Joshua Tree Radio Tower - #JoshuaTreeRadioTower

Socal - San Bernardino County - Yucca Valley, CA NickNames: #JoshuaTreeRadioTower chainsmoke

Take Hwy 10 east towards Palm Springs, but stay on the 10 (don't take Hwy 111)until you get to Hwy 62. Head up 62 approx 17 miles until you reach Yucca Valley. Go through town about three miles, turning right on Joshua Lane. Go uphill about five miles, turning left on Santa Barbara.

At the bottom of a steep hill is Machris Park - this is the starting point for this ride...

2 Review(s)Login

• Trail UpdateJoshua Tree Radio Tower-This ride today was exactly as it was described. You have to know that just after a rain is absolutely the bomb for this ride. One advantage is the many options you have to choose from after your descent!! There are many trails in this area and you can climb if you want or get your fill of DH if you want. It has it all and will definately be a favorite local ride. Enjoy!
  lmmanthey a 46 year old Die-hard Enthusiast

  Posted:12/22/2009

• Trail UpdateChainsmoke-This trail is the one featured in the movie 'Chainsmoke' except the starting point has changed. In the movie, riders accessed it from La Contenta Rd., which is now all soft sand thanks to local MX & Quad riders. Starting from Machris Park will net you twice the fun and half the sand!

  From the Park, climb the short but steep hill to the right. You will see the radio tower once you reach the top. Turn right at the top and follow the two-track road into the hills. It quickly forks off, take the right fork which appears to go in the opposite direction. After a mile or so, it turns back towards the tower and drops down into 'the wash.' Walk, ride, or hike-a-bike throug the wash (depending on conditions) for about 1/8th-mile. Then exit onto a hard graded road which leads into Joshua Tree National Park. Turn right onto the road.

  Look for a gate on your left, this road leads uphill to the Radio tower. That's it - keep grinding for about 2.5 miles and you will be rewarded with an awesome view of Joshua Tree, 29 Palms, and on a clear day - the Mojave Desert!

  Now for the best part...a massive downhill fest that is sure to convert even the most die-hard XC rider! By the time you get back to the truck, you'll be trying to pawn that Hardtail for a Downhill rig!

  *tips -

  #1 Head out Friday night and camp at the Black Rock Campground (cost $10), than you will be less than a mile from Machris Park in the Morning.

  #2 This ride is best done in the early morning - before 9am, after that it starts heating up a bit! Bring LOTS of water.

  #3 If you come during the winter, the dense air will be clearer and you'll get a better view from the top. On a very clear day, you can see over 100 miles from the tower!

  #4 After your ride, stop into Mike's Bike Shop - the best shop in town. They have everything you need and Mike is a former Pro racer who now builds custom bikes and wheels. Tell 'em you read about them on this site. You will dig their shop!
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 5.0 Elevation change: 2000+ft
  Singletrack=15% Dirt Road=15% Truck Trail=70%
  Christine Pope a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2001 Giant AC2 from Yucca Valley, CA URL: Mikes Bike Shop

  Posted:07/09/2001