Here are a few ideas for the coming year, now that it should be cooling soon in the desert:
Joshua Tree: 2 years ago we went in from the north, through Gold Crown and Old Dale mining districts, and found a great campsite up there. Last year we went in from the south, through Thermal and Pinkham Canyons, and camped near Black Eagle Mine. For this coming year we could go in through Thermal & Pinkham, but then head north up Old Dale Road and see if we can find that camp site from November '06. That would make Saturday a stock-friendly day, then on Sunday those who want a bit more challenging stuff can head up into the mining district and out to Hwy 62. I think there was also a good trail for a night run from the campsite. Others of us can head into the Park on Sunday, I would like to tour that ranch house, maybe stop by the Integratron as well. November would be a nice time for this.
Bradshaw Trail: The route we took in early '06 worked out well, and the campsite was great. For those that want something exciting there is the sunset run up the Goat Path of Doom and back down to camp. March was a nice time of year out there.
Anza Borrego: I'll be setting up several day trips out to ABSP like the ones we did last year. These will mostly be stock-friendly, some even 2WD friendly, and include hikes and apple-pie lunches. These would be in addition to the regular monthly club runs. Some of my favorite spots out there are Sandstone Canyon, 17 Palms Oasis and the washes just south of S22, Blair Valley and the hike to the crazy poet's house, and Grapevine Canyon. I would also like to set up an overnight or two out there as well.
Palomar Divide Truck Trail / High Point Lookout: This could be a day trip, weather permitting. There might be some snow up there too.
Salton Sea: TilapiaFest II will be a mostly paved road adventure, stopping in such scenic locales as the North Shore Yacht Club, Bombay Beach, Slab City, Salvation Mountain, the Bat Caves and more. Most of that stuff is on the east side, we may want to do a bit more exploring on the west side as well. Lots of photo ops on this one. Plan for a full day, and bring a lunch, as we will not, under any circumstances, be eating the tilapia.
Chariot, Orriflame & Rodriguez Canyon Loop: This one starts and ends at the Banner Store, off Hwy 78, and makes a nice day trip. The area was burned badly in the last round of fires, so it's hard to say what it will be like now. Chariot and Orriflame were stock friendly, but you'll be glad you have sliders on Rodriguez.
Rattlesnake Canyon: We should definitely do this one again. I like the idea of going all the way up to Big Bear instead of turning down Burns Canyon.
