Malpais Spring, Castle Peaks area, day hike, Mojave National Preserve (Day 10)
Absolutely perfect weather on today's 8-mile hike in the Castle Peaks area of the Mojave National Preserve to Malpais Spring, Indian Spring and Taylor Spring. The high elevation up here keeps things comfortable, with my campsite at 4593 feet elevation and and the high point of the day at 5430 feet.
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Date: May 25, 2010, 09h24
Size: 87 items
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A peaceful morning of solitude at the top of Malpais Spring Road
I slept well and feel refreshed, partly because yesterday's ride was moderate rather than strenuous. The warm sun on the tent feels good after a chilly night, but I start to sweat after a while. Time to get up!
Date: May 25, 2010, 09h24
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After coffee and the usual breakfast of granola, nuts and dried fruit, it's time to dig a cat hole
It's tough to dig a hole in the clay-like earth, but the gravelly patches here and there are not as difficult to excavate.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h11
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Before starting the hike to nearby Malpais Spring, I lock my bike to a joshua tree, for what it's worth
I don't expect any visitors while I'm gone hiking, but you never know...
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h17
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As I climb down into the canyon leading to Malpais Spring, I'm greeted by pink cactus and range ratany flowers
The pointy turrets of the Castle Peaks sit in the background; I'll hike up that way after checking out Malpais Spring.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h34
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A few steep rock outcrops edge the Malpais Spring canyon
The wash is looking dry toward Malpais Spring, will there be water ahead?
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h39
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Here's an old pipe, presumably leading to the source of Malpais Spring
Follow the pipe!
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h40
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After a short distance, I climb up out of the canyon to circumvent a thicket of willow, desert willow and catclaw
I hope Malpais Spring isn't in the middle of all that greenery, which would require bushwhacking to penetrate.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h44
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Once past the big thicket, I climb back down into the Malpais Spring wash past a patch of orange desert mallows
I check my GPS and see that I haven't reached Malpais Spring yet, so I continue walking up the wash.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h45
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I follow the pipe up the wash toward Malpais Spring
The pipe is suspended in the air and supported by ledges on the rock walls, rather than resting on the ground.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h49
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I walk up a wide slot in the Malpais Spring canyon, still following the pipe
Judging by the erosion of the rock, gushing water must flow here after a big rain.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h49
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I pass a big rock wall in Malpais Spring wash
A few turrets of the Castle Peaks are visible in the distance.
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h56
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A rock outcrops juts out from the wall of Malpais Spring wash like an arrowhead
Date: May 25, 2010, 11h58
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I get excited when I discover this little stream; I'm close to the source of Malpais Spring
Is this it, or will there be more water than this?
Date: May 25, 2010, 12h03
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Near the source of Malpais Spring is a moist, grassy area that's probably underwater during wetter periods
The water channel is stained a dark reddish-brown; must be a high mineral content in the water here.
Date: May 25, 2010, 12h06
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The stream from Malpais Spring is very shallow, so I try digging a hole deep enough to accommodate the end of my water filter
Hmmm... not sure I can get any water here without significant work. The hole I dig is in sand so soft that the stream instantly disappears into it instead of accumulating! I refill my hole and continue onward a bit disappointed.
Date: May 25, 2010, 12h10
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