The Bradshaw Trail/Picacho SP/Indian Pass Road...

[Scenic WonderRunner]

The Bradshaw Trail/Picacho SP/Indian Pass Road.........



Proposed Trip! ....well Imagine that!:blush:

Looking for interest and idea's...........

Who would like to join me?.....this is an open invitation.

I'm proposing doing the Bradshaw Trail............. (http://www.blm.gov/ca/palmsprings/bradshaw.html) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/Emoticons2/tumbleweed.gif

http://www.desertusa.com/mag03/trails/trails11.html

http://www.socalcamping.com/offroad/bradshaw.html


This 4WDtrip will include.....

The Bradshaw Trail/Picacho State Rec Area along the Colorado River/Indian Pass RD.


http://www.desertusa.com/mag03/trails/photos/trails11_1.jpg

Meet near Mecca, CA. and do the Bradshaw Trail and surrounding areas. As we hit the 78 Hwy....we would head south on the dirt and head for that wide spot along the Colorado River toward Picacho State Rec Area. (see map below.)
http://www.desertusa.com/mag03/trails/photos/trails11_map.jpg

DETAILS:

Meet at the the Salton Sea State Rec. Area. Along the northeast shore of the Salton Sea. Near Mecca, CA. Have your gas tanks topped off!

We could even have a meet up campsite picked at the start of the Bradshaw for Friday night so we can get an early start Sat. morning.

Run the Bradshaw Trail....and surrounding areas.

Make it all the way to the Colorado River near Picacho State Rec. area and camp along the Colorado River (when I say "make it" I don't mean this has to be in one day, I'm very flexible). We can either get to the river by Sat. night or Sunday as time permits.

(top off gas tanks again near Palo Verde or Blythe if needed.) Look for a dirt route off the Hwy 78 to get to the river, before Ogilby Road if there is such a thing! (Somebody help me find this please!)

Head out west along "Indian Pass Road"...... (http://www.blm.gov/ca/ca/pa/wilderness/wa/areas/indian_pass.html)toward home. This allows us to visit the very unique Indian Pass Wilderness area. (the BLM website says this is west of Brawley...but that's wrong....it's EAST!)

We can even explore some at Anza~Borrego along the way home....or.....open to idea's.

Explore......Pics......make friends and memories!

If I knew how to draw a route on a map I would post it up. Can anyone help me draw a route on a map so I can post it online? Or tell me where and how to do it?


Recap in short:

Friday night ~ meet n camp at the start of the Bradshaw Trail.

Sat. Morning~ Get an early start 'cause there is tons to see! It's a 70 mile trail!

Sat. Night camp~ Either along the Bradshaw or at the river wherever we end up.

Sunday~ We are hoping to either wake up at Picacho along the river or be there to explore the area including Indian Pass.

Sunday night~ Those who want to camp at the river can camp. Now lets talk about what we've seen and how we want to do more trips out here and zero in on certain areas.



Is there any interest?:beertoast:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/MSN%20Emoticons/image05-3.gif <~ trip mascot.....thanks to MrS........!

(the mascot means .....never be afraid to back up from a dangerous trail.....live to ride again!) :hat:



(new smilie credits go to MrS...you sneaky dude!)

[cruiser guy]

What dates are you thinking of? I'll have a few days before the El Golfo trip at the end of March. It would need to be during the week though. I don't know if thats a problem.

How's the truck running? I've got a starter problem with mine that I need to get fixed in the next few weeks.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Charles..........

Maybe this could be worked out to coincide with your trip south. This would be the Perfect trip for you .....along your way!

I'm flexible.


(my truck is running perfect!....as long as it keeps holding water!.....lol)

.

[MrS]

Be sure to have Delmer Ross's book along. Gold Road to La Paz isbn 0-914224-24-7

Not sure how many days you plan this for, but it's VERY easy to spend two's just getting to the colorado river with some of the better side trips added in.

Blow-off jury duty, thats just a request.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/shrk.gif

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Be sure to have Delmer Ross's book along. Gold Road to La Paz isbn 0-914224-24-7

Not sure how many days you plan this for, but it's VERY easy to spend two's just getting to the colorado river with some of the better side trips added in.

Blow-off jury duty, thats just a request.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/shrk.gif




Good! .......Thanks!

That's the kind of input I need. I've never done the trail.

I was thinking a very early Sat. morning start, with an overnight along the river. Or maybe even guys could drive out after work on a Friday night and camp at the trailhead to be ready for an early start Sat. am.

But I know a three day weekend would work best.

I hope there are no sharks on the trail!......hehe

You didn't say if you are interested!

[cruiser guy]

The 21st thru the 23rd of March (Wednesday thru Friday) would work for me. The weekend prior I'll be in Hanford and the Bay area and the following weekend is the El Golfo trip which I intend to go to as well.

[AlWalter]

You could easily spend 2 days exporing the Bradshaw Trail & associated points of interest. Another 2 days at Picacho, Indian Pass, Black Mountain & neaarby roads. There is a lot of mining history in that area.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Charles.....let's try and make this happen for you somehow.

Al..........thanks for your input!


I'm still searching the net for more info and pics......side trips.


I found this site today showing some side trips along the Bradshaw.


http://webs.lanset.com/jdemotto/chuckwalla.htm


http://webs.lanset.com/jdemotto/red%20cloud.htm


.

[MountainBiker]

I'm still searching the net for more info and pics......side trips.
I'd say Red Canyon on the ridge as I did here, or in the canyon itself is a must do:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=49551&#post49551

[cooksterdog]

Mark;
:sign_goodluck:
I have done some exploring along the Bradshaw some years ago. Found lots of really neat minerals, lots of really neat palms and cactus, as well as LOTS of unexploded ordanance.:bowdown: ( told you it was some time ago!!) Got almost strafted on one trip while hiding from the patrol!! Must go see Coon Hollow, and the Potato Beds for hollow geodes and chalcedony. Stop in to Corn Springs to see a real oasis and perhaps the petroglyphs there. This area is so full of stuff you need weeks to really experience it. Great fun, and take water...none to speak of there.

[WhiteThaiGer]

We've been to many of the spots suggested by the others and still have plenty to explore in the area. So, yeah, there is way more than you can fit in a long weekend.

We really like some of the camp sites in the Picacho State Park right at the river in the area where the Indian Pass Road comes in.

Here are some pics (http://www.whitethaiger.net/albums/BlackMtn0406/) from our most recent trip to the area about a year ago.

[MrS]

You didn't say if you are interested!

Yes I’d like to go, depending on dates. Like the Mojave Rd I don’t have any urge to just drive the Bradshaw trail again. The surrounding area(s) have lots of appeal to us. If nothing else we could meet up at camp. I’ve been to the area many times, but the Chuckwalla Mtns has lots of good memories for me, so say God talked to me there.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/MSN%20Emoticons/image05-3.gif

[Scenic WonderRunner]

...and I think God has shown you some Really Kewl Avatars!:ok-kewl:


I just may have to borrow some of those!:beertoast:


In fact!...........

As a tribute to MrS and ALL his hard work...... out finding trails and goodies.......I've decided to make this.......http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/MSN%20Emoticons/image05-3.gif ........the Trip Mascot!:chairfall:


.

[MrS]

...As a tribute to MrS and ALL his hard work.......

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/MSN%20Emoticons/image28-1.gif

[WhiteThaiGer]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/MSN%20Emoticons/image28-1.gif

Not to get too far off topic, but I've also noticed that MrS discovered a special stash of smilies in the net universe.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

YUP!.......hehe

I've noticed that too!

I think the Lord has guided him well......... while in the outback!

We must be still......before we can listen!:wink:


.

[MrS]

.....I've also noticed that MrS discovered a special stash of smilies in the net universe.

I now have a plethora of smilies. I happier with the fact I ‘know how to post them’

BTW. Salton Sea State Rec. Area can be a stinky place to camp.


I will keep my eyes open for the dates. We have a class/tour one of the weekends then, and I’d sure like to get back out around Calico. I’m think now maybe meeting the group at lunch may be all I can do. Since the plan is to travel the whole route in one day (which is a good plan) but I’d stay focused on smaller area(s), so we wouldn’t be able to go with the group.

Good to see people planning trips.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/Emoticons2/tumbleweed.gif

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Thanks for your input MrS.

I'm not planning on camping near the Salton Sea rec area........now that's how rumors get started!.....hehe

I'm sure it is VERY stinky.....and we don't do "stinky camp"....!

We do "Scenic Camp"..........!:hat:

But what we ALL REALLY want to know is...........

Where the heck is your stash of Secret Smilies>?!!!:beertoast:



(oh.....and the trip through the Bradshaw does NOT have to only take one day. I also enjoy side routes and exploring. It just all depends on how much time folks have. One night Bradshaw....one night Indian Pass area....?.....or more? I'm open.)



.

[cooksterdog]

:hat:
MARK;
Are you going to be able to make the trip on the 17th?
I am trying my best to bring the ole Red Ram, and tow the trailer out. May be hooking up with Dave at his place. I need to call him and see whats the skinny. We also need to see if some of the last years participants are going, like "Akle", and Blue, and of course the "Pinz".

Steve, AKA Cooksterdog

[MrS]

DETAILS:

Meet at the the Salton Sea State Rec. Area. Along the northeast shore of the Salton Sea. Near Mecca, CA.

I think it’s less or a rumor ‘thing’ and more of ‘Jumping to the wrong conclusion’ Ha Ha

I was thinking (1st problem) people might drive out Friday night after work, the head out on the trail Sat morning.

Is that what the call ass--ume ?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

No Prob!

I just mentioned meet at the rec area because that's where the links in the first post say the trail starts from.....and gives direction to the trail from.

Personally....I would rather meet near Mecca (but I've never been there). Hopefully top off my gas tank and try and find the Bradshaw from the northern Mecca side....rather than driving south down to the SP Rec Area only to have to drive 10 miles back up north along the canal to get back up to the Bradshaw (maybe you can help me with this). I know there has to be an easier way.

A late Friday night campsite could be farther up the Bradshaw Trail away from the Stink!.......maybe up near the train tracks. To be able to wake up early on the trail.....and then have more time to explore.

But not too far in because late comers would then have to find a campsite in the dark.

Now have I confuzzelled you enough!

(OH!......and thanks for the secret stash of smilies! I'm holding on thight so don't anybody Even Think of asking!.....hehe) Maybe you could start a "Secret Geo Cash Stash of Smilies"......and hide them all over the desert!http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Weeebs/Emoticons2/tumbleweed.gif

[MrS]

.....only to have to drive 10 miles back up north along the canal to get back up to the Bradshaw (


Your not really back tracking, the canal runs east/west along that section.

The directions you have are good. I’ll check my book tonight and see what it says.

Just a Q? Why don't you start in the East and be heading west toward home for the trip?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

[/quote]Just a Q? Why don't you start in the East and be heading west toward home for the trip?[/quote]



I could do that.........

The links I gave in the first post, recommended not starting from the Blythe side because of private farm land and getting confused were the trail starts.(I have no idea...I've never done this trail!)

(Although I have seen the start of the Bradshaw here just north of Palo Verde.....on Google Maps.)


Another reason for starting near Mecca for me is.........

If I start at the opposite side of this route, I can be at Indian Pass real quick because of the I-8 and then I will be at camp along the river by noon. Although that might be good if there is lots to see over there.

I have never been to these areas.....so it's all trail and error for me the first time.

I'm open to doing the route either way..........which ever works best and allows a group to see more good stuff!


(Another reason for me to end the trip at Indian Pass........is that I can pop on the I-8 just down Ogilby Rd. and be home in a little over 2 hours instead of fighting the old Hwy up through Julian to home if I ended near Mecca.)

[JackSilb]

Mark,

Thanks for PM. I have been away for a while.
I could not figure out the dates you have in mind.

What is deal so far? I need to check what is going on in terms of trips in the forum. I am rusting. Need some dirt.

-JACK

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark,

Thanks for PM. I have been away for a while.
I could not figure out the dates you have in mind.

What is deal so far? I need to check what is going on in terms of trips in the forum. I am rusting. Need some dirt.

-JACK


Jack............

I posted up this idea for a trip to gain interest. Once folks can start to plan for it I can post a date.

It's really so close........that we can go just about any weekend people are free!:party_cheers:


Thanks for checkin' in!


Aloha!

~Mark

[JackSilb]

Got it.

I am interested. As the other said, it seem there is a lot to see.
Take it easy, plan not to see all in one day.

I have to check this from work so I can check my schedule. I have some work related trips planned this year. So don't wait for me. Plan it, make it happen. I will join if I have a chance.

-JACK

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Thanks for checking it out......Jack!

We can always do this more than once! Since it's so close.........so we can include you ....Jack!

No worries.......mate!:beertoast:

The more we do it..........the more we will learn what we want to see!:hat:

[MrS]

I checked Ross's book last night. His route is the same as you have.

[Explorer 1]

I'm leading a group on the Bradshaw this weekend. we're starting at Hwy 78 and then taking the Red Canton Ridge road out to I 10. I did a dry run following this same route New Years Day, some of my pictures are posted at:

http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Bradshaw%20Trail%2012-06/ (http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Bradshaw%20Trail%2012-06/)

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Sweet!

Thanks for your feedback!

Enjoy your trip.........and welcome to 4WDtrips.net!

[Explorer 1]

Trip went well, great weather, good people no breakdowns. Here is the link for the movies and pictures. Thanks,

http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Bradshaw Trail GHFC Feb 2007/ (http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Bradshaw%20Trail%20GHFC%20Feb%202007/)

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Very Nice!

Thanks for sharing!

....and just think of all the time and gas you saved me!

Now I don't even feel like I have to do this trip anymore!

j/k............! ............hehe

.

[XtremeXJ]

Hey to all !!!
This is my first post here so if I'm breaking some etiquette rules.... appoligizes up front... I'm finding this forum very interesting.....
I have a Q. first off..... Is this trip open to any forum user ?
As to the Bradshaw... the poster who posted picts. stating that it was a "pony express" stop was off a bit.... it wasn't even part of the Butterfield route it was just a route that W.D. Bradshaw "discovered/heard of" from local Indian tribes.... a more direct route to the La Paz Az. gold strike.
I'm a local and have lead many trips across the Bradshaw from the N.Shore area to the Palo Verde Mesa...... actually several of these trips were for the Riv. Co Road Dept. (yes it is a county maintained road) of which I'd take a few employees out for the day (a LONG day) trip.

Senic: I think your trip length is a little ambitious...... if your wanting to keep it to two or three days your still shorting yourself of a lot of side trips
some of which have been posted. I think a 2.5 day trip would wet your whistle enough to want to come back a time or two more.
The Mecca area is a good place to meet... gas... C. store there's a Big AM/PM at the 86s & Ave. 66 which is a mile W. of Mecca proper you'd still head down the 111 to Parkside Dr. to Desert Aire as in the book "Golden Rd. to La Paz" & the other Desert USA link you posted... as MrS posted the book is the best Bradshaw book out there.....

Cannonballing it you can get to the river to camp but I'm not sure you'd make it to the Indian Pass area....
If this trip is open to a forum user then I might like to tag along.. if it's OK
I owe the son a Daddy/Son trip.... ACTUALLY are kids welcome??
Hopefully I didn't upset or offend you or anyone else.....
If you want to PM me and I'll point you in the direction of a few cool spots.... By the way the canal mentioned the Coachella Canal is mine....
all 123.45 miles of it..... the fences are going up soon.... some of it is now, but access will still be available along the backside.
Sorry for the length have you got any dates yet.......
Curt

[MrS]

Hi Curt, welcome to the site and as far as I know you didn't run-amock of the our hard etiquette (hope you spelled that correct, I can't even say it without smiling) rules.

Senic: I think your trip length is a little ambitious...... Curt

Ditto to that.

IMHO SWR has 3 good trips, and as some have pointed out "explore Red Canyon".

I'm glad to see him planning trips, and hope he gets a good group going. It's a fun area, as you know.

[MountainBiker]

By the way the canal mentioned the Coachella Canal is mine....
all 123.45 miles of it..... the fences are going up soon.... some of it is now, but access will still be available along the backside.
I saw the fence construction in December when I did Bradshaw/Red Cyn. What are the fences for? Is that some kind of homeland security thing?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi Curt!

Welcome to 4WDtrips.net!

Great idea's ......and info/sharing is always more than welcome.

The trip is open to anyone and everything you can fit in your rig that's legal!.....hehe No elephants though because they would slow us down.....it's a long trail!

I'm sending you a PM so I don't fill this post with my chatter.

Thanks for your interest!


~Mark


edit.........I worked on the front page post #1 a little more to help make my idea's more clear. To help eliminate any confusion. Nothing changed.....just more clear.

[XtremeXJ]

I saw the fence construction in December when I did Bradshaw/Red Cyn. What are the fences for? Is that some kind of homeland security thing?

The homeland thing is about 5th. on the list.... mainly it's to keep animals & humans out of the new lined section.... there are guzzlers on the front(valley) side and in the old ditch for animals.

How about the kid thing ? I've got a 10yr. and a 7yr. old (girl/boy) I owe the boy a Dad/Son trip.
I'm pretty mellow, don't really drink and enjoy exploring and wheel'n in the outback..... I run in a 96 Cherokee built up a bit. I'd love to have more time to get out more, but life as it is leaves only so much time for fun... I'd also like to build a off-road worthy trailer to carry myself & the family, but there's that time issue again.

Mark
I've done only one trip down in the Picacho/Cargo Mucacho (spl.) area.... it alone was a weekend and we only hit two trails....
The Mecca to the River run on the Bradshaw can be done in a long day.... LIKE THE GRISWALDS on vacation.... !! :lol:
It's too bad the back country traveler lost 9.2 million acres out here in 1994 :mad2: many fun trails were lost....
Keep us posted on the dates....
Thanks for the welcome....
Curt

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Thanks for the info Curt!

Very nice of you to take the time to share! Of course kids are fine to come along! I have a 16 y/o son that I wish I could get out with me more. When he was younger he would go. Now he is too busy with school.....g/f ...work.

This morning I learned that a life long family friend passed away in Phoenix last night. He was a pastor.....and I've listened to him preach since I was a very young boy. Very sad day today!!!! Next week I will head to Phoenix for his service.

People.........

Be sure to hug your family and tell them that you love them! Put your grievances aside. Family/people are much more important than things!

We are only here for a moment.



.

[XtremeXJ]

Thanks for the info Curt!

Very nice of you to take the time to share! Of course kids are fine to come along! I have a 16 y/o son that I wish I could get out with me more. When he was younger he would go. Now he is too busy with school.....g/f ...work.

This morning I learned that a life long family friend passed away in Phoenix last night. He was a pastor.....and I've listened to him preach since I was a very young boy. Very sad day today!!!! Next week I will head to Phoenix for his service.

People.........

Be sure to hug your family and tell them that you love them! Put your grievances aside. Family/people are much more important than things!

We are only here for a moment.
.

The boy is growing...... the days of him "wanting" to come along are numbered I'm sure....

Sorry to hear of your loss.... travel safe....

Curt

[Boston Mangler]

Looks interesting! I will follow this thread and if possible, tag along, i have never been offroad in this area!

[XtremeXJ]

There actually might have been a little rain out along the Bradshaw today,
MAYBE!!! very little though...

Curt

[Scenic WonderRunner]

ah.......guys......this trip is gonna be a little bit delayed........until I can get the "SWR" a workin' again!


Pandemonium in the Panamints............... (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?p=64581#post64581) <CLICKIT!



http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2007_0220HiNLoDesertRunners0248.jpg

.

[JackSilb]

Take your time.
We are here waiting for it.

-JACK

[XtremeXJ]

Take your time.
We are here waiting for it.

-JACK

Take your time till the fall... it's supposed to start heating up this week....
March was HOT and April has been....... wierd..... overcast and windy.

Hope the SWR HotRod is coming together......

Curt

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Curt,

Thanks for the weather update!

I don't mind hot until it starts getting over 105* .....and it makes your sandwich bread turn to toast before you can spread your peanut butter on it!........hehe

The "SWR"............is all ready to go...........except that now I need a freon re~charge! It seems like everytime somebody touches my engine, 13 other things go wrong! And it's even worse on a Friday the 13th!

At least the engine seems to be running perfect this time!

We may have to wait for fall now......as you say.

My son is living with me full time now. So unless I can talk him into going with me, I may have to be making a lot of day trips for a while.

But that's OK..........I just Luv that little Bugger!

Hum...........can I blast through the Bradshaw in a day?!!!!

[XtremeXJ]

Curt

Hum...........can I blast through the Bradshaw in a day?!!!!

10-4 it can be done in a day..... an option might be to cannonball to Blythe say on a Fri. eve., get a room then Sat. morn. hit the road early and work your way west.... this can be done in a nice long day back to say Indio..... or home late Sat. eve.
Where were you out of again.....

As to the temps. it's only looking to get to low to mid. 90s this weekend, but unless you ready to go I'm think'n this might be the last of the real warm weekends and more into the hotter days of spring from now on.
You never know it's been an unusual weather year so far.....
If you do get a wild hair let me know I can throw some options at you....
Glad to hear SWR is up & run'n...
Curt

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hey Curt..........

I was out in the Anza~Borrego with a friend driving yesterday Jackalope Hunting!.......hehe

......and it only got up to *87........!

A beautiful day in the desert! Felt so good to have some real sun warmth on me after a long cold Sun Diego winter!.....hehe

My engine rebuilder messed up my Overdrive. "water bypass blockage" to the temp sensors. So the SWR is back in the shop.....UG! They also created a NEW leak in my air cond. Freon and leaked out ALL of my R~12........!!!!!!!!! at almost $90 bucks a pound now! So Now I'm going to retrofit to the newer R~134....life sucks and then they bury you out along some old west trail!

I still want to do this trip one day..................


http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/jack04.jpg


Hey!.....we saw some big enough that they should have had antlers on them!..........hehe

[XtremeXJ]

Hey Curt..........

I was out in the Anza~Borrego with a friend driving yesterday Jackalope Hunting!.......hehe

Yep.. I've got one hang'n on the wall in the Garage.....

......and it only got up to *87........!

Like I said.... it's been a wierd spring..... it was windy and dusty up here...
the temps. were nice.

A beautiful day in the desert! Felt so good to have some real sun warmth on me after a long cold Sun Diego winter!.....hehe

My engine rebuilder messed up my Overdrive. "water bypass blockage" to the temp sensors. So the SWR is back in the shop.....UG! They also created a NEW leak in my air cond. Freon and leaked out ALL of my R~12........!!!!!!!!! at almost $90 bucks a pound now! So Now I'm going to retrofit to the newer R~134....life sucks and then they bury you out along some old west trail!

Why don't we "invite" him along on a trip out in the desert in July or Aug.? :skull: I know a few "isolated" places.....

I still want to do this trip one day..................

Well I'm busy till late in the month... but I might be up for a one day cannonball run.... if you go earlier let me know & I can maybe point you at some highlites....

Curt



http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/jack04.jpg


Hey!.....we saw some big enough that they should have had antlers on them!..........hehe

I've seen a few down there also....

[JackSilb]

SWR,

I move this Thread here. Then we can it back when the trip returns to planning. Just send me a note.
I am cleaning the next Trips area...

Thanks,
-Jack