Well, it's December and it's back to the Funerals. My route took me on an interstate loop from Daylight pass down into Nevada and the edge of the Amargosa Desesrt, then climbing up to Chloride Cliff and back to the pass. Starting from the pass is a brief, and cold highway ride down to the edge of the park. Now in Nevada, it's a washboard traverse on a road that heads southeast to join the road up to Chloride City. I was running late so I didn't have much time to explore. From the ruins of Chloride City to the summit is a nice grind up steep jeep trails to the summit and the amazing view. Not a high peak itself, I was surprised at how many other mountain ranges you can see from it. The descent heads back down to a pass and into the Death Valley side of the mountains. Reaching the highway at sunset, there was just a short climb back upto Daylight Pass. The moonlight was almost like daylight when I got back to the car.
It was a fun brutal ride. About 28 miles, it ranged from 3400' to 5276'. Lots of rough jeep trails. Spectacular views of two States and two deserts.
Desert pavement in the Amargosa Desert.
North into the Grapevine Mountains
South into Death Valley.
The bike leaning against stuff.
Northeast to Beatty airport.
My Ti bling.
The ride was a cap off to a full weekend of desert fun. Saturday morning was a half marathon down in Furnace Creek. After that I headed up to the Last Chance Range to try ant climb Dry Mt. It just takes more time than I had. I hiked part of the fan the first afternoon and most of the canyon the next day. NO SNOW! I'll have to try again in March.
Posted by CFIT on 12/06/06