Black Diamond Spring and Barnett Mine day hike and bicycle ride, Mojave National Preserve: Day 7
Cooler weather today, which is nice. Cima, 1500 feet lower than here, only reports a high of 67F. I wasn't planning on being at Mid Hills campground on this trip, but there's always more to explore out here. I haven't hiked in the Black Diamond Spring area before. 22.3 bicycle miles and 7.5 hiking miles.
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Date: May 26, 2012, 12h15
Size: 37 items
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Another nice morning at Mid Hills campground, where I didn't expect to stop on this trip; time to plan an outing for the day
Feeling a bit rested after yesterday's "day off" and due to the onset of cooler weather, I'm ready to head off on a bicycle ride and hike to the Barnett Mine area, near Rock Spring.
Date: May 26, 2012, 12h16
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Primroses at my Mid Hills Campground campsite
I manage to sleep in until 10h30 this morning; I really needed the sleep. After a couple of cups of coffee, granola, nuts and vitamin C drink, I'm ready.
Date: May 26, 2012, 12h23
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All rides out of Mid Hills Campground start with Wild Horse Canyon Road, and I always enjoy the descent into Round Valley
It's not quite as easy to come back up though, when the 10-ton bike is loaded up. But I'm carrying no gear on today's day ride.
Date: May 26, 2012, 13h21
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I ride past a windmill in Round Valley on Black Canyon Road
You can see the remains of the old fence posts that burned in the 2005 brush fires, since replaced with a wire fence.
Date: May 26, 2012, 13h29
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I spot a Desert four o'clock blooming in Round Valley under a tree on the Black Canyon Cut-off Road
I've hardly seen any of these this year, unlike some other years.
Date: May 26, 2012, 13h44
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The short Black Canyon cut-off road is always a fun mountain-bike ride
Vehicles rarely use this part of the road.
Date: May 26, 2012, 13h46
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The dead coyote I passed on Cedar Canyon Road a few days ago is still there
But there's less of it now.
Date: May 26, 2012, 14h16
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The road to the Barnett Mine area, about 1.5 miles long, is rough and slightly uphill
Like most backcountry desert roads, it gets rougher as it gets closer to the end.
Date: May 26, 2012, 14h38
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A bit of assorted debris is scattered around at the end of the Barnett Mine Road
Perhaps a cabin was once here, and burned? Good view across the valley to Pinto Mountain.
Date: May 26, 2012, 14h49
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Have a seat and relax at the end of the Barnett Mine Road
This squarish area with char on the ground looks like a possible site of an old structure or cabin.
Date: May 26, 2012, 14h49
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I start walking up the trail to the old mine site: I see people over there--amazing
We don't meet, since they're walking in the other direction. I suspect they don't see me. I rarely run into people in the backcountry out here, but this location is an easy walk in from the historic Mojave Road, which is fairly well-traveled.
Date: May 26, 2012, 15h16
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I go for a walk past one of the mine shafts at Barnett Mine
I wonder if the shaft was once deeper, and has been since filled in for safety reasons.
Date: May 26, 2012, 15h20
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More mining remains at the Barnett Mine
Date: May 26, 2012, 15h22
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Time to explore a little: I climb up a hill behind the Barnett Mine and take a look at the panorama
Today's hike wasn't planned, so I'm just walking around and enjoying the surroundings.
Date: May 26, 2012, 15h43
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A row of vertical rocks outcrops above Barnett Mine frame a view of Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a prominent landmark visible from many parts of Mojave National Preserve.
Date: May 26, 2012, 15h48
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