Overlanding in Joshua Tree N.P.?

[Roxxie]

Since its so close to me- Id really like to get my feet wet with camping and exploring, but don't know the area too well. Anyone been there and can recommend trails or places that would be perfect for a newbie? Im not ready to go bouldering yet... LOL

 

[Terry Pickens]

There is some trails in Joshua Tree NP: Old Dale Road and Brooklyn Mine Road are pretty good ones. Campgrounds in the NP and if you head out into BLM land on Old Dale there are good free open camping spots there, just no facilities or water. I was just out there in May with my Outback by myself and did not do all of Old Dale but a good portion. If it gets to tricky just turn around, nothing wrong with that.
Also the trail from Pioneer Town to Big Bear isn't to bad. I am trying to get back up there myself before the snows hit. There are several trails off Hwy 38 to Big Bear that aren't to bad. Don't know your ability though.
Finally out in Lucerne Valley is there are lot of good trials, use to race MC's out there for 38 years.
Let me know when your going and I'll try to make it. Always looking for some off road adventure.
For my Joshua Tree run see here https://tvpjourneys.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/a-little-day-trip-to-joshua-tree-national-park/
Are you a member of the OB - West Facebook Page, might get some good leads there.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OverlandBoundWest/?multi_permalinks=1838534046477084&notif_t=group_activity&notif_id=1503950011803214

 

[Roxxie]

There is some trails in Joshua Tree NP: Old Dale Road and Brooklyn Mine Road are pretty good ones. Campgrounds in the NP and if you head out into BLM land on Old Dale there are good free open camping spots there, just no facilities or water. I was just out there in May with my Outback by myself and did not do all of Old Dale but a good portion. If it gets to tricky just turn around, nothing wrong with that.
Also the trail from Pioneer Town to Big Bear isn't to bad. I am trying to get back up there myself before the snows hit. There are several trails off Hwy 38 to Big Bear that aren't to bad. Don't know your ability though.
Finally out in Lucerne Valley is there are lot of good trials, use to race MC's out there for 38 years.
Let me know when your going and I'll try to make it. Always looking for some off road adventure.
For my Joshua Tree run see here https://tvpjourneys.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/a-little-day-trip-to-joshua-tree-national-park/
Are you a member of the OB - West Facebook Page, might get some good leads there.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OverlandBoundWest/?multi_permalinks=1838534046477084&notif_t=group_activity&notif_id=1503950011803214

Terry-

Great info! Thanks! Ill be checking those out and Im imagining I can pretty much do those solo...
Ive done Pioneer Town to Big Bear, but with ex hubby in HIS jeep....so Im definitely game to do it in mine now! :)
Im not sure what ability I have either, which is why I want to go slow....Im the first to say 'I haven't done that yet'. Im going to check out your video and also look into the FB page!
You've been MOST helpful! Thank you so much!!!!
If you decide to do the trail before I get a chance to contact you, hit me up! LOL My job always keeps me from getting outside and I need to be reminded its okay to do so! haha!

Beth Ann

 

[Terry Pickens]

Hi Beth - Roxxie,
In the SoCal meet-up post FrankRoams is talking about a run up in the Big Bear area on Monday. I know it is short notice but it is in your neck of the woods. It is in posts at the bottom of the page:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/socal-meet-up-in-orange-county.3678/page-14#post-144611
I am going to try and make it. Hope Frank can get this together, sounds like fun.
It is nice being older and retired I can take off pretty much anytime.

 

[aearles]

Since you're in Palm Desert, consider taking Berdoo Canyon into the park, it's a cool drive with a couple slightly technical rocky sections, but nothing difficult. Berdoo Canyon Road branches off of Dillon at 33.799725, -116.185724 and it's about 15 miles of trail and 9 miles of dirt road to get to the main park road, coming from DHS it was faster entering the park this way than driving to the South entrance.

There's a good write-up here, but you do have to create an account:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1128-berdoo-canyon

 

[Roxxie]

Hi Beth - Roxxie,
In the SoCal meet-up post FrankRoams is talking about a run up in the Big Bear area on Monday. I know it is short notice but it is in your neck of the woods. It is in posts at the bottom of the page:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/socal-meet-up-in-orange-county.3678/page-14#post-144611
I am going to try and make it. Hope Frank can get this together, sounds like fun.
It is nice being older and retired I can take off pretty much anytime.

Hey Terry!

Checked it out and it looks fun! We were just up there today with 2N02!!! Pioneer Town to Big Bear! Ate at Saucey Mamma's Pizza in Big Bear! Had a blast with the large group we had! I totally wish I could do tomorrows too! I have to drop my son back off at school in Carlsbad! :( If you go- Id love to see pictures!!!! I just posted mine. :)

 

[Roxxie]

Im

Since you're in Palm Desert, consider taking Berdoo Canyon into the park, it's a cool drive with a couple slightly technical rocky sections, but nothing difficult. Berdoo Canyon Road branches off of Dillon at 33.799725, -116.185724 and it's about 15 miles of trail and 9 miles of dirt road to get to the main park road, coming from DHS it was faster entering the park this way than driving to the South entrance.

There's a good write-up here, but you do have to create an account:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1128-berdoo-canyon

Going to totally check that out AEarles!!! Thank you!!!! :)

 

[Terry Pickens]

Hey Terry!

Checked it out and it looks fun! We were just up there today with 2N02!!! Pioneer Town to Big Bear! Ate at Saucey Mamma's Pizza in Big Bear! Had a blast with the large group we had! I totally wish I could do tomorrows too! I have to drop my son back off at school in Carlsbad! :( If you go- Id love to see pictures!!!! I just posted mine. :)

Maybe another time, we were already talking about another trip. Great time, good people. I have video and photos of this but it might be a few days before posting.