Kelly's Camp Solo Backpacking Trip

Took off for a one night solo backpack trip to see a camp I had never been to yet, Kelly's Camp under Bighorn Peak. Looking forward to some solitude midweek. Kelly's camp is a high altitude camp from the 1920's that had several structures which strong willed city dwellers could hike to, but enjoy a "some-what" modern dwelling. 

| Video of my trip, click the play button |

All that is left today are a a few foundations & the imagination that this open corner in the woods has been enjoyed by thousands over the years.

I have done a portion of this trail up to Icehouse Saddle, but not the final push off to this portion of the mountains towards Ontario Peak. Trying to keep my pack weight down for a one person trip I managed 28 lbs with food and all. Knowing there would be water I opted to carry minimal water and filter along the way at the few springs. Trying to hike smarter, not harder.

After the almost 2700ft, 4 miles uphill climb to Icehouse Saddle I was sweating up a storm. After a break I took one of the 4 trails leading out from the saddle towards Ontario Peak. This was the new portion & it sure was stunning. The views of Baldy are well worth the extra .25 you could walk on this trail to get out of the trees.

Met a good man named Casear that worked for the Duarte Parks Dept and his son, Sean, out enjoying the woods for the night as well. Being the only gents in the woods that night, it was welcome to chat every so often.

The bugs during the day looked pretty bad, but the cool temps of the night & the 8,000+ elevation helped them subside. Morning sun had not crested before I opened my eyes, laying there deciding on if I should hike to the ridge for sunrise.

Around 4:55am I made the choice to get out of my sleeping bag and start getting ready to hike in the dark to the ridge. After a steep, dark, enjoyable hike I came upon a site that was well worth getting my butt out of bed.

| Since this trip, I returned the GSI Dualist & opted for a Snow Peak Titanium Solo Kit. Dropped almost two pounds |

After spending some time shooting video & photos, Caesar and his son showed up to enjoy the site of the clear sunrise towards the desert, with Los Angeles covered in a sea of clouds. In hindsight, I should had breakfast before heading out, I could then have pushed to one of the two summits.

All in all it was a great trip in the woods. Seeing some new areas of the forest & getting to know a bit more about myself in the process.

Joshua Tree - Black Rock & Indian Cove Camping

The stark coldness that blew in over the desert that first night sent all searching for our next warmer layer, but returning thankfully to our most highly attended fire pit to date. Don't let the beauty of the above photo fool your, this was taken at dawn, hovering around 28 degrees in long johns and a snow jacket.

Black Rock campground was our first nights destination with a large contingent of new friends that had come to celebrate our friend Stephanie's 25h birthday. After a wonderful sunset hike to a great view of the desert valley, we set in to make dinner and keep warm amongst the gusty winds that had plagued that day.

 

| Georgette is in the green one sleeping! Never cold again |

 This was the first trip where Georgette & I got to use most of our new gear, down mummy sleeping bags, ultralight tents & fleece layers, camping for the 21st century! The luxury of the new sleeping bags may have sealed the deal and spoiled me for the rest of my camping days. I will never buy anything else.

| Black Rock, Joshua Tree |

 The group had collectively spent about 10 days total in Joshua Tree from what I gathered. I myself only spending about 3 days, I think, more than a decade ago. Therefore, Carlos was the captain of this trip. He led us on a wonderful scenic drive through a portion of the park to a wonderful peak in the middle of the high desert with 360 degree views.

| View out of the tent, second night |

In my opinion the hike up the mountain and down was almost more exciting than the actual summit. On a nice 2 mile uphill trek, we cross snow and ice while looking out over the rock ruins amongst the cacti. Curving into a wind blown canyon amongst my favorite section of craggy cliff hanging boulders.

 

| Loving two doors on new tent | 

| Mom's Tibetan prayer flags always hanging in the tent now |

After reaching the summit of Ryan Mountain, we said farewell to some of the group that heading back for Los Angeles, while the other took to a new campsite in a different region of the park. One thing I learned on this trip is how vast Joshua Tree National Park is. There really is endless sights & really wilderness danger. God forbid anyone who vacations here in the Summer.

 

| ABOVE: 28 Minute Exposure / F22 |

The photo above & below was our site for the second night. A STUNNINGLY secluded spot on the edge of a campground looking out into the vast desert, blocked by a wind carved stone. Our whole group, the six that were left, were in total awe at our site for the night. Carlos had scored big time, thanks trip leader.

| Campsite 18, Indian Cove, Joshua Tree |

Not only was the campground stupendous, Carlos had chosen this spot due to it's proximity to a great caving location. Hidden amongst the boulders in the picture below is a wonderful cavern that will take you from crawling like a lizard, to standing tall in a open rock crevasses.

After only a few days in the desert, our normally mountain bound troupe, had been won over by the inland landscape of our wonderful state. There really is endless bounty of sights & sounds within a few hundred miles of the city we call home.

| Pre-Dawn, Joshua Tree |

"One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind." - Dorothea Lange