Quartzsite, AZ to Death Valley, CA

Merry Christmas.

I had planned to do this last year but didn’t work out, so doing it this year.  I dunno, just thought it was funny/different/unusual to spend Christmas Day in Death Valley, maybe the “Charles Addams” influence in me.

Left the “Q” (Quartzsite, AZ) after a good night rain and routed via Parker and US/CA 62.  Nice drive, had not been on the part west of Hwy 95 going to Las Vegas before.  A decent drive, pretty much nothing to see heading towards Twentynine Palms, CA.  

Getting closer to it the mountains appear and gave a sense of something might be there.

I’ve never been to Joshua Tree NP before so this was a first.  I was planning on going to the Hidden Valley campsite.  I was going to meet some friends there a few weeks ago, and glad it didn’t work out.  

The Hidden Valley campsite was reported “Full” with Rock Climbers, had no idea and when I got there, sure enough, Full.

There were two other campsites in the park, Ryan

and Jumbo Rocks.

Ryan was a little too rough but could be done, no trailers at Hidden Valley, 25’ limit,

So went onto Jumbo Rocks.  It was kinda unique in that they had little branches of sites off the main road for possible group camping.

Nice place crowded too, but some empty slots.  Looked like mostly for for car/tent camping but a few were available for trailers etc.  

They have little side lanes with several campsites which would be good for groups.

No internet available.  DISH, appears that would work, but mine is giving me problems so can’t verify if it’s good or not good.

On to Trona Pinnacles, Fish Rocks. (didn't see Fish Rocks, not really sure where it would be but possibly in this area. Didn't want to drive around for fear of getting stuck, mud/sand etc)

Trona Pinnacles was "Trippy"...  apparently a lot of films have been shot here including a Star Trek ones.  I can see why, it's like another planet.



It's quite unique and looks like a Mad Max setting.



I just parked in the main parking area as i didn't want to get "stuck" in mud/sand whatevers.  I don't have a 'Self Rescue' kit yet nor winch so staying on the cautious side of Adventure.



It's quite a place and would like to spend a week there just wandering around (with buggy or trail bike) on the roads there.  No ORV riding other than on the roads which is a good thing.



I just spent one night there but was able to walk around a little to get a better idea.



Driving through Trona was a little depressing.  I hate going though small towns and seeing them all boarded up.  The hopes and dreams of peoples lives shattered... so Sad... IMNSHO that is...



Then off to Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley, CA for Christmas and New Years...



Onward and upward to the passes and downward to the Valley.  Beautiful valley just before the DV pass.  Quite a view coming over the pass and dropping down into the valley... nice...   Only thing there was radar stations for the military flight practice.


Main Gallery Pics 

Jumbo Rocks, Joshua Tree, CA
Trona Pinnacles