Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo - Flagstaff Ariizona

mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
As part of a quest to find a North American route – Baja to Alaska - with as little blacktop as possible I discovered an incredible series of trails that I would like to share with you, that can be taken to/from Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona. We traveled over iconic segments; Grand Canyon South Rim, Beale Wagon Road, Route 66, Mojave Road, Death Valley, Pony Express and Oregon Trail; laced together with equally interesting, but lesser-known trails. Route crosses 5 states and ends in Canada' s Kootenay Mountains.

Post Overland Expo Route starts with Havasupai Point; a rare opportunity for dispersed camping and sightseeing away from the masses that flock to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, in part because it requires a 4WD vehicle to reach, albeit an Easy trail.


1 IMG_4280 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr
Photo: Havasupia Point Grand Canyon South Rim. Fortress-like Fossil Mountain in forefront and Mount Huethawali in background. Region also know as Grand Scenic Divide.


Leg One

Last year Pete Getty and I left OX on Sunday afternoon, and were camped on Havasupai Point in time to catch sunset. Driving up Highway 180, it took us under two hours to reach Tusayan. We drove through the Grand Canyon National Park main gate just long enough to purchase a pass, and drove right back out again, to take the first gravel road heading west after leaving the park at Tusayan.

The gravel road travels to the Havasupia Tribe Reservation, where a ranger collected a small fee and also asked to see our park pass. After a short drive through the reservation, we crossed back into Grand Canyon National Park, stopped at an abandoned historical rangers station, enjoyed a really nice forest drive to the south rim.


Havasupai Tribe Ranger by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Havasupai Point Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Trail to Havasupai Point by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Grand Canyon National Park Remote Gate by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Historical Ranger Station by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Kaiibab Forest by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

We drove along the rim, and came across several dispersed campsites, literarily right on edge of Grand Canyon. While providing great views, these sites pale in comparison to the trails end, Havasupai Point.

Campfire on ridge by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Colorado River Gorge by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

13 IMG_4207 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Havasupai Point


14 DSC_1644 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Havasupai Point camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Habitat on the ridge by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Supper on the ridge by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Guest relations officer by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Both times toured Havasupai Point, no other campers were along this isolated ridge. Rather than make our way back via highways, We wanted to extend this remote, serene experience that bypass ashphalt

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Watch For Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo,Flagstaff, AZ Leg 2 posted soon.
 
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mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Trek Leg 2 Historical Ranch Trails to Havasu Falls & Route 66

Not much has changed in the ranchlands bordering the South Rim of Grand Canyon, particularly on the 1889 Babbit Ranch where all work on the ranch continues to be done on horseback and home on the range is a bunkhouse, bedroll and chuck wagon. Come spring branding, cowboy poetry and tall stories continue to be shared. It is a real privilege that the ranch allows responsible recreationalist to share their two-track network of roads. The quite and serenity of wide-open treeless landscape – the sheer lack of any distractions is magic.


19 DSC_1799 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

We travelled west on a Upper Tank Road, that follows a small canyon that runs just south of the Havasupai reservation border.


South Rim Expedition Tracklog by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Upper Wagner Tank Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Ranch rules – Cattle have this right of way. Pete had to wait patiently until this bull felt he had won the stand off and meandered off.


1889 Babbit Ranch Stand Off by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


1889 Babbit Ranch Two-track by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

1889 Babbit Ranch by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

As we left Babbit Ranch we travelled South and West onto the Big Boquillas Ranch, the largest in Arizona.


1889 Babbit Ranch by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

At the upper end of Big Boquillas Ranch, we once again entered the Havasupai Reservation. The crown jewel can be found at the heart of an 800-year old civilization, capital of the Havasupai nation – people of blue-green waters and three spectacular sets of falls.


Upper Navajo Falls by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Lower Navaho Falls by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Havasu Falls by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Reaching the spectacular falls is worth every bit of the 10-mile backpack or horse ride needed to reach three major sets of falls with travertine-lined pools, ideal for a dip.


Head-of-trail to Supai by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Backpack switchback trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Havasupai Native Pack Train by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pack train to Supai by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Canyon Hike to Supai by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Approaching Caterack Creek by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

A short distance above the spectacular falls is the capital of the Havasupai Nation, the only place in America where the US mail is still delivered by pack animals.

Archeological evidence shows that the Havasupai have lived in the Grand Canyon for over 800 years. The Spanish priest Francisco Garces provided the first recorded history of the tribe in 1776 in a valley that become known as Cataract Creek (Havasu Falls). Little changed for the natives until silver was discovered in their valley and the US government forced the tribe onto a reservation outside the valley. Today the tribe has regained ownership to their native lands and has embraced tourism as a means to self-sufficient, the only continuous inhabitants of the Grand Canyon.


13 IMG_3454 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


US Mail Pack Train by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Exciting Cavern to Mooney Falls by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Travertine Pools Below Havasu Falls by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

One more trek off the Buck List.

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Watch For Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo,Flagstaff, AZ - Leg 3 - posted soon.
 
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mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Trek Leg 3 - The Big Boquillas Ranch & Route 66

Big Bo, as it is often referred to is the largest ranch in Arizona, and when open to drive-thru traffic, provides a great back-door to the Grand Canyon South Rim and such gems as Havasupai Falls and Havasupai Point. The ranch trails and terrain when compared to the connecting 1889 Babbit Ranch trails, is more diverse; canyons, rolling forested hills and open rangeland.


Big Boquillas Ranch Trails by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Big Boquillas Ranch Hills by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Big Boquillas Ranch Wash Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

When we traveled through this region in 2013, we were so happy to find a sign-in station with passes for recreationalist, on Route 66, just east of Seligman. In 2014, passes were only for sale during hunting season, to help fund ranch development. I, for one, would be happy to pay for drive-thru access for Overlanders. Not sure, what is open this year. In 2014, the upper portion was open to connect Havasupai Falls and Havasupia Point via the 1889 Babbit Ranch trails, assuming we were reading the complex map they have posted properly.


Big Boquillas Ranch by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Judy Edwards Hen House by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Ladies Lounge by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Judy's Handwoven Mohair Cinches by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Big Boquillas Ranch Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Big Boquillas Ranch Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

When we traveled through this region in 2013, we were so happy to find a sign-in station with passes for recreationalist, on Route 66, just east of Seligman. In 2014, passes were only for sale during hunting season, to help fund ranch development. I, for one, would be happy to pay for drive-thru access for Overlanders. Not sure, what is open this year. In 2014, the upper portion was open to connect Havasupai Falls and Havasupia Point via the 1889 Babbit Ranch trails, assuming we were reading the complex map they have posted properly.


Seligman on Route 66 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Seligman Motel across from Big Bo Gate by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Canyon Series Map by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

For more trail history, live on line maps and free GPS/GPX tracklogs check out Journey to Grand Canyon Havasupia & Overland Expo or tour OverlandFrontier.com.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 4 post coming soon.
 
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mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 4

Route 66, The Army Camel Corps, Gold King Mine & Moss Wash

Leaving the Boquallis Ranch, we were immediately on the iconic Route 66 at Seligman, part of the longest uninterrupted section of the original Route 66 that got its start as a prehistoric trading route that was broadened to a wagon road by the Army Camel Corps.


u-s-camel-corps1 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Long before Route 66 became the most famous highway in America, native tribes carried trade goods over a footpath predecessor. When Abraham Lincoln commissioned Lt. Edward Beale to build a Wagon Road to California in 1857, Beale employed the War Departments Army’s Camel Corps experiment. The road closely followed the ancient Rio Grand – Pacific Ocean native trade route. By 1912 early automobiles equipped with extra fuel cans, water cans, spare tires and parts (sound familiar), were making the journey across the desert on the new National Old Trails Highway.


Route 66 Seligman by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Silgman by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Before heading carrying on with our route, we took a small divergence 25 miles east on Route 66 to tour Ash Fork, a near ghost town, off Route 66.


Route 66 Ash Fork by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Ash Fork by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Ash Fork by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Ash Fork by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Back at Seligman, we travelled 60 miles on West on Route 66 to Hackberry Creek General store, which was just a few minutes past where, we leave asphalt for dirt, once again. In Arizona, Beale’s Wagon Road, the Santa Fe Trail and the Grand Canyon Route were linked. Despite being renamed Highway 66 in 1926, overlanders on the twin-track encountered jagged rocks, boulders, eroded sections, streams, rivers, swamps and mud bogs. It was not until 1938 that the full length was paved, and Auto Camps Fuel Stations sprung up along the line, soon followed by Cabin Camps, Motor Courts and, finally, Motels in the 1950’s on what we become known as the “Main Street of America’.


Route 66 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Peach Springs by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Hackberry Creek General Store by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Hackberry Creek by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Hackberry Creek by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Hackberry Creek by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Hackberry Creek by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Just a few miles east of Hackberry Creek General Store, we leave Route 66 for the fun rollers on the gravel road that takes us south along Hackberry Wash and leads Moss Creek, passing under Interstate 40 on the way.


Hackberry Wash Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Ridge Above Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Built in 1929, the Gold King Mansion was an elaborate structure built to entertain and attract investors. Unfortunately, the stock market crash of the 1930’s brought an early end to the venture.


Gold King Mine Mansion Ruins by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Moss Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Ridge out of Moss Wash to Haulapai Mountain by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Haulapai Mountain Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

For more trail history, live on line maps and free GPS/GPX tracklogs check out Journey to Grand Canyon Havasupia & Overland Expo or tour OverlandFrontier.com.

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 5 post coming soon.
 
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mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 5

Kingman, Beale Wagon Road, Chloride & Packsaddle Mountain – Leg 5

The new Beale Wagon Road cut from Fort. Defiance, New Mexico to the Colorado River opened the gates for treasure seekers. Jose Jerez, a prospector grubstaked by an early Kingman merchant went looking for his burro and literally tripped over a rich ledge. For many hundreds of years, native tribes were drawn to the Mineral Park region for its turquoise deposits, among the largest in world. Beale Wagon Road to Kingman made it easy for prospectors to reach the region and by 1863 Chloride City was founded below the rich silver ore body discovered.


Kingman on Route 66 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Beale Springs & Beale Wagon Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Beale Wagon Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Monolith Garden Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


5 Kingman-Chloride Map by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Cerbat Mine Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Chloride post office continues to be the longest operating in the state. The living ghost town was first revitalized when 60’s Hippy artists and artisans repurposed old structures as homes, studios and businesses. Their colorful imprint remains. I find this region ideal for a quick overnight stop when traveling on Highway 93.


Mine on edge of Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Old Service Station in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Old Bank in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


yesterdays Restaurant in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Shaddy Laddies Antiques in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Digger Dave's Saloon in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Digger Dave's Saloon in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Sculptures in Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

The old mine road to Packsaddle Mountain travels past a series of Murals painted by an artist during the Chlorides artistic “Hippy Era”.


Murals Near Chloride by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Road to Mine & Saddle Pass by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Lucky Boy Mine by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Wild Horse on the way to Packsaddle Mountain by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Packsaddle Mountain Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mine Road Near Packsaddle Summit by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Road Down Packsaddle Mountain by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Road Down Packsaddle Mountain by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Camp Along Big Wash Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Camp Along Big Wash Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Camp Along Big Wash Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

For more trail history, live on-line maps and free GPS/GPX tracklogs check out Journey to Grand Canyon Havasupia & Overland Expo or tour OverlandFrontier.com.

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 6 post coming soon.
 
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mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 6

Thumb Butte & Secret Pass – Leg 6

Shortly after the Beale Wagon Road was built, prospectors were swarming over the region Southeast of the Chloride - Mountain Park - Carbat strikes. South of the first discoveries near Kingman, Johnny Moss discovered gold in the nearby Black Mountains in 1863. Thumb Butte - Secret Pass were early mining trails to Moss Mine, Oatman, Fort Mojave and the Colorado River Ferry.


Thumb Butte by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Trail to Secret Pass by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Trail to Secret Pass by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Thumb Butte Lower Circle Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Thumb Butte Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Thumb Butte Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


7 DSC_4315 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Thumb Butte Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Thumb Butte Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Trail to Mossback Mine - Oatman by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mossback Mine by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


On the way by we dipped in to explore the Grapevine Canyon and Battleship Mountain.

Mossback Mine by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

[
Grapevine Canyon Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Grapevine Canyon Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Grapevine Canyon Trail by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Thumb Butte Secret Pass map by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

For more trail history, live on line maps and free GPS/GPX tracklogs check out Journey to Grand Canyon Havasupia & Overland Expo or tour OverlandFrontier.com.

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 7 post coming soon.
 
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Scrapdaddy

Adventurer
WOW is right! I've been building our Landcruiser for the last four years, just for this kind of adventure. Saved your web site and will be referring back to it often.

Thanks!
 

mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 7

Secret Pass, Route 66, Oatman, Pass Canyon to Fort Mojave – Leg 7

Before traveling Pass Canyon to Fort Mojave and the Mojave Road, we explored Sitgreaves Pass, first used by prehistoric tribes to reach the Colorado River crossing on what would become known as the Rio Grand - Pacific Ocean Native Trail, that was used as a start for the Beale Wagon Road which, in turn, evolved to the National Old Trails Highway, that in turn evolved to the Iconic Route 66.


Secret Pass to Black Mountains by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Route 66 Near Sitgreaves Pass by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Ed's Camp on Route 66 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Cool Springs on Route 66 by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Sitgreaves by overlandfrontier, on FlickrJ

Just below Sitgreaves Pass is the living Ghost town of Oatman. Once a secret getaway for the rich and famous, Oatman is now but a collection of purveyors selling Route 66 collectibles, in historical buildings. The 1902 Oatman Hotel proudly advertises that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their honeymoon in their hotel.


Oatman by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Wild Burros Live in Oatman by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Oatman by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Oatman Glory Hole Hotel by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Oatman Theater by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

From Oatman, we travelled to Pass Canyon, via Moss Mine, and on to Fort Mojave and Bullhead City.


Trail from Moss Mine to Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Trail from Moss Mine to Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Ram in Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

It seems appropriate that ancestors of burros that were once responsible for packing in prospectors supplies and ore out, are now a protected species, with free room of the Oatman and surrounding hills.

Wild Burros in Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pass Canyon Wash by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pass Canyon Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Dinning in Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Steep Climb Out of Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Upper Rim of Pass Canyon by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Oatman, Pass Creek to Fort Mojave Map by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


For more trail history, live on-ine maps and free GPS/GPX tracklogs check out Journey to Grand Canyon Havasupia & Overland Expo or tour OverlandFrontier.com.

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 8 post coming soon.
 
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mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
1861 Techatiticup Mine Camp & The Mojave Road

After reaching Fort Mojave and crossing the Colorado River at Laughlin, we could not pass this area without taking an hour drive up Highway 95, to tour Nelson/Techatticup Gold Rush Camp Ruins, before heading west on the Mojave Road.

The Nelson Camp region, originally discovered in 1775 by Spaniards, was name Eldorado Canyon, was rediscovered during the gold rush of 1860’s. The Techatticup Mine and the Savage Mine are open to tours, but the real draw is the incredible collection of buildings, vehicles and relics from the various mining eras that have been amassed, displayed and protected by a private collector – these incredible dioramas provide unlimited photo opps for enthusiasts.


Techatticup Mine Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Techatticup Mine Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Techatticup Mine Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Eldorado Canyon Mining Trails by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Techatticup Mine Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

[
url=https://flic.kr/p/s8ZKTr]Techatticup Mine Camp[/url] by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Techatticup Mine Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Techatticup Mine Camp by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Techatiticup Mine Camp Store by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

Long ago Mojave Indians used a network of pathways to cross the Mojave desert to reach the Pacific Coast. The Spanish Missionary Francisco Garces was the first white man known to Trek the Trans-Desert Routes, being the first European to Overland from Mid America. In 1859, the military US Camel Corp used these footpaths as starting point when building the Beale Wagon Road to reach the California coast.

We travelled Mojave Road on a long weekend Friday and encountered several caravans; a Lost Jeeps of SoCal and a separate Land Rover caravan. Mojave Road is one of the most traveled historical trails in America. You will see it called “The Old Government Road’ on USGS maps.


Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Lost Jeeps SoCal Club Caravan by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Lost Jeeps SoCal Club Caravan by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Land Rover Caravan on Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Land Rover Caravan on Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Land Rover Caravan on Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pete Getty on Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Trail of Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Pete Getty on Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Gateway to Eastern Segment of Mojave Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

We only travelled the eastern portion of Mojave Road before heading through the Mojave Wilderness and an incredible Joshua Tree forest trail to Nipton and the old mining camp of Goodsprings; a backdoor route to Death Valley.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 9 Post coming soon.
 

mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 9

Leg 9 - East Mojave Road to Nipton Desert An incredible Joshua Tree Forest trail is the highlight of the next Mojave Desert Leg. Route leaves Mojave Road, just east of Kelso and heads north to the Nipton Desert. Before heading north, we explored some of the many trails that center on the East-West Mojave Road crossroad hub at Cima and Kelso, the historical, still operating, Kelso railway depot. The size of the station suggests that this region was once an important hub for the surrounding mines. We were originally lured to the region by the mining roads that crisscross the Cima hub, as seen on USGS maps and Google Earth. Many side mine trails, as we discovered, are ideal for those eager to explore rugged erroded mine trails.

From there we followed the Brant-Cedar Road as it follows the Union Pacific line, on to another well used forestry road that passes through a lush (in desert terms) Joshua Tree forest.


Joshua Tree Forest Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


We leave Mojave Road near Kelso by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Nipton Desert Trail Southeast of Primm by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


One of many mines site south of CIma by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Kelso Depot - Still in use by Roger Mercier, on Flickr

Amtrak Stop at Kelso Station by Roger Mercier, on Flickr


CIma Ghost Town by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Joshua Tree Forest Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Desert Pedestrian Right-of-way. by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Mine trail of main route by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Lush Joshua Tree Forest Road by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

The Nipton Trading Post makes for a great target for supplies (but no gas) and if you need break from camping, the hotel can accommodate. Otherwise, many dispersed campsite present themselves, as you travel these backroads.


Nipton Hotel by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Nipton Trading Post by overlandfrontier, on Flickr


Nipton Trading Post by overlandfrontier, on Flickr

This trail segment is the upper half of a Trek Leg from Old Woman Mountains to Nipton. For more photos, on-line maps and GPS/GPX Tracklog check out:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-series/mojave-desert-roads

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ – Leg 10 Post coming soon.
 
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brushogger

Explorer
Great thread! We spent 6 days a couple of years ago exploring AZ and didn't come close to seeing it all. I couldn't believe the number of trails available. We drove from Prescott to Swansea, to Parker, and hit almost no pavement. We hiked to Supai, and camped on the North Rim at Toroweap (one of the best camp sites ever!). Now subscribed and need to get your maps. You have done one great job of documenting this area. Kudos. I'll be looking for you at Expo.
 

mercier@streetsmart.ca

Expedition Scout
Sounds like we have trekkeed some of the same trials. I agree Toroweap is an excellent camp, and viewpoint - breathtaking - especially at Sunrise/Sunset. My limited camera abilities could not do justice. I found an interesting stat, only 15% of Arizona is Private Land, leaving so much open to exploration. The State Trust Land pass is such a deal for access to incredible trails. I had once mapped out a trail into Swansea area, and got sidetracked by another luring trail on the way. I have a very old AZ Ghost Town book that I was using for reference and it showed some interesting ruins in Swansea area. Is there still anything left today? Hope to catch up to you at Expo and exchange trail experiences over some USGS maps. Thanks for nod of support. Greatly appreciated.
 
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