This February, I would like to spend a couple of days in the Mojave National Preserve when I indulge my now annual desert fling. I hear that there are some nice Joshua Tree stands/forests around Cima? What I else should I visit to photograph? Where is a good place to stay (I'm not camping so it will have to be a town- Baker?). Thank you for your thoughts!
When I was 16 I thought my father the stupidest man in the world; when I reached 21, I was astounded by how much he had learned in just 5 years!
-appropriated from Mark Twain
The area around Cima has some great areas to shoot and the advantage of no tourists around to bother you. If the wind isn't blowing, Kelso dunes are pretty incredible:http://www.yelp.com/biz/kelso-dunes-baker. DO NOT stay in Baker!!!!! I'd stay in Yermo before I'd ever stay in Baker again. Barstow would be an even better bet.
Can you elaborate? Please?Originally Posted by Tori Nelson
When I was 16 I thought my father the stupidest man in the world; when I reached 21, I was astounded by how much he had learned in just 5 years!
-appropriated from Mark Twain
>>DO NOT stay in Baker!!!!! I'd stay in Yermo before I'd ever stay in Baker again. Barstow would be an even better bet.<<
Baker must pretty bad! I think Barstow is an armpit...but if you *must* stay in Barstow they built a new little section at one end--there's some sort of shopping plaza and a couple of hotels. The one I was at last year was the Holiday Inn, which was actually nice--the had an outdoor pool. It was cold outside but the pool was heated and there was no one else in sight. Stars were bright and clear. Quite lovely.
--Darin
Richard,
You might want to look at the hotels in Primm, NV. They are right on the NV - Cal state line. Note: These hotels are connected to casinos. There is also gas and food available at this location. Easy access to the Mojave Preserve from there.
Ric
Ric Raymond
Blue Heron Images
I looked on the map and you're right. Primm seems to be closer to Cima than Baker. Definitely a possibility, thank you.
When I was 16 I thought my father the stupidest man in the world; when I reached 21, I was astounded by how much he had learned in just 5 years!
-appropriated from Mark Twain
Richard,
There is a very nice California State Trooper that patrols the road through the Mojave Preserve. Very interested in stopping and chatting
Staying in Primm would give you a nice base and from there you could also do a good loop coming back up the west road through the lava fields to Baker and route 15 for a quick ride back to Primm. Also from Primm the road over to Searchlight is a nice trip and there are a lot of big Joshua Trees along this stretch as well.
Good luck with the trip.
Ric
Mojave Preserve is wonderful! done the trip several times. I usually go in Spring or Fall and camp out, so cannot comment on lodging.
About the Kelso dunes: I didn't appreciate these as much as other CA desert dune systems until I hiked up to the crest --with all the gear-- with ample time before sunset. Sunset across the western Kelso dune field a beautiful thing! (the road to them approaches from southeast). Allow some time for this one..
last light on the Providence Mountains can be lovely .
But there are a lot of beautiful places on the eastern side of MNP as well; Cima dome, New York Mountains, etc.
maybe stay in Barstow first night for westerly exploration (Kelso) and Primm second night for the east side of the preserve?
PS -- you can also access the southern end of Death Valley NP pretty easily when you're visiting MNP. quick ride up 127.
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