Day 5: Devil's Playground to Kelso Dunes via Jackass Canyon Road and Kelbaker Road, Mojave National Preserve
I'm heading toward Kelso Depot, back up Jackass Canyon Road, the route I used to get here. But today I'll get to see what I missed after the sun went down on my way here.
At Kelso Depot, I chat with Park staff and decide to ride over to Kelso Dunes to spend the night, instead of other possible sites in the area.
My Devil's Playground campsite is at about 1800 feet and the main climb up Jackass Canyon Road ends at about 3200 feet 6.5 miles later, so it's not very steep. I ride over the summit of Kelbaker Road at about 3800, down to Kelso Depot at around 2100 feet, up to Kelso Dunes Road at about 2800 feet, then to the end of Kelso Dunes Road near 2500 feet. About 37 bicycle miles and 2700 feet of elevation gain.
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Date: December 29, 2007, 10h00
Size: 28 items
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I pass a short-cut up over Rocky Ridge that follows the power lines to the ridge top where I'm going
I've seen this Rocky Ridge "short-cut" on my maps, but its hills look quite steep. I'll stay on the longer, but easier, branch of Jackass Canyon Road that I followed on the way down, and which veers away from the power lines.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h49
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My miles of walking the bike through kitty litter come to an end when Jackass Canyon Road rises out of the wash
I'm able to get on the bike again and pedal my way the rest of the distance up the gradual hill.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h54
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Looking at the final few hundred feet of elevation gain in front of me on the main Jackass Canyon Road climb
With temperatures in the high 50s, abundant sunshine, and me pedalling uphill and sweating a bit, I'm still quite comfortable just wearing my cotton t-shirt on this winter day in the Mojave Desert.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h58
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A happy-Mother's-Day balloon rests deflated near the road
This is the third escapee balloon that I've come across in a remote area on this trip. After your next celebration that includes balloons, try following them to see where they end up when they blow away!
Date: December 29, 2007, 13h47
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Excellent views of the cinder-cone landscape from the road that links upper Jackass Canyon Road back to the power-line road
I haven't previously been on this short (1.5 mile) road that rises from 3200 to 3600 feet, I've decided to try it rather than returning to Kelbaker Road for the finale of today's climb.
Date: December 29, 2008, 13h46
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Despite old residual pavement on this road, surface sand and gravel makes it impossible to ride up the gentle slope
I don't mind a bit more pushing the bike now, after all I've already done today. The scenery is great and the ridgetop (the power-line road) is not too far ahead.
Date: December 29, 2007, 13h47
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Proud power-line boy reaches the de facto crest of his climb for the day
Actually, this power-line road will rise another 200 feet before reaching Kelbaker Road some three miles further, after which it will be downhill to the Kelso Depot visitor centre.
Date: December 29, 2007, 13h55
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The power-line road crosses Kelbaker Road and I get back on pavement here
If I would continue on this power-line road, I'd reach remote Marl Springs after seven more miles. I visited Marl Springs on my 2006 trip out here; it has water ...
Date: December 29, 2007, 14h29
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I start the 12-mile downhill to Kelso Depot after a short break to eat a Clif bar and put on my sweater and windbreaker
Ah yes, I remember this rutted patchwork pavement... My descent is from 3800 feet to about 2100 feet.
Date: December 29, 2007, 14h46
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Most of this Kelbaker Road descent is fairly gradual as it drops into the Kelso Valley
I have a strong headwind and barely exceed 20 mph even though I'm heading downhill. The Providence Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop as Kelbaker Road rolls over several humps on the way down.
Date: December 29, 2007, 14h56
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Once in Kelso Valley, the silo near Kelso Depot comes into view
The last few miles of Kelbaker Road before reaching Kelso Depot are almost level, rather than downhill.
Date: December 29, 2007, 15h29
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At Kelso Depot, I'm happy to learn that they do sell AA batteries, and I chat with Preseve staff
After discussing a few options with helpful Preserve staff, I decide to ride to Kelso Dunes and camp there tonight so I can hike the dunes tomorrow.
Date: December 29, 2007, 16h09
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