Mojave Road Again

[Mrs. Riley1]

We did the Mojave road this weekend for the second time. The first time around was three years ago and we had 12 trucks total which was a few too many. This time around there were just 3. My 12yo son has been mowing lawns for 3 years and saved up enough money to buy his first truck. It’s a 1991 Ford Ranger 4x4. We let him drive his truck with my husband. My 13yo nephew got to drive his dad’s Ranger and I followed along in the Jeep.

We headed out from the Avi at 10am on Friday. This trip was more an opportunity for the kids to drive versus hitting all the spots on the trail. We did stop at the Rock House the first day which was really cool.

Shortly after that, we drove off the trail about 5 miles and hit Mid Hills Campground for the night. The campground was awesome. It’s out in the middle of nowhere at 5500ft of elevation.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Saturday we packed up and got back on the road about 9am. We stopped at an old abandoned mine, Marl Springs, and the lava tubes.

Soda Lake was closed so we detoured and took the 15. The wind had picked up considerably so we decided to head to the Afton Canyon campground for the night. We set up camp, but the wind was pretty miserable. The wind was still blowing when we woke up so we decided to not finish the trail and head home instead. Overall it was a great trip. The kids had a blast driving and hopefully they will remember it forever!

 

[Backlash]

What an adventure for those young men, and to donut driving trucks they worked and saved up for us even better!! They truly are living the dream, and doing it at an early age! Nicely done!!

 

[DILLIGAF]

Heck ya they will remember that.

Teacher:
"So what did you do for spring break?"

Son:
"Drove the Mojave trail in my truck."

Teacher:
"What, you are only 12!"

Son:
"Exacalacadacly"

lol

 

[Meaney77]

Awesome!

 

[Ol Man]

I really enjoy the Mojave Road. We had done it a number of times. I always suggest buying the Dennis Casebier book; https://desertusa-store.com/collect...e-road-guide-and-map-mojave-national-preserve

Dennis is the man who fought hard for us to be able to enjoy that experience and not closed as a wilderness area. The best way to get the most out of the book and the history of the area is for the passenger to read the book as you drive. We like to start at the Avi as you did. We will usually spend the night there.

 

[WYRD]

Wow that's really cool. Props to you guys A+ on parenting

 

[chopperx]

Love it, We did it last year and camped under that exact tree. Looks way different because we camped in Jan with about 12" of snow up there. Rad trip.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

I really enjoy the Mojave Road. We had done it a number of times. I always suggest buying the Dennis Casebier book; https://desertusa-store.com/collect...e-road-guide-and-map-mojave-national-preserve

Dennis is the man who fought hard for us to be able to enjoy that experience and not closed as a wilderness area. The best way to get the most out of the book and the history of the area is for the passenger to read the book as you drive. We like to start at the Avi as you did. We will usually spend the night there.

I purchased the book for the first trip. It was so helpful and I love reading about the whole history behind it!

 

[OCMerrill]

Awesome. I have done this twice and would love to do it again. Truly hard to see everything in just 3 days.

I bought Dennis's book several years ago when I was in the Jeep Club.

 

[jeepdog]

Cameron is growing up to be a fine young man with awesome parents bravo
One of these days, can't believe I live here and still haven't been on the trail

 

[dezrtracer]

That is so cool for the kids . You guys are raising him to be a good responsible man . Good job you two .....

 

[QC22]

Super job with those boys!! We did it two years ago. The Lava Tubes are nuts:

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Super job with those boys!! We did it two years ago. The Lava Tubes are nuts:

View attachment 1351503

We got some great pictures last time. This time it was raining so it wasn’t the same.

 

[Dana757]

I’m getting ready to go soon. Plan to run Rocky Gap by Vegas then go home via The Mojave Road. Ran it about 5 years ago and still have the book.
A Ford Ranger was my first 4x4. Loved that truck. Really cool those kids got to experience that. And that’s just the start!

 

[DaytonaBabe]

What an awesome adventure for all of you, especially the boys. Very cool

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

I’m getting ready to go soon. Plan to run Rocky Gap by Vegas then go home via The Mojave Road. Ran it about 5 years ago and still have the book.
A Ford Ranger was my first 4x4. Loved that truck. Really cool those kids got to experience that. And that’s just the start!

The plan is for him and his dad to build it into a prerunner over the next few years and have it be ready to go when he gets his license.

 

[78Southwind]

What kind of lift / ground clearance do you need for the trail? Would a 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 make it through the trail no problem?

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

What kind of lift / ground clearance to you need for the trail? Would a 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 make it through the trail no problem?

My son did it in a stock 1991 Ford Ranger 4x4. The ZR2 will be fine.