Dannnnngggg! that's some terrible traffic! You should have just drove up the steep hill at 8:05. Haha, your onscreen presence is quite hilarious! Good job on making lemonade out of lemons and finding camp. Moodz is such a great dude! 21:50 sweet driving Nori! 25:15 that's the reward for climbing up! Big Horn Sheep! Good Episode guys!
Traffic had me thinking all sorts of funky life questions. Glad those didn't get recorded 😉. Thanks for your support Jon. Content creators can make something out of nothing. Milk that personality!
We where there a couple of weeks ago. Rocks are there but it seems the rocks have been pushed down The water was half way up our tires which are 37 inch.
It was good it was filled. It got too deep. I did it when it was 32-33 inches deep. Wound up replacing my starter. Vehicles aren't made for that depth. You need differential breathers, transmission breathers, transfer case breathers. If you want that depth fine have a bypass. I had a 3.5 inch lift and 275 tires. Hence clearance. The following year the depth was 36 inches. I turned around. Not worth it. Glad someone filled it.
I use to spend a lot of time in Afton when the water crossing was inches. That was 30 years ago. The water crossing was created artificially over the past 30 years due to traffic while water is running. The water is shallow on either side of the crossing. Seems like nothing more than trail maintenance on road damage from overuse. I am personally greatful to the workers for repairing the trail damage and putting the river crossing back to its historical state of a shallow crossing.
@@BorderlineExplorer I remember the first time I saw that river crossing and thought "wow they really let it fall apart ". I use to drive up and down that canyon in my stock 2x4 Toyota with no ground clearance in the 80s and 90s. I spent many nights at the campground while exploring that area. My dad explored it before that in the 60s and 70s. The water crossing was something easily crossed with a passanger car. Notice that the river is really shallow anywhere else. Now to use the campground and enjoy the campground, you need a vehicle that can drive through 36 inches of water. What a bummer. Due to lack of maintenance, the canyon has been shut off to those without a modified 4x4 or be willing to drive the distance around cave mountain. As an overlander myself, I try to tread lightly and appreciate when damage is repaired. If we are really concerned about leaving it better than before, we would add a rock each time we crossed ;-)
@@dougg8280 Afton Canyon has become a new exploration site for us. Been there twice now, each time experiencing something new and different. In 20 years the next social media vlogger will say the river crossing is getting destroyed by rocks pushed aside from vehicular travel. I guess it depends when we enter into the picture. One thing we definitely agree on is preserving the land. Hope to one day bring kids and family to enjoy Afton Canyon. Really glad you commented, Doug. You're an eye opener.
I did the crossing in a stock rubicon when it was deep. Yeah its cool, but man, my jeep smelled bad for over a month. I only did it cause backtracking would have been a pain. They should have the crossing, but I wish they had a bridge or something for those of us who want to avoid it.
Bucket list water crossing? What a crock. That thing was so deep from the ruts of all the 4x4ers that it was not able to be crossed by the average vehicle. It used to be you could cross anywhere down there, but then the BLM put in the fence forcing all crossers into that singular area, creating deep ruts. The rocks were put in (I thought by the BLM, but whatever) and now more people can cross and enjoy the Mojave Trail in its entirety instead of having to bail out at Kelbaker Rd. You want to watch a movie? Stay home. You want to camp? Hit the Mojave Trail and enjoy the fact you won't have water up to your knees in your non-lifted 4x4. (Which, btw, would be plenty fine for the rest of the Trail.)
kinda funny/sad to think about this video a few years later... at the time, people were upset that the deep crossing was made so much easier/// now any time it or the next crossing get any kind of depth even over 1 foot... people wimp out and go around destroying vegetation, tearing up fences and cutting barriers even... pathetic how weak everyone has become. all that money for a vehicle that can do anything and they are afraid to get a little mud on it....// i wish more people had that attitude of the guy who made this video, people should want those deep crossings....
I used to be a huge environmentalist. This would have made me very upset in my 20’s. Now these kind of outrages by environmentalists annoys me tbh. Perspective people… perspective.. I would just love a video where someone is standing in front of a valley or something, whining about some moved rocks, and an astroid just comes down and demolishes the valley, leaving the person to just stare at the futility of humanity and the idea that much of what we do effects anything in the way we think. If you want to be outraged, go after strip mining, or fracking, or the burning of the rainforest. Something that might actually matter. This is just silly to me.
The reason u were stuck in traffic and turned away and had to go in another Direction... there was a high speed chase with the guy stopping on the freeway (at the Lenwood Mall) shooting at cops.. yes, he was shot and killed. Yes, BNSF filled it in with rock but laid drainage pipe in the bottom first and then back filled with rock so the water still goes from side to side.. there is no way they could get off at the next exit and drive those trucks thru the river bottom without getting stuck. The 'slot' u went into was called Spooky Canyon..
It was a crazy few days. Appreciate the info! Hope even more information keeps turning up on the crossing. Do you know of other cool sites like Spooky Canyon in the area?
Hi Alan... it's been a long few months since I've seen footage of you out on the trails but glad to see that you're back at it again! Hope you and family are doing well with the ongoing pandemic and wild fires on the west coast. Your video content is always amazing and you haven't lost your touch on exceptional video editing👌.... that traffic though!!! What us men would go through to experience an amazing adventure lol. (Wonder what people were doing for restroom breaks?) 💭 Stay safe Alan and can't wait to see more of your awesome adventures!
Steve you changed your profile picture! We've been hunkering down and working on side projects but had the opportunity to have some small adventures recently. Hope all is well on your end 🙏. You're going to be part of these adventures one day!
They will not be able to remove the rocks. The rocks will get pushed further down as people go across. Also the Mojave River is a below ground river that surfaces from time from time and place to place, like the Amargosa River in Death Valley. I've been doing that since 1990 and it was looking like a safety hazard anyway. I seriously don't believe the rocks harmed the environment or any animals. The growth around the area looks like it didn't get damaged. It will soon return to normal. The river will reclaim it.
@@BorderlineExplorer Went to spooky canyon, megaphone landmark, dunes, lava tubes, some of the stone buildings (forgot the names of the two separate houses and the fort), and some few minor landmarks in the area. Seems like there’s a lot more cool places to visit, but driving around the desert for 3 days was exhausting 😂. Lots of cool stuff to see in the desert if you know where to go.
@@propheticextinction6077 we'll have a video up of the entire Mojave Road soon. Man I've yet to see the megaphone. Also heard of a snowboard on top of a sand dune. Gotta find that treasure of a spot!
@@BorderlineExplorer I never heard of the one under the bridge really changing. Tbh I prefer the one under the bridge over the first one because it’s a little bit more meticulous
Always wanted to Run this trail. I'm from barstow n back in the early 90s we took a dirt road from barstow to Vegas through the Desert. It wasn't Mojave Road it was a Motorcycle trails we followed. Had a blast Looking forward to hitting Mojave road this summer. Great video
This Mojave River crossing is U.P. Railroads right away. Its probably the only reason it still exist at all. You used to be able to drive straight down the riverbank when I first visited the area. Now all that access has been blocked by cable fences and barriers. Don't worry about the rocks in the crossing, they will be wiped out by the next flood we have on the Mojave River.
@@BorderlineExplorerThe water levels of the Mojave River are always fluctuating, depending on the amount of rain and season. There are some Mojave River flooding videos on CZcams you should check out.
@@shawnpacker7435 Also, the Mojave river is considered an underground river that only breaks the earth's surface in a handful of spots accessible by the public.
According to another CZcams channel the RR filled the river with rock because their trucks doing the RR Bridge were getting stuck there. The RR is planning to remove the rock from the river when the repair work on the bridge is completed. The RR may have an easement to get to the bridge.
You should also realize that the underside of vehicles are coated with toxic chemicals including undercoating, oil leaks, etc. When you cross a river these contaminants are washed onto the river. Elevating vehicles with rocks avoids this problem. As others have said, rocks armor the steam bed against further erosion. The rocks are not likely affecting other parts of the river.
So what's really funny is that I was the last truck to drive through the river before the trucks started dumping rocks. I have the video of my truck passing the gravel trucks and this really nice construction guy at first told us the road was closed but then allowed me to drive across. We even bottomed out because one truck actually already dumped his load and when we drove over the mound of rocks we scraped. We then came back through the river a few days later and talked with the same construction guy that told me I was the last truck to cross the river.
Awesome! Appreciate you connecting on IG. We also met a construction guy while we were there. Very cool and nice individual. You're the last one to cross! Can't believe you scraped! Experiences to be had, stories to be told. Stay awesome.
Just went through it yesterday. still gravel there :(. It was about a foot deep now. So not as bad when you were there. But still not what it should be/used to be.
Wow, did you see a white WJ with a big antenna, if so that was me. Crossed west bound at about 8 pm. Only other vehicle I saw yesterday was near the mailbox, a red wrangler!
@@BorderlineExplorer According to NWS, Mid Hills got down to 26°F. I was in a Teton +20°F sleeping bag. I have found this bag to be comfortable down to about 30°. I was on the verge of switching to my 5° Mountain Hardware mummy, my GF switched shortly after going to bed. I will tend to side on the cooler bag. It's easier to warm up than cool down, once you've overheated and are sweating. Too cold to open the bag up, but too warm to keep it closed. I feel two bags are a necessity. I'm in a canvas RTT with 3" of memory foam. Switching to a canvas tent has made all the difference in the world. It is much quieter and dryer than a nylon tent. We did remove the rain fly, because of the wind. Mid Hills, CA 28 Feb 5:51 AM TMP 26 °F DP -1 RH 30% WC 15 °F Wind NNW 13 MPH Gust 35 MPH www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowest/getobext.php?wfo=vef&sid=MDHC1&num=72&raw=0
Erin, appreciate the update. Happy to hear there is a lot of water during this spring season. Maybe even some flooding! I wonder how low it'll get late summer. Will probably go back and see later this year.
@@freedomnatureman8761 Whoa welcome to the party! It was right after that JTree trip I decided to start this CZcams Channel. That's 4 of us with channels now!
@@Spankymf When we went during Thanksgiving, some rocks were pushed aside but still a shallow crossing. Check out our Adventure Vlog 2! Recently there was huge rainfall so current condition could have changed again.
I'm scheduled to hit the Mojave in two weeks but I planned out going to 40E instead then head up 95N and cut across the Mojave. Five hours of traffic would drive me crazy, I stay away from 15N as much as possible. Thanks for sharing and Great info.
Oh man, I'm in a similar boat with a new channel and improving my wheeling. Welcome to the Borderline Fam. I'll DM you on Instagram about upcoming trips!
I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the channel, Jaime. The slot canyon is known as Spooky Canyon or Spooky Cave. I've heard it called both. From the river, it is about 3.6 miles heading East on the Mojave Road.
Jaime, also if you enjoyed this trip, we hit Afton Canyon again for Vlog #2! Check out our Thanksgiving Run into Travelers Monument, Spooky Canyon again, and into North Barstow. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Dude we were stuck in the same traffic, however we were maybe a mile before the turn around. End up doing an off roading trail to get around the 15s on our way to Valley of Fire in Nevada. I had to pee so bad haha.
@@BorderlineExplorer Valley of Fire is awesome! Some awesome area to explore and hike. Going to make a YT video of the time there soon, but my IG has all the pics of our trip.
We went through there on motorcycles April 2021 and after the filled in crossing there was the second area where there’s usually a little water under the bridge just to the East. The time we went the water there was pretty deep. How was that area when you went?
I'm actually in Vegas visiting family right now too! Had to pass by the same section on the 15 from LA. Zipped by the entire section in a minute but talk about trauma! 😄
We are planning Oregon/Washington sometime this month! Hoping it will pan out! If not, maybe early next month. Appreciate your kind words. Will produce more fun content for you. If we head north, does this mean you'll join the caravan?
Reminds me of that one time it took 3hrs to go from Alhambra to City of Industry because an overturned big rig on the 10 east at the 605.....that was probably 10yrs ago and I am still traumatized lol
CO is losing trails too? I don't think this generation off roads as much as the previous but popularity has recently been gaining since "overlanding" became trendy. Hopefully they can allocate some funds to the Forest Service soon.
When I was a kid .. we scaled that wall with no rope and in cowboy boots. But before social media a lot of that area was barely traveled and there was a lot less people driving the Mojave road
I'd love to hear more about how things were back then. Our generation isn't as tough, for sure, but the excitement and fun along the Mojave Road is just as real and genuine. Did you grow up in the area?
@@BorderlineExplorer I'm from barstow. And I'm not that old lol. Also. When I heard the water crossing got filled in. I knew it was the railroad . There are some cool things to check out around there , like graves .
Yes we are 4x4. As long as it isn't muddy I think a lot of it is easier dirt road. Time to time things can get sandy. In 2WD I'd always recommend going with another vehicle in case you need to recover each other.
@@Eyepod24 just spent last weekend there. The river is still filled with rocks but not as bad as it looked in this video. Not sure if some have been removed. Over all water level is about 12” deep give or take. Made it in my 2wd 4Runner with no lockers or anything. So it’s cool because you can get across with ease but is not the true integrity of the river still. Regardless still do go out and enjoy it! It was really windy last weekend so just a heads up, prepare accordingly to the weather. Safe travels 👋🏻
Hmm good thought.. though worker said it was to move heavy equipment it could also have been for fire access. Would make sense to ask BLM before dropping rocks though.
@@BorderlineExplorer I’m going to explore the area next weekend thanks to your informative and humorous video. I’m excited to see the area, explore, and find my own big horn poop
Hi Michael, I heard from others the opposite happened before 10+ yrs ago and people freaked out when all the rocks were getting shoved away creating a deep water crossing. Aha maybe we were a little too sensational. Just shocked our fun water crossing is now gone.
Those rocks are probably better for the river by reducing erosion and reducing the amount of sediment being kicked up into the water by vehicles constantly driving through it. Not a big deal IMO.
I've heard there were cycles of fillings and floodings that removed the rocks. Maybe this is just one of those cycles. Still would have been nice to receive some notice 🥲
Yes, you could have bypassed all that on I-40 to Yermo Rd. Or on 66 to old 58 out out of the backside of Barstow on Ft. Irwin Rd. To Yermo Cutoff. You don't know how to use google earth???? And in case you haven't noticed, water is still flowing over & throught those rocks. That's what water does. The first time it floods that will all be covered. That too is what water does.
A sticky situation to get out of once all traffic is stopped. We don't really use Navi unless we get lost. Side roads were also heavily backed up. I'm not an ecologist and don't know the effects of the rocks but throughout schooling I've learned ecosystems can be sensitive.
Railroad filled it in to provide access for their equipment to do repairs. This is what I've been told. Hopefully they will dredge it when work is completed.
Aha welcome 🙏 you're borderline family now. Some of the next videos have already been recorded but I'm digging this new vlog style. Probably will continue doing so. Feedback has been positive!
End of Mojave road will happen faster because some will never understand the meaning of “tread lightly”. Mojave road is not a Baja wannabe racing spot. We keep hoping for better experience.
Wow, typical contract work mentality of get it done as quickly and fast as possible w/o much concern for anything outside of what affects the job. Trying my best not to be cynical but the construction company won't remove those rocks unless the local BLM makes them (additional work they won't get "paid" for, but hopefully avoiding a hefty fine will convince them it is worth their time), so hopefully they stay on the company about it. Excellent video. You had some crazy patience there at the beginning, sitting in traffic is the absolute worst! Really cool seeing the wall there at the end also. Thank you for sharing this. Your channel and Jon's continue to put out great content and I see your channel growing fast. I can't wait to get a rig to start more offroad exploring adventures with my family.
You're absolutely right. It doesn't make sense for them to remove the rocks unless there is a fine. I've heard rumors they WILL receive a fine but am not posting any info until verified. Your support motivates me to continue producing videos. Glad you enjoyed the vlog, Dave.
Hey Tony, thanks for checking out the channel. 1. We have volunteers willing to move the rocks aside. 2. Received word to sit back and let BLM take care of it. 3. Railroad company did not get permission to drop rocks and restore the area. 4. Last I heard in mid Jan 2021 rocks still there. My last trip to Afton Canyon for Thanksgiving was great. That video is live! Crossing got deeper from vehicular travel, but still passable in passenger cars.
Lol maybe not for the hardcore crew. I really wanted to run the entire Mojave Trail, take 4-5 days to explore the area/see the scenery, and cross the river at the end to conclude the trip.
Humm... A whole lot of fuss over nothing. All this posturing about ecology, cultural damage, whinging about your 4x4 play time. Why the hell don't you don a cape and proclaim yourself a superhero. The rock fill is temporary, and will be removed once essential work has been completed. These measures have been done before, without any lasting impact. And, it has been done in accordance of laws and ordinances. So dry the crocodile tears, pull your socks up, and get on with life.
We're no superheros. No need for capes but differing perspectives are welcome. We also heard the rock fill was temporary. Also heard it wasn't. Many stories going around. BLM says one thing, rail workers say another. Appreciate your comment, Colin. You do you and keep the shiny side up.
"dig it out" & make the road impassable again so BLM will have an excuse to close it? Seriously, what is Wrong with you people? Without the rocks, your trip would have been over.
This river crossing is famous in the overland community. Yes, vehicles have died here 😥. Different times of the year have different levels of depth to this crossing. I wouldn't attempt after spring, only after summer. 3 days before the footage the rocks weren't there and many of us passed through just fine. BLM Barstow was unhappy to hear the crossing had been filled in.
It's literally a couple feet of water, a stock Subaru can make it through, with ease....any vehicle which can't make it through that simple water crossing, shouldnt be out there in the first place...
"Ecological damage" --- What about the oil and pollutants that make their way into the water from the vehicles that cross it? You are worried about damage from rocks... Lol.
The actual ecological damage was in the creation of the water crossing. It is not a natural depression and has only been there recently. It is the result of traffic disterbing the soil while water washes it away. Notice that the water crossing is only deep along the road? Either side of the crossing it is a shallow river. The crossing is really nothing more than trail damage. The railroad simply repaired the damage.
Dannnnngggg! that's some terrible traffic! You should have just drove up the steep hill at 8:05. Haha, your onscreen presence is quite hilarious! Good job on making lemonade out of lemons and finding camp. Moodz is such a great dude! 21:50 sweet driving Nori! 25:15 that's the reward for climbing up! Big Horn Sheep! Good Episode guys!
Traffic had me thinking all sorts of funky life questions. Glad those didn't get recorded 😉. Thanks for your support Jon. Content creators can make something out of nothing. Milk that personality!
We where there a couple of weeks ago. Rocks are there but it seems the rocks have been pushed down
The water was half way up our tires which are 37 inch.
I like the rocks. Less chance of hydro locking your engine.
Its better now, chill
Actually the crossing was only a few inches deep 30 years ago. All the traffic through there wallowed it out.
Water flows thru the rocks bro don’t worry.
It was good it was filled. It got too deep. I did it when it was 32-33 inches deep. Wound up replacing my starter. Vehicles aren't made for that depth. You need differential breathers, transmission breathers, transfer case breathers. If you want that depth fine have a bypass. I had a 3.5 inch lift and 275 tires. Hence clearance. The following year the depth was 36 inches. I turned around. Not worth it. Glad someone filled it.
It's downed many vehicles. After the rainy season, water levels were at around 3ft as you've stated. The risk for damage is certainly there!!
I use to spend a lot of time in Afton when the water crossing was inches. That was 30 years ago. The water crossing was created artificially over the past 30 years due to traffic while water is running. The water is shallow on either side of the crossing. Seems like nothing more than trail maintenance on road damage from overuse. I am personally greatful to the workers for repairing the trail damage and putting the river crossing back to its historical state of a shallow crossing.
Doug, this is very interesting! A blessing in disguise for some. Thank you for sharing, it gives us a bigger picture to look at.
@@BorderlineExplorer I remember the first time I saw that river crossing and thought "wow they really let it fall apart
". I use to drive up and down that canyon in my stock 2x4 Toyota with no ground clearance in the 80s and 90s. I spent many nights at the campground while exploring that area. My dad explored it before that in the 60s and 70s. The water crossing was something easily crossed with a passanger car. Notice that the river is really shallow anywhere else. Now to use the campground and enjoy the campground, you need a vehicle that can drive through 36 inches of water. What a bummer. Due to lack of maintenance, the canyon has been shut off to those without a modified 4x4 or be willing to drive the distance around cave mountain.
As an overlander myself, I try to tread lightly and appreciate when damage is repaired. If we are really concerned about leaving it better than before, we would add a rock each time we crossed ;-)
@@dougg8280 Afton Canyon has become a new exploration site for us. Been there twice now, each time experiencing something new and different. In 20 years the next social media vlogger will say the river crossing is getting destroyed by rocks pushed aside from vehicular travel. I guess it depends when we enter into the picture. One thing we definitely agree on is preserving the land. Hope to one day bring kids and family to enjoy Afton Canyon. Really glad you commented, Doug. You're an eye opener.
Now is my chance to gross the Mojave River in my Prius. I too, am borderline.
That's a borderline great idea 💡
noooo don't gross it bro
With ease
I did the crossing in a stock rubicon when it was deep. Yeah its cool, but man, my jeep smelled bad for over a month. I only did it cause backtracking would have been a pain. They should have the crossing, but I wish they had a bridge or something for those of us who want to avoid it.
Why did water get in your carpet?
@@Theshoota420 it’s unavoidable. Your vehicle isn’t water proof, especially a jeep.
@@FalconMe I see with I have 35s and a 4inch lift so I been good on water crossing.no water inside.lucky I guess
@@Theshoota420 I did it completely stock and I was submerged a lot. Not trying to discourage anyone just sharing my experience.
Bucket list water crossing? What a crock. That thing was so deep from the ruts of all the 4x4ers that it was not able to be crossed by the average vehicle. It used to be you could cross anywhere down there, but then the BLM put in the fence forcing all crossers into that singular area, creating deep ruts. The rocks were put in (I thought by the BLM, but whatever) and now more people can cross and enjoy the Mojave Trail in its entirety instead of having to bail out at Kelbaker Rd. You want to watch a movie? Stay home. You want to camp? Hit the Mojave Trail and enjoy the fact you won't have water up to your knees in your non-lifted 4x4. (Which, btw, would be plenty fine for the rest of the Trail.)
Isn't it interesting people have different bucket lists? Appreciate your input.
It's not fun if it's not deep buy a jeep be a man
They did this about 10 years ago. Eventually with enough vehicle traffic the rocks get pushed back into the mud.
Very interesting 👌. Didn't know this occurred before.
always enjoy your videos , nice!
Thanks for always coming back for more, Todd!
4 hours and still smiling, much props to you my man. ‘Friendly Guy Offroad’
kinda funny/sad to think about this video a few years later... at the time, people were upset that the deep crossing was made so much easier/// now any time it or the next crossing get any kind of depth even over 1 foot... people wimp out and go around destroying vegetation, tearing up fences and cutting barriers even... pathetic how weak everyone has become. all that money for a vehicle that can do anything and they are afraid to get a little mud on it....// i wish more people had that attitude of the guy who made this video, people should want those deep crossings....
I used to be a huge environmentalist. This would have made me very upset in my 20’s. Now these kind of outrages by environmentalists annoys me tbh. Perspective people… perspective.. I would just love a video where someone is standing in front of a valley or something, whining about some moved rocks, and an astroid just comes down and demolishes the valley, leaving the person to just stare at the futility of humanity and the idea that much of what we do effects anything in the way we think. If you want to be outraged, go after strip mining, or fracking, or the burning of the rainforest. Something that might actually matter. This is just silly to me.
The reason u were stuck in traffic and turned away and had to go in another Direction... there was a high speed chase with the guy stopping on the freeway (at the Lenwood Mall) shooting at cops.. yes, he was shot and killed. Yes, BNSF filled it in with rock but laid drainage pipe in the bottom first and then back filled with rock so the water still goes from side to side.. there is no way they could get off at the next exit and drive those trucks thru the river bottom without getting stuck. The 'slot' u went into was called Spooky Canyon..
It was a crazy few days. Appreciate the info! Hope even more information keeps turning up on the crossing. Do you know of other cool sites like Spooky Canyon in the area?
Hi Alan... it's been a long few months since I've seen footage of you out on the trails but glad to see that you're back at it again! Hope you and family are doing well with the ongoing pandemic and wild fires on the west coast. Your video content is always amazing and you haven't lost your touch on exceptional video editing👌.... that traffic though!!! What us men would go through to experience an amazing adventure lol. (Wonder what people were doing for restroom breaks?) 💭 Stay safe Alan and can't wait to see more of your awesome adventures!
Steve you changed your profile picture! We've been hunkering down and working on side projects but had the opportunity to have some small adventures recently. Hope all is well on your end 🙏. You're going to be part of these adventures one day!
Good riddance! Hydro locked my XJ on 33’s and 4.5 lift on the first crossing! January 2018
Crossed this so many times it’s in my backyard basically. It’s pretty deep again. Been some heavy rains this year
They will not be able to remove the rocks. The rocks will get pushed further down as people go across. Also the Mojave River is a below ground river that surfaces from time from time and place to place, like the Amargosa River in Death Valley. I've been doing that since 1990 and it was looking like a safety hazard anyway. I seriously don't believe the rocks harmed the environment or any animals. The growth around the area looks like it didn't get damaged. It will soon return to normal. The river will reclaim it.
Appreciate the insight! I heard flooding happens in the area once in a while. No doubt the river will reclaim it. 👍
Went here recently, it’s fine now. Water looking great.
Awesome! Did you have a the opportunity to run the entire Mojave Road or just the Afton side?
@@BorderlineExplorer Went to spooky canyon, megaphone landmark, dunes, lava tubes, some of the stone buildings (forgot the names of the two separate houses and the fort), and some few minor landmarks in the area. Seems like there’s a lot more cool places to visit, but driving around the desert for 3 days was exhausting 😂. Lots of cool stuff to see in the desert if you know where to go.
@@propheticextinction6077 we'll have a video up of the entire Mojave Road soon. Man I've yet to see the megaphone. Also heard of a snowboard on top of a sand dune. Gotta find that treasure of a spot!
How deep would you estimate?
@@JMark-zk5pj Water in April was about 8-12 inches for the crossing and maybe double that in the other crossing underneath the bridge.
Any one have any updates? Is there still rocks?
It’s a little better now it’s like a foot deep now it also really depends on the amount of rain too. The second crossing is still crazy tho
I'm surprised at the water level under the bridge! That section was unexpectedly deep. Glad things are returning back.
@@BorderlineExplorer I never heard of the one under the bridge really changing. Tbh I prefer the one under the bridge over the first one because it’s a little bit more meticulous
@@NateNah there are times it is just a puddle. Optional. A few weeks ago people were losing their license plates through it 😂
Always wanted to Run this trail. I'm from barstow n back in the early 90s we took a dirt road from barstow to Vegas through the Desert. It wasn't Mojave Road it was a Motorcycle trails we followed. Had a blast
Looking forward to hitting Mojave road this summer. Great video
I would say that's just about all of the information everyone needs regarding the Mojave River Crossing. Great vid.
Thanks! I wonder what next steps will be. Moodz will be the first to hear from BLM.
This Mojave River crossing is U.P. Railroads right away. Its probably the only reason it still exist at all. You used to be able to drive straight down the riverbank when I first visited the area. Now all that access has been blocked by cable fences and barriers. Don't worry about the rocks in the crossing, they will be wiped out by the next flood we have on the Mojave River.
True, area is all barred up. How deep did the river run? Was it ever faster flowing?
@@BorderlineExplorerThe water levels of the Mojave River are always fluctuating, depending on the amount of rain and season. There are some Mojave River flooding videos on CZcams you should check out.
@@shawnpacker7435 Also, the Mojave river is considered an underground river that only breaks the earth's surface in a handful of spots accessible by the public.
According to another CZcams channel the RR filled the river with rock because their trucks doing the RR Bridge were getting stuck there. The RR is planning to remove the rock from the river when the repair work on the bridge is completed. The RR may have an easement to get to the bridge.
Yes, appreciate the confirmation. The worker we met on site said the same. They needed easier access so the crossing was filled.
Only in California is driving through water a "bucket list" thing
So true. Well, part of it was just completing the entire Mojave road & celebrating with the crossing.
Nice vid. Seeing that Big Horn was awesome! I ain't climbing that rock wall though.
No problem. We climbed the wall for you! Is that you, Jeff?
Yup, that would be Jeff. Lol
Awesome video!
Thank you for your support!
You should also realize that the underside of vehicles are coated with toxic chemicals including undercoating, oil leaks, etc. When you cross a river these contaminants are washed onto the river. Elevating vehicles with rocks avoids this problem. As others have said, rocks armor the steam bed against further erosion. The rocks are not likely affecting other parts of the river.
So what's really funny is that I was the last truck to drive through the river before the trucks started dumping rocks. I have the video of my truck passing the gravel trucks and this really nice construction guy at first told us the road was closed but then allowed me to drive across. We even bottomed out because one truck actually already dumped his load and when we drove over the mound of rocks we scraped. We then came back through the river a few days later and talked with the same construction guy that told me I was the last truck to cross the river.
Awesome! Appreciate you connecting on IG. We also met a construction guy while we were there. Very cool and nice individual. You're the last one to cross! Can't believe you scraped! Experiences to be had, stories to be told. Stay awesome.
Scraping in the middle of a water crossing is excellent I can do without! LOL!
Man, I definitely would have gone insane in that traffic- but I haaaate it when people drive on the shoulder!!
Homemade SPIKE STRIP 😋
Rolled through the river crossing west bound about 8pm on Feb 28, 2021. The rocks are still there!
Thank you for the update! Even without a deep crossing, Afton Canyon is still plenty of fun.
Another great video! Thanks for sharing.. Cheers from Redondo Beach, CA.
Whoa, just had a great walk today at Redondo. Hello Neighbor!
Just went through it yesterday. still gravel there :(. It was about a foot deep now. So not as bad when you were there. But still not what it should be/used to be.
The Mojave Road has so much more than a deep crossing though. Love the area, definitely going back!!
Wow, did you see a white WJ with a big antenna, if so that was me. Crossed west bound at about 8 pm. Only other vehicle I saw yesterday was near the mailbox, a red wrangler!
Spent the night at the rocks north of Mid Hills CG. COLD AND WINDY! won't do that in the winter again!
@@markcarpenter3600 I've been testing different sleeping bags for cold weather. What temps did it hit?
@@BorderlineExplorer According to NWS, Mid Hills got down to 26°F. I was in a Teton +20°F sleeping bag. I have found this bag to be comfortable down to about 30°. I was on the verge of switching to my 5° Mountain Hardware mummy, my GF switched shortly after going to bed.
I will tend to side on the cooler bag. It's easier to warm up than cool down, once you've overheated and are sweating. Too cold to open the bag up, but too warm to keep it closed. I feel two bags are a necessity.
I'm in a canvas RTT with 3" of memory foam. Switching to a canvas tent has made all the difference in the world. It is much quieter and dryer than a nylon tent. We did remove the rain fly, because of the wind.
Mid Hills, CA
28 Feb 5:51 AM
TMP 26 °F
DP -1
RH 30%
WC 15 °F
Wind NNW 13 MPH
Gust 35 MPH
www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowest/getobext.php?wfo=vef&sid=MDHC1&num=72&raw=0
Great vid and awesome how you guys take care of our free land! Keep the vids coming
Appreciate your kind words, Ventura.
Such nature, such adventure.
Many traffic. Wow. Such fascinate.
We did this crossing 2 weeks ago. It is very much still a river crossing. Just not nearly as deep as it once was... it’s not 3ft deep.
Erin, appreciate the update. Happy to hear there is a lot of water during this spring season. Maybe even some flooding! I wonder how low it'll get late summer. Will probably go back and see later this year.
Great video bro.
Appreciate it, Jovani.
Awesome Video! 👏🏼 🦅
Thanks! Is that you, Christian?
@@BorderlineExplorer Hey! It sure is me lol This is my new CZcams Channel 🦅
@@freedomnatureman8761 Whoa welcome to the party! It was right after that JTree trip I decided to start this CZcams Channel. That's 4 of us with channels now!
Great trip. Great video.
Glad to hear it 👍 Appreciate your support.
We just went through it 4 weeks ago and it was filled too! :( Thanks for looking into this!
This weekend we are returning to check up on the area and camp around.
@@BorderlineExplorer any updates?
@@Spankymf When we went during Thanksgiving, some rocks were pushed aside but still a shallow crossing. Check out our Adventure Vlog 2! Recently there was huge rainfall so current condition could have changed again.
@@BorderlineExplorer Cool thanks, never been there but I was planning on going soon only to find out it got filled.
@@Spankymf there is still a lot to see in the area! Spooky Canyon and Travelers Monument being my favorite.
I'm scheduled to hit the Mojave in two weeks but I planned out going to 40E instead then head up 95N and cut across the Mojave. Five hours of traffic would drive me crazy, I stay away from 15N as much as possible. Thanks for sharing and Great info.
Robby, not a bad idea. I sometimes take that quieter route as well going back and forth from Vegas.
Nice video bro! I hope I can join you guys in one of these trips! This my first year offroading and youtube.
Oh man, I'm in a similar boat with a new channel and improving my wheeling. Welcome to the Borderline Fam. I'll DM you on Instagram about upcoming trips!
A rite of passage. Baptism
Or at the very least, a cleansing of all the dirt from finishing 130+ miles of Mojave Road.
Thank you love the video and the info 👍 ??? Is the slot know as a different name and how far from the River/ bridge is the Slot ?? Thank again
I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the channel, Jaime. The slot canyon is known as Spooky Canyon or Spooky Cave. I've heard it called both. From the river, it is about 3.6 miles heading East on the Mojave Road.
Jaime, also if you enjoyed this trip, we hit Afton Canyon again for Vlog #2! Check out our Thanksgiving Run into Travelers Monument, Spooky Canyon again, and into North Barstow. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
@@BorderlineExplorer Thank you 🙏🏻 I might hit this trail sometime next month. I been spending time in the Anza-Borrego Spring area.
@@wildjac13 I don't know how cold Anza-B is right now but Afton Canyon was pretty nippy! Temps in the teens at night. Have fun on your trip.
Dude we were stuck in the same traffic, however we were maybe a mile before the turn around. End up doing an off roading trail to get around the 15s on our way to Valley of Fire in Nevada. I had to pee so bad haha.
You know our pain!! How was the Valley of Fire? I'm having a family gathering next month near Vegas and we plan to hit it up!
@@BorderlineExplorer Valley of Fire is awesome! Some awesome area to explore and hike. Going to make a YT video of the time there soon, but my IG has all the pics of our trip.
@@Michael_Tran can you send me the Instagram handle?
And this is why I plan on having a CB on the rig also so I can chat with the truckers
We went through there on motorcycles April 2021 and after the filled in crossing there was the second area where there’s usually a little water under the bridge just to the East. The time we went the water there was pretty deep. How was that area when you went?
The railroad always has right if way,even if they really don’t.no ones pockets are deeper
Unfortunate reality. Recently went back to the crossing, still filled in.
I sat in that traffic when I came to visit my family. It was miserable
I'm actually in Vegas visiting family right now too! Had to pass by the same section on the 15 from LA. Zipped by the entire section in a minute but talk about trauma! 😄
Thanks for being our own inside news reporter
My pleasure. We make a trip out of it too!
Just discovered your channel. Good content. Keep up the good work. Y'all need to hit up Northern California or Central Oregon!
We are planning Oregon/Washington sometime this month! Hoping it will pan out! If not, maybe early next month. Appreciate your kind words. Will produce more fun content for you. If we head north, does this mean you'll join the caravan?
@@BorderlineExplorer For sure! Hit me up when you guys head up north. I'll be in central Oregon at the end of the month with Primal Outdoors.
@@vibolbou5903 nice! You rock!!
Reminds me of that one time it took 3hrs to go from Alhambra to City of Industry because an overturned big rig on the 10 east at the 605.....that was probably 10yrs ago and I am still traumatized lol
Traumatized is definitely the right word! Overturning a big rig.. what a mess!
Hello neighbor, I’m in MPK.
is Colorado they just keep closing forest service roads and trails under the guise of “lack of funds”
CO is losing trails too? I don't think this generation off roads as much as the previous but popularity has recently been gaining since "overlanding" became trendy. Hopefully they can allocate some funds to the Forest Service soon.
What am I going to do with my dorkel now???
🤣
When I was a kid .. we scaled that wall with no rope and in cowboy boots. But before social media a lot of that area was barely traveled and there was a lot less people driving the Mojave road
I'd love to hear more about how things were back then. Our generation isn't as tough, for sure, but the excitement and fun along the Mojave Road is just as real and genuine. Did you grow up in the area?
@@BorderlineExplorer I'm from barstow. And I'm not that old lol. Also. When I heard the water crossing got filled in. I knew it was the railroad . There are some cool things to check out around there , like graves .
@@marrieddezertrat oh my bad! I see. We explored a bit north of Barstow and saw lots of crosses with names along the highway. So much history to see.
@@BorderlineExplorer if thats along ft Irwin road then that's all the people who die on the road. Sad
@@marrieddezertrat yes, it would be those. There were names and years. It was surreal to drive for miles seeing these crosses
That might be the doing of the Legion to try and capture people to make them slaves. My advice is always carry weapons and also inform the NCR.
Omg gave me a great laugh. Thank you!
@@BorderlineExplorer No problem!
It might be better for the ecology. The water can still pass through and it probably keeps more oils and vehicle fluids from getting into the water.
It might very well be. Lots of rainfall and snow recently. I wonder if the area flooded?
@@BorderlineExplorer im headed out that way this weekend so we will see
Is your car 4x4 can a 2wd drive make that trail i have a tahoe 6in lift with 33in tires ??
Yes we are 4x4. As long as it isn't muddy I think a lot of it is easier dirt road. Time to time things can get sandy. In 2WD I'd always recommend going with another vehicle in case you need to recover each other.
Any updates if conditions are still the same out there?
I'm sorry, we haven't been out there in a while. Last we heard, rocks still there making for easier crossing.
@@BorderlineExplorer I’m going to head out there this weekend. I will report back with updates sir.
@@strayhorserecords Thank you Daniel. I'm sure everyone in the comments section would appreciate it as well.
@@strayhorserecords Daniel, Any updates for us? I will be running this trail next week. Thanks!!
@@Eyepod24 just spent last weekend there. The river is still filled with rocks but not as bad as it looked in this video. Not sure if some have been removed. Over all water level is about 12” deep give or take. Made it in my 2wd 4Runner with no lockers or anything. So it’s cool because you can get across with ease but is not the true integrity of the river still. Regardless still do go out and enjoy it! It was really windy last weekend so just a heads up, prepare accordingly to the weather. Safe travels 👋🏻
Perhaps for the fire access?
Hmm good thought.. though worker said it was to move heavy equipment it could also have been for fire access. Would make sense to ask BLM before dropping rocks though.
You genuinely looked cold the next morning. Lesson learned with the shorts haha
I always tell myself that, but never learn. Next Adventure Vlog is out! Still wearing shorts.
@@BorderlineExplorer hahaha!! Checking it out next for sure! Any updates if the rocks have been removed? Or will I find out in the next video?
@@strayhorserecords Rocks are still here~ We are stuck on standby until BLM contacts us. Our last trip (Thanksgiving weekend), rocks still there.
@@BorderlineExplorer I’m going to explore the area next weekend thanks to your informative and humorous video. I’m excited to see the area, explore, and find my own big horn poop
Sounds like a real critical problem--glad you guys are on the case 🙄
We lost the deep water crossing but looks like there are many viewpoints on the issue. Glad more of the story comes out as time passes.
That rock isn't cheap.
Yeah, someone had to front that cost of transportation and material.
What is the update on it? Did they get a fine of putting all the rocks in the river? And did they dig it out all the rocks?
Latest I've heard was rocks are still there. Don't know if there were any fines either 😐
Did they do any eco damage?
Why did you take one of the 20 dirt roads around ???
Would have loved to! Got off the first exit in sight. Took many hours to get there.
The rock is allowing the water to flow through. Whats the disaster?
It will create a mild daming.
Hi Michael, I heard from others the opposite happened before 10+ yrs ago and people freaked out when all the rocks were getting shoved away creating a deep water crossing. Aha maybe we were a little too sensational. Just shocked our fun water crossing is now gone.
Those rocks are probably better for the river by reducing erosion and reducing the amount of sediment being kicked up into the water by vehicles constantly driving through it. Not a big deal IMO.
I've heard there were cycles of fillings and floodings that removed the rocks. Maybe this is just one of those cycles. Still would have been nice to receive some notice 🥲
Yes, you could have bypassed all that on I-40 to Yermo Rd. Or on 66 to old 58 out out of the backside of Barstow on Ft. Irwin Rd. To Yermo Cutoff. You don't know how to use google earth???? And in case you haven't noticed, water is still flowing over & throught those rocks. That's what water does. The first time it floods that will all be covered. That too is what water does.
A sticky situation to get out of once all traffic is stopped. We don't really use Navi unless we get lost. Side roads were also heavily backed up. I'm not an ecologist and don't know the effects of the rocks but throughout schooling I've learned ecosystems can be sensitive.
Still there, nothing has been done about the invasive rocks
Appreciate the update. Maybe some flooding or heavy rains might push some off to the side. 😐
@@BorderlineExplorer Yes, Nature always wins, just takes time....
I've heard of invasive plants, but rocks??
Big Fines...Enormous fines...this is what BLM should pursue.
the railroad is too powerful nothing will happen. 10,000 in the bosses bank account and it all goes away
So excessive fines and injustice?
New to your channel like your content sub and will keep watch. stay safe on your adventures my friend
Welcome to the Borderline Fam! Thank you for your support 🙏
@@BorderlineExplorer your welcome as for now my jeep is down we have been wanting to do this road for a long time.
There is a bypass.
We are going to head back to the area to get an update after Thanksgiving. Will look for the bypass.
Railroad filled it in to provide access for their equipment to do repairs. This is what I've been told. Hopefully they will dredge it when work is completed.
Hopefully 😔
subscribed! haha
Aha welcome 🙏 you're borderline family now. Some of the next videos have already been recorded but I'm digging this new vlog style. Probably will continue doing so. Feedback has been positive!
@@BorderlineExplorer i dig it as well! feels alot more natural. keep it up brother
End of Mojave road will happen faster because some will never understand the meaning of “tread lightly”. Mojave road is not a Baja wannabe racing spot. We keep hoping for better experience.
A good point. Going nutty on the trails is not a great idea. We did play around in the soft sandy area a bit though.
Wow, typical contract work mentality of get it done as quickly and fast as possible w/o much concern for anything outside of what affects the job. Trying my best not to be cynical but the construction company won't remove those rocks unless the local BLM makes them (additional work they won't get "paid" for, but hopefully avoiding a hefty fine will convince them it is worth their time), so hopefully they stay on the company about it.
Excellent video. You had some crazy patience there at the beginning, sitting in traffic is the absolute worst! Really cool seeing the wall there at the end also. Thank you for sharing this. Your channel and Jon's continue to put out great content and I see your channel growing fast. I can't wait to get a rig to start more offroad exploring adventures with my family.
You're absolutely right. It doesn't make sense for them to remove the rocks unless there is a fine. I've heard rumors they WILL receive a fine but am not posting any info until verified.
Your support motivates me to continue producing videos. Glad you enjoyed the vlog, Dave.
I wish we could bring our cats on the trip
Adventure Cats
What has been the news sense you've dropped this video?
Hey Tony, thanks for checking out the channel.
1. We have volunteers willing to move the rocks aside.
2. Received word to sit back and let BLM take care of it.
3. Railroad company did not get permission to drop rocks and restore the area.
4. Last I heard in mid Jan 2021 rocks still there.
My last trip to Afton Canyon for Thanksgiving was great. That video is live! Crossing got deeper from vehicular travel, but still passable in passenger cars.
Bucket list? 🤣
Lol maybe not for the hardcore crew. I really wanted to run the entire Mojave Trail, take 4-5 days to explore the area/see the scenery, and cross the river at the end to conclude the trip.
For all you rookies/CZcams overlanders out there, the river crossing hasn't always been deep.
So I've heard. There have been cycles of deep and shallow over the years.
And your one pic of the tilted Jeep by the canyon wall? Illegal off-roading there & "ecological damage".
I'm not sure which pic you're referring to but we wouldn't do anything illegal purposefully. If there is any signage, we respect it.
It’s not illegal off-roading, I’ve grown up camping in afton canyon and off-roading there.
Thanks for weighing in, Jordan.
It's clearly marked all through those roads where NOT to go off road. BE was fine.
Humm... A whole lot of fuss over nothing. All this posturing about ecology, cultural damage, whinging about your 4x4 play time. Why the hell don't you don a cape and proclaim yourself a superhero.
The rock fill is temporary, and will be removed once essential work has been completed. These measures have been done before, without any lasting impact. And, it has been done in accordance of laws and ordinances.
So dry the crocodile tears, pull your socks up, and get on with life.
We're no superheros. No need for capes but differing perspectives are welcome.
We also heard the rock fill was temporary. Also heard it wasn't. Many stories going around. BLM says one thing, rail workers say another.
Appreciate your comment, Colin. You do you and keep the shiny side up.
That is the only road for the railroad so the railroad did it
Definitely the easiest and cost effective. A no brainer, just fill it in!
@@BorderlineExplorer and I live out in the Mojave desert and when the first flood begins all those rocks will be gone
@@kamranpacker2557 I just saw some videos of Mojave flooding. Rainy season is on its way.
Horrible news to hear about the water crossing. Thanks for keeping us informed!
First thing we did after hearing this news was pack the vehicles to go see the site. So sad this happened.
Watch the BLM solution be to close the area to vehicles altogether.
Don't go giving them ideas now, Paul 💡
"dig it out" & make the road impassable again so BLM will have an excuse to close it? Seriously, what is Wrong with you people? Without the rocks, your trip would have been over.
This river crossing is famous in the overland community. Yes, vehicles have died here 😥. Different times of the year have different levels of depth to this crossing. I wouldn't attempt after spring, only after summer. 3 days before the footage the rocks weren't there and many of us passed through just fine. BLM Barstow was unhappy to hear the crossing had been filled in.
Are you just bored? Try to get out sometime David. Try to relax a bit. If you don't like what you see, just move on.
It's literally a couple feet of water, a stock Subaru can make it through, with ease....any vehicle which can't make it through that simple water crossing, shouldnt be out there in the first place...
"Ecological damage" --- What about the oil and pollutants that make their way into the water from the vehicles that cross it? You are worried about damage from rocks... Lol.
We humans don't exactly bless our environments with our presence. We do what we can.
The actual ecological damage was in the creation of the water crossing. It is not a natural depression and has only been there recently. It is the result of traffic disterbing the soil while water washes it away. Notice that the water crossing is only deep along the road? Either side of the crossing it is a shallow river. The crossing is really nothing more than trail damage. The railroad simply repaired the damage.
Sound like a buncha cry babies