Couple weeks ago I made mention of wanting to return to the Old Dale Mining District in Joshua Tree. There was something about that dirt road snaking through the valley leading into the mountains that stuck with me. Candace and I are very much into old mining history and exploration, so this are would be perfect for a weekend getaway.

Spent some time since then researching, planning and mapping the area out. While the trail starts off in the Joshua Tree National Park, it eventually dumps into BLM land at the foot of the hills. This is great as there are no more restrictions on campfires, allowable camping areas and best of all, less people. While it might not be a problem for most, the idea of being crammed in a designated campsite next to others or spend a night without a fire isn’t for me, so the public land was welcoming.

Chances of thunderstorms and scattered rain kept us from leaving until Saturday morning. Quickly loaded the truck up and set off to enter the park through Cottonwood Springs.

IMG_0267

IMG_0274

IMG_0276

Looking towards our destination

IMG_0250

Map of the Old Dale Mining District

 

Little over an hour and a half and we were finally on dirt. The road leading to the mountains was typical National Park style, freshly graded and tame enough for any sedan.

IMG_0278

This looks promising!

IMG_0280

Always air down prior to any prolonged stretch of road. Easier on you and the vehicle.

IMG_0282

Off to see what lies ahead

 

Our first stop was the Mission Mine, just outside the parks boundaries. From what I gathered, this mine was worked as recent as the 1980’s, and not long ago much of the structure and equipment was still operational and intact. The main shaft was vertical and workers used a elevator to access the lower level of 650 ft.

IMG_0283

IMG_4845

IMG_4858

Met up with another couple that were out exploring the area. Very cool diesel Land Cruiser.

IMG_4846

Mission Mine Mill

IMG_4848

IMG_4868

 

 

After leaving the Mission Mine, the reason for the “4 Wheel Drive Road” became apparent. The Tacoma made short work of the hilly mountainside, leading us to Sunset Mine. Another vertical shaft, with the entrance right below this structure. Guessing this is where they housed whatever motor/pulley setup to extract the ore.

IMG_0287

IMG_0293

IMG_0291

 

We continued on towards the northern parts of the mining district. Most of it was slow going 4 wheel drive shelf type roads. The top of the mountain provided a view of the valley that we would end up later in the day.

IMG_0288

Looking back into JTNP. The Mission Mine would be down to the left.

IMG_0303

IMG_0299

IMG_0300

 

Eventually the mountain roads led to another open valley. Sandy, smooth trails were welcomes after being bounced around the last few miles.

IMG_0311

IMG_0307

IMG_0320

Virginia Dale Mine holding tanks

IMG_0317

IMG_0325

 

Our next area to check out was the OK Mine. The road leading there was the first time I had to switch the Tacoma into 4-low and set the rear locker. Although it’s well traveled, there was a few sections that didn’t leave much room for mistakes, but it was nothing compared to what was waiting for us later in the day.

IMG_0327

IMG_4879

IMG_4881

It’s amazing how fast nature will reclaim whats deserted.

IMG_4888

IMG_4885

IMG_4891

 

IMG_4900

IMG_0330

 

After taking a break, eating lunch and exploring the area and structures, we set off down BLM Open Route #1937. This wouldn’t have been a big deal other then the fact we were alone. The road followed a narrow ravine, that gradually got rougher, washed out and required careful tire placement at multiple points. Only grabbed a couple of pictures when my knuckles weren’t white, and they don’t show the sketchier parts.

IMG_0346

IMG_0343

IMG_0348

 

Thankfully, the road managed to keep together enough to get us down to the final valley of our trip. It was a nice sight seeing flat, open desert after having my nerves rattled a bit. Once at the bottom, we turned onto wash to check out the Gold Rose and Rose of Peru mines.

IMG_0350

IMG_0357

IMG_0368

IMG_0366

IMG_0359

Found this in the side of the mountain. Not a soul in sight, no footprints or tire tracks other then our own, yet it looked like someone is/was here.

IMG_0361

 

It was getting late in the day, still had a bit of driving to do so we started towards where we would be camping for the night. Found a killer spot near a mine that had a few abandoned cars and a nice view.

IMG_0375

IMG_0377

IMG_0378

Candace doing work on a amazing dinner

IMG_0380

Seasoned chicken, potatoes and zucchini

IMG_4940

IMG_4927

Our home away from home.

IMG_0389

IMG_4903

IMG_4904

IMG_0394

IMG_0396

IMG_0397

IMG_0401

Time to call it a night

 

Woke in the morning to a buzz. Not the good kind, but bees. Bees everywhere. (Insert Oprah bee gif). We set a personal record packing up camp and somehow managed to avoid getting stung. There must have been a nearby hive as there were hundreds of them and more coming by the minute.

IMG_0412

 

The trail leading back was short and uneventful until noticed a odd shaped, moving rock…

 

IMG_0423

Came across desert tortoise #3!

IMG_0425

This guy looked ancient, much rougher and worn then the one we saw during the Mojave Road. We backed up and made a large detour around to keep from disturbing him.

 

Unable to make breakfast back at our camp, we pulled over near where we started our adventure the day prior. Candace whipped up a egg, potato & cheese concoction.

IMG_0431

IMG_0429

 

We hopped back on Pinto Basin Rd and decided to take a quick tour of Joshua Tree before heading home.

IMG_0433

IMG_0452

IMG_0474

IMG_0471

 

 

The Old Dale Mining District is definitely one to check out. Whether it be for the mines or numerous trails of varying difficulty. There is enough to explore that you could spend days in the back-country. We plan on coming back in the near future to check out the areas we didn’t have time for this trip and to enjoy the quietest and less-known portion of Joshua Tree.

Until next time!