Tag: Mojave

The Mojave Desert, located in the southwestern United States, is a striking landscape characterized by vast expanses of arid terrain and rugged mountains. Spanning parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, it is known for its iconic Joshua trees, which dot the sandy plains alongside hardy shrubs and cacti adapted to the harsh desert environment. The Mojave Desert experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching hot summers and chilly winters, while its unique geological features include ancient lava flows, dry lake beds, and towering sand dunes. This desert region is not only a testament to resilience in nature but also harbors a rich diversity of wildlife and holds a cultural significance as a home to indigenous peoples and a backdrop for explorers and adventurers alike.

Mojave Goldfish

Posted on by

Over Presidents day weekend, my wife and I were travelling back from Big Bear, CA to our house after a visit with family towards our home in Las Vegas.  Frequently, my wife will point out an old road or mine and comment that we need to take that trail someday.  During out drive home, we were talking about the mining district in Mountain Pass and the Evening Star mine.  On this journey, we chanced upon the ultra rare Mojave Goldfish.

This is one of the great reasons for owning a 4×4 and the Mojave Desert is a prime location to explore.

A live stock watering trough in the Mojave Desert.. Photograph by James L Rathbun
A live stock watering trough in the Mojave Desert. Photograph by James L Rathbun

So, we exited the I-15 travelling north on Baily road near the Kokoweef mine.  Typically, I have a route mapped out ahead of time, but a spur of the moment decision left our route to happenstance.   We drove straight off the off ramp and headed up the hill.  Immediately I sensed the I took the wrong route, but since we were exploring I just drove on, you never know what you will find.  Soon, we found a private property sign, and opt towards a road to the left.  I found 4×4 low in the transfer case and we climbed a short hill.  Upon cresting the hill, I noticed something metal down the the left.  I road the gears down in low until we reached the small canyon where I made a tight left towards the metallic object I saw from the top of the hill.

Within a quarter of a mile, I found an juniper tree with a metal water trough.  These are not uncommon in the mojave and can be found throughout the dessert.  I parked the jeep to investigate and was shocked…

The rare Mojave Gold fish in its natual environment. Photo by James L Rathbun
The rare Mojave Gold fish in its natural environment. Photo by James L Rathbun

We stumbled upon Goldfish, in the Mojave Desert and these things were pretty big.  I mean, I have eaten trout smaller than some of these.  Goldfish are used to keep the algae in check inside the water trough.  An elegant solution to a problem I didn’t think existed, but that makes sense.  The water trough was plumbed with a PVC pipe to bring the spring water to the trough.  The overflow, did just that and the rocks on either wide of the trough edge allow for animals to escape the tank.  An endless supply of fresh water would keep the urea concentrations down, so the fish grow into their environment.

My biggest question is that in a remote area with a lot of preditors, why are these fish alive?  I thought that an oportunistic coyote, fox or raven would make quick work of this exposed tank, but these large fish prove they have been here for time.  Regardless a very fun find and a true 4×4 destination.

Achy-Breaky

Posted on by

Achy-Breaky is a very difficult, trail which circumnavigates Watkins Peak in San Bernardino County, California. This trail is one of many on the Stoddard Wells OHV.  The trail requires a well built 4×4 and a GPS to even stay on the trail which a network of difficult to navigate trails.

California Desert Tortoise emerging from a hiding place just off of Achy-Breaky Trail
California Desert Tortoise emerging from a hiding place just off of Achy-Breaky Trail

Located south of Barstow, in the Stoddard Wells OHV Area. The trail is quite a popular destination for people who are looking to test their 4×4, and not suitable for stock vehicles. Skid plates, differential lockers, high ground clearance and a capable truck are required to navigate the desert terrain with numerous steep, rocky climbs. Tire damage is a real possibility from the large, sharp rocks. Although technically challenging, the trail does not offer much in the scenery department, unless you hike up towards to top of the peak.

The trail is best run from November to March each year due to the high heat of the Mohave Desert. More information on Stoddard Wells OHV Area can be found at the Barstow Field office of the Bureau of Land Management at 760-252-6000.

Arcy-Breaky Trail Map

References

Nellis Cove

Posted on by

Nellis Cove Road short east trail from Lake Mead Powerline Road to Nellis Cove on the shore of Lake Mohave, Nevada. The route is fairly flat and easy, a suitable for almost any vehicles. However, you may wish to have some tires which are good in the sand. For those interested, overnight camping is allowed up to 15 days.

Lake Mojave is a wonderful destination to visit during the summer months. The waters of the Lake are cool in temperature and offers a great chance to swim, relax and cool down from the scorching sun of the Mojave. I can speak first hand, that a cold beer in the shade while soaking your feet in the cool water is a wonderful thing.

The beaches of Lake Mohave vary in size depending on the water output of the Hoover and Davis Dams. They beach is built up from sand and decomposing rocks, so beach shoes would be recommended. Nellis Cove camping is large enough to allow 4 – 5 campsites. This is a dry camp site in a desert, so although there is a lake, please be sure to bring plenty of water.

Campground Summary

NameNellis Coe
LocationLake Mohave, Clark County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude35.403584, -114.659445
Elevation655 feet
Sites4 – 5
AmenitiesVault Toilets

Nellis Cove Trail Map

References

Sandy Wash

Posted on by

Sandy Wash is a short trail which leads from the Mead Davis Power Line road down to the shore of Lake Mojave, Nevada. We opted to drive Empire Wash off the 95 and turn left of Mead Davis Power Line Road and the right down Sandy Wash.  

Sandy Wash offered a nice remote beach to enjoy on Lake Mojave
Sandy Wash offered a nice remote beach to enjoy on Lake Mojave

The small beach at the end of the trail offers a wonderful location, to picnic, camp, or jump into Lake Mojave to cool off with a swim.  The beach is surrounded with Tamarisk bushes and willows to offer some privacy and the true feeling of being in a remove spot.   The rocky beach is located in a small cove, and there is a small arch just at the water line. On the day we did the trail, the air was rather hot, but a monsoon blew in while we swam and enjoyed and very cold beer.

Driving onto the beach at Sandy Wash, Lake Mojave
Driving onto the beach at Sandy Wash, Lake Mojave

The road for the most part is very easy by 4×4 standards and should be passable by most vehicles.  This is true with the exception of the last 100 feet of the trail which contains a water crossing about 30 inches deep and 100 feet long.

Looking back at the water crossing
Looking back at the water crossing

The two approaches to the trail head are from Mead Davis Power line road, or the much more scenic Empire wash.

Sandy Wash Trail Map

Empire Wash

Posted on by

Empire wash is a short cut from Cal Nev Ari to the Lake Mead Davis Powerline road through a narrow canyon. This offers great access to several of the wash roads which take you down to Lake Mojave by connecting to the southern end of the Lake Mead Power Line road.  A easy and fun trail which leads you to better destinations.

The kids go for a walk while we air down at Empire Wash
The kids go for a walk while we air down at Empire Wash

Just off the pavement, we opted to air down the jeeps to bring some comfort to this long road. We did not need any more traction, we just opted to float across the desert. Empire wash runs through the mountains in the distance.

Empire Wash - You know you are not lost when there is a sign.
Empire Wash – You know you are not lost when there is a sign.

Once you approach the mountains, a nice little sign reminds you that this can be rough county. From the looks of the sign, there is quite a bit of evidence of flooding from the level of sand piled around the base of the sign.

A narrow valley on the Empire Wash Trail near Lake Mojave
A narrow valley on the trail near Lake Mojave

The road and canyon twist and turn through the mountains. This was a lot of fun to drive. Although overcast on our trip, we looked forward to swimming in Lake Mojave at the end of the next trail. On this day, we chose Sandy Wash.

Empire Wash Trail Map