Salton Sea to North Palm Springs via Joshua Tree

In trying to find a place that has a good chance of not being too cold or wet this time of year, I've settled on the desert east of Palm Springs. I had a great camping trip at Joshua Tree National Park in '92, but I have never cycled there. I'm really looking forward to the new scenery, hope it doesn't rain! Temperatures this time of year in Joshua Tree should range the low 40's at night to the mid 60's so bring some warm clothes, but I doubt we'll see any snow. Also, recently it has been getting all the way into the 80's in Palm Springs, so be ready for that on the first day.

Friday 2/19 -- Getting to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Since it's going to be such a long day of driving, I haven't planed any cycling for this day. But after we get there and have camp setup, we may want to go for a short (10-30 miles as time allows, Bombay Beach is about 7.5 miles south of our campground), flat (it's all 220 feet below sea level) ride along the northeast shore of the Salton Sea to get the kinks out.

These driving directions were generated by Tripquest.

From:  San Luis Obispo, CA 
To:    Mecca, CA 
  Beginning at San Luis Obispo, CA
  Go Southeast on US 101 for 57.8 miles to State Rte 154
  Go Southeast on State Rte 154 for 31.6 miles to US 101
  Go East on US 101 for 88.8 miles to Ventura Freeway
  Go East on Ventura Freeway for 15.1 miles to I-210
  Go East on I-210 for 20.8 miles to San Bernardino Frwy.
  Go East on San Bernardino Frwy. for 31.2 miles to I-10
  Go East on I-10 for 67.6 miles to State Rte 86
  Go Southeast on State Rte 86 for 8.3 miles to State Rte 111
  Go Southeast on State Rte 111 for 9.5 miles 
  To Mecca, CA
Distance:  330.7 miles

From Mecca, continue south on SR 111 for 10.5 miles to the Headquarters of the Salton Sea State Recreation Area . If they are out of camp sites we'll go the the next one south, Mecca Beach, only another 1.5 miles.

This day is the meat of the trip. There will be some good climbs early in the day and some beautiful scenery on our way through Joshua Tree. Our camp site Sunday night may be little pricey, but we will have earned it. The 29 Palms RV Resort has showers, a heated pool, and best of all a Hot Tub & Sauna!
 

Location	Elevation	Miles
Campground  North on SR 111	-220	0
Mecca  East on 66th Ave. from the frontage road, Hammond Rd. Then near the end of 66th, take Box Canyon Rd. and get ready to start climbing.		11
Right on I-10		30
Chiriaco Summit  Lunch?  Then backtrack those last 3 miles on I-10.	1705	33
Right turn on Cottonwood Spring Rd. to the Joshua Tree National Monument		36
Cottonwood Pass	2800
Twentynine Palms  2 miles N via Adobe Rd. and E 1/4 mile to 4949 Desert Knoll Av.	2000	83
29 Palms RV Resort	2000	85

This is a shorter day with what should be a good downhill near the end. If we get an early start it shouldn't be a problem getting home in time for a good night's sleep before rejoining the real world the next day.
 

Location	Elevation	Miles
Campground  Through 29 Palms, then west on SR 62.	2000	0
Joshua Tree (the town)	2750	~15
Yucca Valley		~23
Morongo Valley		39
North Palm Springs	~1050	47

The good news is that you should have a great time. I know the area well being stationed in 29 Palms (Known to Marines as The Stumps.) for over a year. The first leg of your trip is a wonderful low traffic route. I have both cycled (Only to I-10 and back to 29 Palms) and motorcycled the route. The second is... well, lets just say nice but not much compared to the first.

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