I make regular runs from San Diego to Vegas to visit family. Normally, I just race up and down the I-15 to make time. Friday, while gassing up in Barstow, I complimented a fellow's new Ultra Classic. Turns out headed to the Vegas area as well. However he was going to take a back scenric route through the Mojave National Preserve.

As I had never been that route and had plenty of time to kill, I asked if I could tag along. (Thanks Gary!) Long story short, beautiful weather, long lonely open roads in big country. What a ride. I decided to this long way 'round on the return trip.

I spent some time Sunday night studying the map and came up with what has been one of my top 10 day rides. Here's the route I took with an option that I will try the next time to extend it out further.

1.) From the South bound I-15 in Vegas, take the East bound I-215 to Henderson.

2.) Merge onto I-95 South to Searchlight, NV. (be sure to gas up in Searchlight).

3.) Take Hwy 164 West out of Searchlight. This Hwy becomes Nipton Rd.

4.) Around 28 miles you will turn South onto Ivanpah Rd. which take you through Cima, CA. and Kelso, CA. (Kelso is cool little railroad town with a museum/visitors center if you need to stretch your legs)

5.) Out of Kelso, proceed South on Kelbaker Rd on your way Amboy, CA.

6.) You'll turn West onto "National Trails Hwy" at the "T" intersection. In 5 miles you'll roll into Amboy, CA. (I topped off my tank even though gas was about $4.00 a gallon for premium).

7.) Take Amboy Rd South and veer to the West staying on Amboy Rd.

8.) At this point you can go into TwentyNine Palms if you choose to. I rode around the town and didn't see any service stations. I believe that the only service station is on base past the check point. Not sure what their policy is for civilians going on base if they need gas.

9.) Still having plenty of daylight and time to burn, I decided to drive South through Joshua Tree National Park. The park entrance is just outside of Twentynine Palms. (Never been through this park before). Stay on the main road and you'll exit at the South end of the park.

10.) Merge onto I-10 Westbound. At this point you have a couple of options. I chose to go through Palm Springs and take Hwy 111 to Hwy 74 (Pines to Palms Hwy) through the mountains. (another great road with twistys and views) If you're running short on time you could stay on the I-10 West, to Hwy 60 to I-215 South to San Diego. In late spring, early summer you may want to take Box Canyon Road out of Joshua Tree to Hwy 111 South to the East side of the Salton Sea and cutting West on Hwy 78. In the summer the Salton Sea area is "egg frying on asphalt" HOT. ( I plan on taking this route the next time).

11.) On my route, took Hwy 74 through the mountains to Eastbound Hwy 371 to East bound Hwy 79 to Southbound I-15.

The ride was a little over 10 hours and 520 miles or so. What a day to be out on those open roads. Coming out of Joshua Tree National Park, you have the chance to see the curveture of the earth at the horizon. You see your road lead to and then disapear into the same horizon. What a great feeling. You folks understand that feeling. Tough to explain it to others though.

Anyway, sorry for the lengthy and rambling post. But, I had to share this ride and route for those of you that might find yourselves in the area.

Ride Free!

 

I've done that ride a few times. When you say no service stations in 29 Palms are you talking about gas stations because if you are there are at least a half a dozen in the town on the main roads. From Chevron to AM/PM Arcos. Don't understand how you didn't see them. Even a 7-eleven gas station on a main corner. Great ride though.