Thursday, March 8, 2018

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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Thanks for stopping by!! I always appreciate your visit and comments.

47 comments:

  1. This is a fantastic post - it could have been entitled, "You've been framed!" as each of you have been, whether it was on the potty, under an arch or lawbreaking with the jeep! Keep exploring!

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  2. I admire your honesty, and your desire to follow the rules. "Everyone else is doing it" was never a good reason to break the rules - just imagine where we (and our wildernesses) would be!

    As usual, you have shared some striking shots. I am delighted your wife, granddaughter and chihuahua were along for the ride - otherwise, you might not have discovered Gayle's Arch! And some pictures (like the outhouse) are better with people! Have a spectacular weekend!

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  3. Beautiful photos as always. I wonder if they mean no vehicles off the roads?

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    1. I was wondering the same thing Al. Pretty sure they mean no vehicles whatsoever, but it's not very clear. Thanks for your comment!

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  4. Wow- the rocks are stunning. I don't know why they wouldn't allow vehicles on paved roads, and I know that in Colorado they have off road jeep trips, so I just don't know about the rules. But a fun day for granddaughter and you and the Mrs too!

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  5. Another amazing post about another amazing place. If it isn't "posted" it isn't likely to be enforced. Still... one does wish to respect the rules. You should have gotten a response unless the great orange mouth has decimated the staff and there's no one to answer.

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  6. You definitely found some picturesque spots.

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  7. What an adventure. You would think that they would have signs out there at least. I love your arch and I love that you are teaching your granddaughter to love nature.

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  8. What a beautiful place! I love Gayle's arch --thousands of years of erosion there. I'm also surprised there are no signs about no motorized vehicles being allowed. Your granddaughter is adorable and a good climber!

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  9. Wonderful place. Loved all pic, Awesome.
    Have a nice weekend.

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  10. Gorgeous shots of rock and blue skies!

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  11. I guess I can understand about no vehicles being allowed, maybe they are worried about people crashing or ruining the landscape.

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  12. Great and interesting place, thanks for sharing :)

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  13. Here the rock formations look really like the bones from earth. Marvelous. I wonder if the namegiver even really saw a lake.

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  14. Wow what stunning photos of the nature in your part of the world. Those rock formations are magnificent and intriguing! The arch is fantastic. And those skies! This was a real standout post - thanks for sharing.

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  15. Stunning formations indeed! The added moon is remarkable too!

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  16. Lovely arch, and rocks, and skies, and granddaughters, and...

    When the coppers come to put ya away, I'll stand with you. All those shots were photoshopped. No vehicles ever penetrated the premises!

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  17. The rock formations are amazing!

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  18. Hey, Outlaw ~ Fantastic photography and that is one cute grand daughter!

    Happy Weekend to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  19. Wow, what an area, those rock formations are stunning under that clear blue sky.
    Your granddaughter will have a lot of interesting stories to telle about her travels with you and your wife later, I think.

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  20. II am speechless! But, I will say that I enjoy following the exploits of a guy with 'rocks in his head'. Kudos for another great set of images, even if you are a law breaker [but, leading your wife and granddaughter into a life of crime is a bit too much...lol...].

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  21. Your neck of the woods sir is paradise. How incredible to be living there. Jaw on the floor.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  22. Version 2 with moon lit my fires today. But this whole series, really sings. Your grandchildren are enriched forever!

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  23. Very beautiful pictures! Happy weekend!

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  24. Authorities won't hear your wrong from me. :-) I wonder how many other people made the same honest mistake. It's a gorgeous spot. Thanks for sharing the amazing formations.

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  25. Some of your shots are stunning, and some are just plain fun!

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  26. Wonderful post. Beautiful images. The rocks looks so smooth and rounded. Love "Gayle's Arch"---Keep it. I wonder why it is called a wilderness area and is not enforced.
    MB

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  27. You had such amazing adventure with your grand daughter! Beautiful rocks formation. Looks like it can come alive anytime!

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  28. Wow, great captures on these amazing rocks and seeing the actual size of them as compare to the dog.

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  29. I think sharing your "adventures" by including your granddaughter is AWESOME! ow as far as legal, illegal goes, all I can say is I've never gotten a ticket...LOL! I once, however, was pulled over because the trooper wanted to let me know my tire was very worn (which I thought was very nice). ...:)JP

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  30. Incredible pictures -- that arch is breathtaking but so are the one looking out of the caves, well, so is every picture really.

    I can tell you're not used to breaking the law since you had no hesitation at all about confessing to your 'crime'..... thanks for sharing an amazing drive I'll never do (but not because I'm afraid of breaking the law though).

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  31. All your photos are trully mesmerizing especially for me who hasn't seen rock forests like yours. We have a few boulders but they are just protrusions from soil and plants, and i haven't been to deserts of boulders. Your photos are great and i love the fun in them, especially that of your granddaughter in a secret outhouse, hahaha! I love them all.

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  32. What a great place, even if you had to resort to criminality to get to it! Love those rock arches.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  33. wow, that is a great place to explore for all ages. Even a four-legged one. Love the composite even if it was not really needed for this arch :)

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  34. This must have been the memory of a lifetime...

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  35. Beautiful rock formations, what a great place !
    And again, wonderful pics !

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  36. Once again I say Wow! Beautiful photos of a beautiful landscape. The rock formations are absolutely gorgeous.
    Thank you!

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  37. Hi SP&P, Wow, these are just wonderful photos. I love your photography. Five stars for the arch photo! It is just so great the way you research these sites and then go out and take some great photos and then take the time and effort to put together a post to share with us. When I started looking at this post, without clicking on any image, I started thinking … These are just excellent photos. Then, when you mentioned, Did you see it in #8, well … I had to go back and look again, because I didn’t see it the first time, but then … wow … I clicked to get the larger image and was blown away. : - ) You would think I would know to always start with the larger images. I guess it’s that your description and commentary is so neat that I don’t want to miss any of it. I think that the ultimate compliment I can give a blogger is when I see photos that make me want to visit a site in person. That is certainly the case on these photos! Congrats on a great post! I’ve got to do a better job of keeping up with the blogs I follow! Best regards from Seattle! John

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  38. You would think it would be posted in some way. I miss the beauty of visiting desert areas, but I do love the weather in the Pacific Northwest. - Margy

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  39. Stunning photos, particularly Gayles Arch and the moon. Your granddaughter looks lovely, looks like you all had a great time. It’s good to know your sweet little chihuahua was looking out for you :-)

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  40. Beautiful area! The one with the moon is a stunner!I was thinking how can people explore if cars or jeeps are not allowed allowed! At least you took a few photos with your family:):) Your grand daughter,really grew a lot lately! Thanks for visiting me:)

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  41. What a beautiful area! As always your photos are gorgeous Pete.
    gotta go there...

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  42. Your photos are always spectacular and I feel as though I have travelled the route with you through your narrative. Gayle's arch was a real find. I searched photo 8 but I'm only guessing that I found it.

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  43. Wow, great captures on these amazing rocks and seeing the actual size of them as compare to the dog.
    สูตรบาคาร่า
    Gclub

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  44. Again, wonderful formation of the rocks. I like edited picture (with the moon) very much.

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