This entry is to support another web page I created, called The Virgin's Guide To Joshua Tree Climbing. The title states what it's about. I want to give directions to Jtree via the back way(Cima/Kelso/Amboy) on the thing but....too much text, so instead will link to this blog post.
NOTE: Updated with mileage and all street name information on 12/19/08. Unless our government decides they need to redo some part of this route, you really can't screw up if you follow these directions. But, it could happen - who knows what those people have in mind sometimes. Hell, they near as demolished Route 66, arguably a significant part of our country's history, because....well, probably because someone got paid off to do so. But, as long as our marines in 29 Palms need easy access to Vegas, I think this route is safe. At any rate - if you get lost, I take no blame nor liability. Yer on yer own, friend......
Here you go!
- Leaving Las Vegas, head south on I-15
- From the Blue Diamond Rd exit(turn off to camping at Red Rocks, seems like a smart marker), proceed 43.2 miles, and exit at Nipton Rd. Turn left at the stop sign for this exit, onto Nipton Rd.
- Travel 3.5 miles, to Ivanpah Rd. Turn right.
Note: Just before this turn, there is a road sign indicating the town of Cima, with an orange arrow spray painted on, indicating the turn you'll want to be making.
- Continue onward for 3.3 miles to Morning Star Rd. Turn right.
Note: At some point on this leg, you'll pass a Tax Dollars at Work handsome sign indicating that you're entering the Mojave Preserve.
- Travel 14.9 miles, and come to a Stop sign. Head straight/veering to the left ONTO Kelso Cima Rd.
Note: Here's where people might mistake the way to continue, so take note! You want to go straight/veer leftward and NOT turn to the right, which is the continuation of Morning Star Rd. There is a dilapidated old home still standing about just down the way, which you can see from the stop sign. It's an interesting side visit to make though, if you have to pee or are into photography. Just remember to get back on track if you do.
- Along the way, you'll pass a small building called the Cima Store. It's a post office/convenience store sort of thing that may or may not be open. I've never stopped inside, so can't tell you what you'll find if you do. Maybe beer and soda for sale and a person with some interesting stories to tell....
- Continue on Kelso Cima Rd. for 18.6 miles. Come to a T-intsersection. Turn left.
Note: This is the site of famous Kelso Depot, a restored historic building from back in the day. You can stop for a potty break and walk around the grounds. The building has been remade as a museum, and if open, well worth taking the time to visit, particularly if you enjoy railroad, mining and/or american history.
- You will now be headed toward Amboy(a sign points the way at the T intersection), still on Kelso Cima Rd. Continue onward for 33.3 miles.
Note: At 22 miles along this stretch, you'll pass the exit/travel under the overpass for HWY 40. Take particular care near the HWY 40 exit, for merging traffic. Even though they have stop signs, some people are stupid. This is also the place where one might encounter a highway patrol officer checking for speeders, and it's a good idea to keep your speed within reason for a few miles in both directions, if your normal inclination is to drive quickly.
Before the Hwy 40 section, you'll pass a sign advising that Kelso Dunes are in 8 miles. The dunes are interesting, though I have never stopped. One time I was on a bus here in New York City and sat next to a cute young guy with a broken leg. When I asked him what happened, he told me he'd done it while sand-surfing the Kelso Dunes... Yup. Small world, go figure.
And, you'll also be advised of your departure from the Mojave Preserve along this leg of the trip. Hopefully, you stopped along the way at some point and found the desert to be much more alive that you may have expected while encased in your vehicle. Spring foliage, lizards and desert tortoises, interesting old bottles and cans discarded long ago - it's out there!
- You'll come to another T-intersection. Turn right(toward Amboy) on National Trails Hwy. Continue for 6.9 miles.
Note: This portion of the road was, at one time, part of the infamous Route 66.
- Turn left onto Amboy Rd. There is a sign that advises this is the way to take to get to Joshua Tree National Park. Continue for 43.3 miles.
- Turn left onto Utah Rd. After 2.2 miles(a stop sign along the way), you will intersect with Hwy 62. Continue forward past Hwy 62, and you will enter JTNP through the Twentnine Palms Entrance within a few miles.
If you prefer, turn right onto Hwy 62 and head towards the town of Joshua Tree, where you may also enter the park via it's West Entrance.
As most climbers will camp at Hidden Valley Campgrounds, it is simply a matter of preference. The park road is windy and slower, but scenic. Hwy 62 is straight, has higher speed limit and stores/gas stations and such along the way.
Personally, I find the drive through the park via the Twentynine Palms entrance to be interesting and always go that route since I won't be using that portion of the park as much during my stay. I get my camping site set up, and then head into the town of Joshua Tree via the West Entrance, if needed, for a stop at Nomad Ventures and to go online to let friends know my campsite number.
DISCLAIMER: I have done as good a job as possible in taking notes for these instructions, but who knows - maybe I made an error. Do pay attention, particularly to the described landmarks mentioned, and you won't get lost. But if you find I've erred in some portion of this description, do please let me know, so I can correct it for others.
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