Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness (Part 1)

Let me start by saying I may have broken the law. Nothing serious. I don't think there are any warrants for my arrest or a bounty on my head. In my defense, I think there is much confusion about what you can and can't do in "wilderness" areas. If necessary, I will use ignorance as my defense!

I was searching Google Maps for a place to take the Jeep for a little adventure and exploration. I noticed a well established dirt road leading west off of Amboy Rd. into what is called Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness. So off we went... My wife, granddaughter, chihuahua and I and a picnic lunch. It wasn't until about a week after our trip that I became curious to learn more about the area and decided to google "Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness". Imagine my surprise when I read "unless otherwise specified, no motorized equipment or mechanical transport is allowed" in wilderness areas. What, no cars allowed? Even on established roads that are obviously being used on a regular basis (the road we traveled clearly gets a lot of use)? I even emailed the BLM office in Barstow (which is responsible for overseeing the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness) to clarify, but got no response.

So bottom line, I guess I unwittingly broke the rules... no cars (or Jeeps) allowed in wilderness areas. Even though many others are regularly doing it. Even though it appears the rules are not being enforced, and there are no signs posted to inform travelers that the road is closed to vehicles. Even though there are no gates or other obstructions to discourage using the road. Bummer, because I tend to be a rule follower and this was a fun road with a truly scenic destination that I would like to explore again.

"Yes, officer, that's my Jeep. But I have no idea how it got there!"

The rock formations in this area are really beautiful. They rival some of the best JTNP formations. They are limited to a relatively small area and stand out on Google maps (which is how I found them). The large rock overhang on the right makes a perfect camping spot, and in fact has fire rings already set up and lots of evidence of campfires over the years.

Just to the left of the camping area is this beautiful opening in the rocks. I don't think it qualifies as an arch, but beautiful anyway.

A closer look.

Yours truly in front of "Window Rock". Look closely and you can see my granddaughter scampering up the rocks to join me. Photo by my wife.

Yet another "window rock" (or perhaps an arch?). The rock formations here are really amazing. I guess I said that already, but worth repeating!

This was a big surprise. Someone built an outhouse around the corner from the camping area! So much for Leave No Trace and "wilderness" designation!! After checking for snakes, we let our granddaughter try it out. No doubt in my mind she will get back at me some day for posting this photo!

This is another area (similar to my last post) that has an abundance of rocky caves and alcoves, as you can see in the above photo. This might be a good time to mention there are no lakes in the area (just to set the record straight). So why is it called Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness?? Some BLM worker's idea of a practical joke? There are some dry lake beds in the area. Just areas of flat dirt and dust. If you were picturing nice wet lakes, swimming, fishing, lots of greenery... well, not here!

I would bet that this area was once rich in petroglyphs and pictographs and other signs of Native American life. It provides perfect shelter and is close to a wash that looks like it gets seasonal water. Unfortunately, recent use, campfires, and destructive human behavior appear to have ruined whatever might have been here. Perhaps it's still here and I just missed it.

Look, Grandpa, I found a petroglyph!! Who am I to burst her bubble? Got to love her enthusiasm!!

The views from inside these rocky caves is stunning! A perfect place to rest on a warm day.

Time for lunch!

Hi, Grandpa!!

But here's the icing on the cake. Do you see it in the photo above?? You might have even noticed it in photo #8 if you have a really good eye.

My wife was the first to spot it, so in her honor, I'm calling it "Gayle's Arch". I'm pretty sure it has an official name, although in doing a lot of online searching, I couldn't find photos of it or mention of it, which is surprising. However, well-defined arches are few, they are hard to find, and their locations tend to be closely guarded secrets!

I had to get just the right angle on the arch (can't be seen from this angle), and doing my best not to slide off the rock! Our fearless chihuahua seems to be keeping guard. Photo by my wife.

I love the look of this arch! It's even more impressive if you take the time to climb up the rocks to get this higher perspective.

Version 2: Composite image (moon added).

Another view of "Gayle's Arch".

Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness is north of JTNP and northeast of 29 Palms. Yes, this is a designated wilderness area, and as I recently learned, no motorized vehicles are allowed. "Leave No Trace" should be strictly followed, but sadly, many visitors don't abide. More to follow on my "Part 2" post.

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