Future Trips
Here we list trips scheduled by the Desert Explorers for the near and distant future. Also listed are some trips that are organized and led by our members but which do not require membership in the Mojave River Valley Museum (MRVM) and are, therefore, not MRVM-sponsored Desert Explorer trips.
Some trips, such as those involving stays at private residences or visits to obscure rock art sites, are posted only in the Desert Explorers' Newsletter. Conversely, some impromptu trips will be posted here and not in the Newsletter.
Most Desert Explorers trips involve caravanning to destinations, and dry camping wherever the trip leader decides is appropriate at the end of the day (it is at the leaders whim and discretion) . Four Wheel drive and/or high clearance is usually required.
M.O.E.Trips are run by Mojave Outback Explorations, which is another group affiliated with the Mojave Desert Valley Museum. Postings described as M.O.E. trips usually operate from a base camp location, and day trips leave & return from that base camp. The base camp can usually accommodate most R.V.s (check with leader).
Scheduled Desert Explorer Trips
Trip descriptions are usually published in the newsletter at least one month before they are posted on this website.
All Desert Explorers trips require a four-wheel drive vehicle and a working CB unless otherwise specified by the trip leader.
We welcome newcomers, but IF THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST TRIP, please talk with the trip leader about your vehicle, camping gear, and off-highway driving experience; you won't have a good time if you get stuck, cold, wet, or hungry! Also, please read the "fine print" which describes the rules we follow on our trips.
We now have a satellite telephone for use where conventional telephone or cell-phone service is not available. See the Satellite Telephone Policy. For each trip, the decision to bring the satellite telephone, and if it to be used only for emergencies, is made by the trip leader. Talk with the trip leader if the use of the satellite telephone is important to you.
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Leaders: Nan Savage & Bob Jacoby
August 23-24, 2008
Come to Benton, California, for an August base camp weekend excursion in the White Mountains. Located northeast of Bishop, Benton was established in 1852 as a silver mining town connecting the nearby towns of Bodie and Aurora. Once boasting 5,000 inhabitants, today Benton is a small town with a few historic structures left and it's cemetery still standing, plus a bed & breakfast picturesquely called the Old House at Benton Hot Springs, where DE members may either book a room (6 rooms furnished with antiques) or a camping space on the property. Although warm in the summer (could be 100+ degrees), the Inn at Benton has a number of refreshing pools fed by their natural hot springs. During the day we will travel into the higher country for welcome cooler temperatures.
Saturday we will traverse the White Mountains, a full day's journey across the northern end of the range that bisects the California/Nevada border. At the top of the pass the elevation will be close to 10,000 feet with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevadas to the West. Sunday we will visit Mustang Point and Gold Hit, sites with rich mining history. At the crest of the ridge at 8,900 feet, we will be rewarded by magnificent panoramic vistas. Return to Benton Sunday afternoon. If interested, email Bob Jacoby or Nan Savage to sign up. Limit : 10 vehicles. Make reservations directly with the Benton Inn if you desire a room or campsite (760) 933-2287. High Clearance 4WD vehicles required; ther may be some rough areas at the higher elevations.
Contact Bob at:jacoby.r@worldnet.att.net
or Nan at:
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Return
to Utah - Loop # 2
September 13 – 21, 2008
Leader: Dan Messersmith
We had such a great time in Utah in May that we are going back. This
loop will be longer and go farther north, all on the east side of I-15.
There will be lots of history to discover and sites to see. A pre-trip
document will be prepared and provided in advance for those confirmed to
go. Again, most travel will be on paved, gravel or dirt roads with a
little 4x4 possible in some short stretches. We will
do some motels and some camping, Access to supplies along the way will
keep down what you need to pack. We’ll start with a Saturday evening BBQ
at a friend’s house in Kanab, UT - which is our starting point. So plan
your travel to get to Kanab in advance of dinner. You can do a motel or
camp out nearby on Saturday night. There will be a ten (10) vehicle
limit. So get your reservation in to me as soon as you can. I currently
have 7 openings.
Dan Messersmith
dmess@ctaz.com
(928) 715-0579
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One Day Trip, October 18, 2008
Leaders: Bob and Nancy Dodds
We will meet at the Museum at 8:00 AM. The doors will be open so folks
can use the restroom, look around, and check out the new books. We will
proceed to Mule Canyon.
We will visit the sites of Kramer’s Arch, the Town site of Borate and
the Narrow Gauge Railroad, Sweet Water Springs, Bismark Mines, and Sioux
Falls over look of Wall Street. This is a great trip for new and old
members. 4X4 will be needed. Bring a lunch, water, chair, sunscreen,
good walking shoes, and a flashlight. Don’t forget your camera!
After the exploring is done we would like everyone to join us for dinner
in Calico and the New Calico House Restaurants. It reopened July 1st.
They serve Smoke BBQ. No charge to get in the park after 4pm and serves
dinner on Friday and Saturday nights until 8pm. The food is dynamite……
Bob Dodds
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This was officially updated on Aug 17, 2008
