Reno: Hungry Valley Area - Moon Rocks

 

Moon Rocks is just one area within Hungry Valley OHV (off-highway vehicle) area with many miles of trails– tucked away in the desert outside of Reno.  

Thanks to Army Bob (who we meet at Death Valley); we had the privilege to get to experience this outdoors playground. 

We visited the area for free camping, not really knowing about the OHV, however enjoyed hiking the trails. 

But after experiencing the place first hand and seeing how beautiful it was we now understand that all kinds of folks come out here for all kinds of things.  Camping, hiking, mountain biking, dirt bike, ATV, 4wheeling, photography, bird/wildlife viewing, open range shooting or just to watch the action.  You can find all levels of trails in the area – no matter what your levels are. 

Resting..... but, not for long

For Max; he enjoyed exploring the land and all its holes in the ground or in the rocks.   :D 


 

Where did it go?

There's more then one way...

WAIT - don't think this is the right way!

 

 

 

 

Now, where did that lizard go?  See the lizard hiding on the side of the rock!!

 

 

Not sure what kind, but thick and flat.

All this action took place at Moon Rocks during one of our hikes.  After all these efforts, Max was one tired doggy.   And if you are wondering, he never did see the lizard on the rock.

If you are a true 4wheeling fan, Moon Rocks is your kind of place.  Moon Rocks area measures from easy to body damage; there are deep crevasses that you can straddle, tall vertical waterfalls, narrow fins and off-camber ledges.  There are challenges for stock 4x4s and then there are many obstacles that need front and rear lockers, armor and hatred for sheet metal.  

<--  Never for us, but lots will - not sure if it's for the challenge or just to show off.   However, we had straddled once or twice.  Both photo are provided by Jeremy L.

If you straddle; have yourself a good "Spotter"!  (=

 As any 4x4 outing; be prepare with extra parts, because it is very easy to get into trouble and break something.  Roll-overs are likely, body damage is a given and we’re sure spirits will be soaring! 

We pulled in on Sunday late afternoon, so Moon Rocks, as other trails, were pretty active; however by the evening, we were the only ones left.  We definitely had complete solitude.

Make sure you bring in everything you need, as there are no facilities.  This is a free area, so please make sure to pack out your trash, parts, shells, or anything else.  With everyone’s help, just maybe it will remain free and a place to fully enjoy the great outdoors.

Question to ya...We all have these unique spots… where’s yours?

Directions:  From Reno, head north on Hwy 445 toward Pyramid Lake.  Drive about 15 miles – look for Winnemucca Ranch Road (small sign on right) – turn left.  Drive about 6 miles – road will go from paved to dirt – then you will see Gov't sign on right - Moon Rocks on the left.  Turn left on the dirt road – you will be entering Hungry Valley OHV area (we did not see the sign), but shortly did see street sign – Moon Rocks about another mile.

Tonopah, NV: Tires & Something White

As we mentioned in our Death Valley post, we had to go to Tonopah, NV to a tire dealer.  

We made it with only a slight issue… =(

Yep, just our luck!  It seems when it rains it pours ---- literally!!   

Usually Deb has everything covered, but since she had to drive the “toy” Jerry and Max was on their own.

Turns out Max weren’t so good of a co-pilot ~ LOL   We travel with two 2.5 gallon water containers, so when we find good water we keep them full.   Well, this time was no different; except we didn’t secure them… they got left on top of our side cabinets.   Yep, you might have guessed ~ one fell and busted! 

OH JOY… 2.5 gallons of water all over the floor!   Thank Goodness for the ShamWOW we just purchased, they did come in handy.  Now Deb knows why she makes a good co-pilot ~ she’s good at keeping everything running smooth while traveling down the road.  

Sorry we didn’t even think of pictures, but I’m sure you can just image it.

We finally got to Tonopah, found the tire dealership (Cal-Nevada Towing & Repair – Goodyear dealer) ~ YEA   (and they were open – double yea).  Shortly Jerry tells Deb; “looks like we are here for the night” (as we see snow flurries, luckily it didn’t last long), they only had three tires and we need all four tires – that’s the way it rolls with us in most cases.   The tire would be in around 1 p.m., this was still doable.

The tire man suggested a place to stay across the street behind the casino (maybe it’s free being a casino).  We were a bit surprised to find full hook-ups, so much for free.  Full hook-ups for $18.50 per night weren’t too shabby – after all it’s for just a night.  Grabbed us a bite to eat in the casino restaurant and called it a night. Lucky for us, neither are gamblers, so there were no temptations there. 

Seems we will be extending our stay another night, tire didn’t come in till around 3:30 p.m.  At this point we are just rolling with the flow, but ready to get on our way.

Gave us time to catch up on blogging, bills, news, and just rest up before hitting the road again.  It was pretty darn cold for us Texans (around freezing with 10-15 mph winds) to really want to get out and about.   

About 10:30 p.m. Max demanded to go outside before heading to bed --- Jerry opened the door and BAM… did he/we get a HUGE SHOCK!!!!  

Saturday morning

And just look at these pictures - think Max was having a blast in the snow

Guess we will be extending our stay again. 

We could have probably gotten out, as the road cleared, however we know we had some mountain passes to get over.  Think it would be better to hold up one more day.  By the afternoon we were able to go to the grocery store and get laundry done.

All in hopes of pulling out tomorrow with clear roads/ passes, and have safe travels ~~~ keep your fingers crossed!!

California Desert: Blythe Intaglios

The Blythe Intaglios are a group of gigantic earth figures found on the ground near Blythe, CA. These intaglios are east of the Big Maria Mountains, about 15 miles north of Blythe - just west of Highway 95 near the Colorado River. The intaglios are best viewed from the air, and that is exactly how they were discovered. In 1932, local pilot George Palmer was flying over the Colorado River into Blythe when he accidentally spotted the formations below him.

                                                                                                                

 

Intaglios are gigantic human, animal and geometric figures on the ground surface.  The ground drawings are situated on two low mesas or terraces, but not too worry, it’s an easy hike.  There are several figures in three locations. The figures include two large humans, a feline and a concentric circle and a spiral. The largest human figure measures 171 feet from head to toe. 

                                                         

The dates of origin remain a mystery but the figures are believed to between 450 to 2000 years old. According to the Native Americans of the lower Colorado River area, their oral histories believe the human figures represent Mastamho, the creator of all life. The animal figures represent Hatakulya, one of two mountain lions who helped in the creation. Sacred ceremonial dances were held in the area in ancient times to honor the creation.  The Blythe Intaglios have been fenced to prevent further damage.  We don’t want to spoil it for everyone else, so we only posted the man; you will have to go see the others… ;)

Of course since we were already in the Big Maria Mountains, we had to scout out the area.  Unfortunately, most of the trails had been closed, so we only found a few to explore.  High clearance vehicle recommended to explore the back country, however not to get to the intaglios.

Metal Detecting = Nails ;(

Do you see the "dragon"?

Where's the road?

 

It seems Max puts all his energy into exploring the back country, as soon as he knew we were heading home – it’s nap time.   This time was NO different!!  Oh, until he heard river!  Yes, we saw a river not far from the road when driving to find the intaglios, so we were talking about finding access to let Max swim.  It turned out to be the Palo Verde Diversion Dam, a very deep and crystal clear dam.  And yes, Max got to swim!! =) 

Are you watching me?

Spring is coming, so it want be long and we will get to join Max for a swim!

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ~ Mae West