Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2010
My Spring 2011 Mojave National Preserve trip travelogue (15 days) is now online.
After an Amtrak train-and-bus trip from San José to Barstow, I bicycle the stretch of historic Route 66 from Barstow to Ludlow in California's Mojave Desert, then camp and hike around Broadwell Dry Lake and the Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area (which is west of the Kelso Dunes and doesn't include the dunes inside the nearby Mojave National Preserve).
These areas just west of Mojave National Preserve are new for me and make for an enjoyable trip. Kelso Dunes Wilderness is a gem. Sunny daytime skies and freezing temperatures on several nights; winter has arrived a bit early this year.
|
Date: November 21, 2010, 18h18
Size: 8 items
(421 items total)
|
|
Album: Day 1: Route 66: Barstow to Ludlow
Today I pedal 56 miles from Barstow to Ludlow on old Route 66 to position myself for a bit of exploration in the area of Broadwell Dry Lake and the Kelso Dunes Wilderness. A strong tailwind today, and pleasant temperatures in the 60s.
Date: November 21, 2010, 09h12
Size: 47 items
|
Album: Day 2: Ludlow to Bristol Mountains foothills by bicycle
I don't get as far as planned due to the sandy road, but I have a nice campsite in the Bristol Mountains foothills and catch a soothing sunset. The temperature only reaches the mid 50s. 10.6 bicycle miles and 600 feet of elevation gain, some of it walked.
Date: November 22, 2010, 08h17
Size: 38 items
|
Album: Day 3: Day hike into Kelso Dunes Wilderness to the south end of Broadwell Mesa
Perfect hiking weather today: bright sunshine, a bit chilly, but not cold. I don't encounter any other humans today, but I do see a few bobcats, an owl and lots of volcanic rock. 18.6 hiking miles plus approximately 1100 feet of elevation gain.
Date: November 23, 2010, 06h18
Size: 88 items
|
|
Album: Day 4: South Bristol Mountains foothills campsite to Broadwell Dry Lake by bicycle, with a detour to Ludlow for water
I pack up my campsite in the Bristol Mountains, ride back to Ludlow to fill up on water, and then down to Broadwell Dry Lake to camp. A chilly, sunny day with a cold night ahead. 18.8 sandy bicycle miles.
Date: November 24, 2010, 09h49
Size: 32 items
|
Album: Day 5: Day hike across Broadwell Dry Lake and to Broadwell Natural Arch, Bristol Mountains, Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area
An excellent sunny and brisk day for another hike (15.8 miles) into the Bristol Mountains, this time to the Broadwell Natural Arch (high of 49 degrees F). I won't see any people today.
Date: November 25, 2010, 08h18
Size: 81 items
|
Album: Day 6: Broadwell Dry Lake to Ludlow by bicycle
I seriously oversleep this morning, which changes my plan to ride some miles on old Route 66 toward Barstow today. I pack up and ride back to Ludlow for a warm motel room instead, enjoying another desert sunset along the way. 10.5 bicycle miles.
Date: November 26, 2010, 11h43
Size: 27 items
|
|
Album: Day 7: Ludlow to Newberry Mountains by bicycle on Route 66
The forecast of a strong headwind doesn't materialize, so it makes for great riding. As the day unfolds, my plan to camp in the Rodman Mountains Wilderness changes, and I end up in the Newberry Mountains foothills instead. 40 bicycle miles.
Date: November 27, 2010, 08h13
Size: 48 items
|
Album: Day 8: Newberry Mountains to Barstow by bicycle on Route 66
Last night's wind storm continues today at full speed, so I begrudgingly decide to end the trip a day early and ride back to Barstow instead of staying here for the Newberry Mountains hike that I was looking forward to. 16.6 bicycle miles.
Date: November 28, 2010, 08h15
Size: 52 items
|
|
|
