The Desert is Closed.

From my article in theApr/May issue of the Sunrunner Magazine. (article online in full after the Apr/May issue comes out).


“You can’t play here anymore”. That is basically the decision of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors who in their wisdom have determined that the noise made by OHVs and their ilk are such that there shall be no off roading on any publicly, federal or county, owned land in Riverside County anymore unless it is on a designated trail.~

---

The subject today is not the actual closing of the desert despite the fact it's been on going on for years but where do we go? Here is the very short list of where we can now legally play off road in the lo-desert. None of them in Riverside County.

Ocotillo Wells OHV Imperial County. area is located between Anza Borrego State Park on the west and the Salton Sea on the east. From Palm Springs, south on 86 to Highway 78 then west to Ocotillo Wells.

Johnson Valley. Hi-desert actually. Enter off of Highway 247 at Old Woman Springs Road or Camp Rock Road between Barstow (55mi) and Yucca Valley.(15mi).'

Glamis and Imperial Dunes. Imperial County. From Palm Springs, South on Highway 86 sto Highway 78 then east to the Glamis exit.

All other travel off road is limited to these designated trails (BLM map) Of course you can go further out say to El Mirage dry lake or into Arizona butth lo- desert in riverside County is closed off.

Locally that means OHVs and 4x4's are going to start exploring our backyards. Places like Pipes Canyon or up in Black Rock. "But wait" sez you, "Those are protected areas" "Yes, yes, "Sez I, "but the Baja Bunnies (OHVs/4X4) dont' care" The lower parts of Berdoo and Pinkham Canyons have already fallen and the destruction is very apparent. Who knows what will happen if they start driving through the Dale Mining District and into Pinto Basin or they reach upper Pinkham Canyon. The draconian measures put into place by Riverside County are going to have a far reaching negative effect on hi-desert and it's play areas until Riverside County get's it together enough to create a place to play off road in Riverside County and knowing politicians that could take years.

Nothing's permanent except change.

While President Obama is working on his economic stimulus package I remind everyone we could use a little here as well. So since we need change I've changed the price on the Desert Bandanna to more affordable $12.99US. Unfortunately in expectation of the Post Office raising prices next month we have also had to change the price of 1st class shipping to $3.25US and Priority shipping to $5.75US. For more information visit Desert Bandanna or click on the button below to purchase through PayPal.

Desert Bandanna
1st Class Mail

Secure Paypal Link


I pretty sure I now have everything online for the The Mojave Phone Booth Adventure. If you live in So. Calif this is a chance for an actual adventure that takes you into the middle of nowhere just to see what's going on. Please see previous blog posts or click here for more info.

A few notes and addendums.

A correction regarding the availability of anything more than Gas in Amboy, Ca. There isn't. I heard yesterday that the only thing in operation there is the gas station. That makes the nearest food, lodging and gas for the Mojave Adventure is in Baker, CaThe distance from Kelso to Baker is ~35 miles up the Kelbaker Road. Don't forget to pack a lunch.

The Mojave Phone Booth Adventure

Ever been to the Middle of Nowhere? It's location changes you know. For the next couple of months the (unOfficial) Middle of Nowhere can be found at 35° 17' 9.269"N latitude, 115° 41' 4.042" W longitude in the Mojave National Preserve at the location what was once a mining camp along the now deserted Aiken Mine Road. Now what possible reason can I give you to leave the comfort of your home to visit a piece of dirt in the desert in BFN. Lots of 'em the least of which is a chance to do something totally different this weekend. Start in any of the the desert cities like Palm Springs (2hrs) or Barstow (1hr), Ca or from the resort town of Primm , Nv (1/2 hr) and head for the jump off points of either Baker, Ca on the north or Kelso, Ca on the south. Explore along Old Route 66 and stop at places like Amboy, Ca for a burger and gas at the world famous Roy's motel, if it's open. To start your adventure head for DesertBandanna.com's Desert Adventure page where there are some "Clues for City-zens" a reason why to go out there, the story behind the events that occurred along the Aiken Mine Road and a Google map to show you the way.

Depending on how far you decide to go the Mojave Phone Booth Adventure does take you off road. A 4WD SUV with at least half a tank of gas and proper preparation is recommended. What you need to know can be found on the Desert Bandanna website, in this blog and on the bandanna itself. For more information post a question or send me an email.

Guides available. Email for more information steve@deranger.us DesertBandanna.com and DeRanger.us accept no responsibility for the actions taken upon by others wishing to visit and play the desert. Enjoy the outdoor adventure safely. It's your responsibility.