anyone is wondering how much water the storage tub in the rear of your Jeep will hold. PM me. Lol.

wayoflife said:

I really wanted to, believe me. This weekend was just too busy. :grayno:

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Maybe next time..... It's okay we had plenty of Honey in your honor.

Great trip guys, definitely better weekend than mine. See you on the next one.

10frank9 said:

This trip was a blast. Thanks putting this together Overlander.

And if anyone is wondering how much water the storage tub in the rear of your Jeep will hold. PM me. Lol.

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Couldn't make it to the ladies room...

ttfhell said:

View attachment 53536
Couldn't make it to the ladies room...

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Hahaha good times.

Here's a couple from my phone. Will add more when I upload my camera.
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I just ran Afton canyon today as well on my way back from Vegas

That looks like a great trip guys! I've been wanting to find a weekend trip. Will have to keep this in mind for the future.


- Jason