Photos and movie by John Laird
This year’s first Four Wheel Drive adventure will begin with a trip back through time as we tour the Old Dale mining area near Joshua Tree National Park. Our journey will begin north of the park, passing by long-abandoned iron and gold mines. Our Old Dale Mining Tour promises to be a most scenic, somewhat challenging event.

Joshua Tree National Park consists of nearly 800,000 acres and encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts.

Below 3000 feet, the Colorado Desert, a western extension of the vast Sonoran Desert, occupies the southern and eastern parts of the park. It is characterized by stands of spike-like ocotillo plants and “jumping” cholla cactus (kids, don’t even pretend to touch this furry-looking cactus).

The southern boundary of the Mojave Desert reaches across the northern part of the park. It is the habitat of the park's namesake, the Joshua tree.

Extensive stands of this peculiar looking plant are found in the northwestern part of the park, which means we probably won't see them during the run. By the way, this park is home for six species of rattlesnakes.

Even before the California Gold Rush of 1849, prospectors were finding gold in southern California. As the take from the mines in the Sierras ran out, miners fanned out into the deserts. Here hot summers, scarce water, limited wood sources, and the difficulty and high cost of transporting equipment and provisions created a challenging environment in which to operate a mine. But a few hardy adventurers persevered and about 300 mines were developed in what is now Joshua Tree National Park. The existence of many of the roads and trails that we will be using are remnants of those mining operations.

Our Joshua Tree Tour will provide us with a variety of geological and ecological panoramas. We begin our trek at the 1300’ level at Highway 62, crest in the main mining area at 2400’ and end at 1600’ on Interstate 10. We should see some spectacular desert wild flowers this time of year, considering recent rains. Soft sand, narrow rocky trails and mild hill climbs are all ahead of us.

This outing offers the chance to use your 4x4 for its intended purpose, enabling you to enjoy curious and spectacular sights while exercising your driving skills. The steep rocky grades and soft sandy washes in this region promise a rewarding off road experience.

This adventure is offered without charge. However, the National Park Service now charges $10 entrance fee.

For more information or to sign up to participate in the event, please stop by the Pavilion or call Jungle Jim.

Announcements via email will be sent periodically, between now and the event. To be added to our mailings or to update your address, click here.

The routes we use can be navigated by most stock 4 wheel drive vehicles, so even if you have never been off-roading, please plan to join us.

Click this photo to see a video clip taken during the prerun. (1.6MB Broadband recommended)

To ensure that our outings are safe and comply with all local, state and federal regulations of the areas we use, the following guidelines apply:

ONLY STREET-LEGAL 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES ARE PERMITTED

ALL VEHICLES MUST BE OPERATED AT ALL TIMES BY A RESPONSIBLE LICENSED DRIVER

We regret that no other types of vehicles can be allowed on the outings. If you own dirt bikes, quads, dune buggies, or just like to thrash your 2 wheel drive, then Praying In The Dirt, another of our Extremeside Ministries at Eastside, is the place for you. Please check the Family Life Ministries page in the Eastside.com website for info about their upcoming events.