Day 50–Mojave National Preserve, Kelso Sand Dunes BLM, Kelso, CA – Teutonia Peak Trail

on Tuesday, February 17, 2015

We did have some company last night. There were several people that came in with tents and small campers. I guess we were the only people crazy enough to drive down the wash board dirt road  in a big MH. LOL

The preserve is not well developed so most areas are either difficult to get to or you can’t get to them at all. Today we drove up to the Teutonia Peak Trail where the  world’s densest Joshua tree forest is located via Cima Road.  

The town of Cima is pretty much desolate yet there was an entire bank of mailboxes on the side of the road. We could not figure out where the people who owned the boxes were living.

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The scenery along the route was quite pretty and we  stopped to take in the Joshua trees.

 

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We stopped to view the WW I Memorial.

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After preparing our gear  we began our  hike along the Teutonia Peak Trail, a three mile round trip trail that ends at 5755 feet above sea level.  It is a hike that traverses   up over 750 feet. with a gradual  climb until the last 75 feet to the viewing point. The day was beautiful and we were able to take Jewel for the hike.

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As we continued our climb to the view point it was blistering hot in the sun and quite cold in the shade. Had to rethink the jacket idea and just left it off.

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We reached a point were we had to climb up some very steep rocks and then another set of very precarious rock terrain. We were about 75 feet from the viewing spot and I decided that  I didn’t want to chance twisting or falling on  my knee so Ron and Jewel proceeded without me.

 

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Ron tried to get a good picture of the rocky steep trail but it’s hard to really get a good perspective on it. He did say that going up was difficult but coming down was even more difficult, so was good that I didn’t attempt it.

The view was a little disappointing and actually better from where we had already been on the trail. ‘

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Going down was soooo much easier then hiking up over 700 feet.  We enjoyed the hike and stopped by the memorial to have lunch.

It was still early so we opted to take a ride over to see the Hole in the Wall CG. Of course we were back on dirt roads with washboard areas that shook out fillings out.

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I didn’t get any pictures of the CG. My Bad!

Back at our camp site we had dinner then Ron decided we should have a campfire.

It was warm and the skies beautiful – a campfire was the finishing touch.

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Of course Ron had to get a picture of the spectacular sunset.

 

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It was great day,  great hike and beautiful end to the day.We enjoy the solitude but it is nice to see other campers here for the night with us. Not sure what tomorrow will bring but I’m sure we will embrace another beautiful day in the desert.

 

 

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