SoCal Weekend Trips Part Two

SoCal Weekend Trips Part Two (Series)

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

Eager for more travel, the subject of where to visit has hit, for a second round.  Spring has finally joined us in full stride.  Most of Southern California enjoys spring and summer weather all year long, making anytime a great time for moto journeys.

Sometimes those journeys are with riding buddies.  Maybe, it’s riding two-up, just you and your partner.  For a select few, the calling of a solo adventure is what drives one’s passions.  Regardless of one’s preferred travel style, here’s two more great weekend destinations using Los Angeles as a center point.  Since there are so many great destinations, that this topic is being broken up into multiple parts. 

When imagining all the many locations one could reach on a three-day, Friday to Monday weekend, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.  Yes, paralysis from over-analysis is real! Because of this, some arbitrary factors are impressed to make these journeys easy and accessible to most riders.  For some, this list will bring back awesome memories of voyages past.  For others, it will serve as inspiration and realization that the motorcycle is an excellent means to do overnight traveling. 

If you have yet to make an overnight trip on your bike, please read this story that simplifies and explains how to have a great time traversing on your moto.

Since everyone’s riding stamina is a bit different, I decided to cap the daily distance at 400 miles.  For many riders, especially on sportbikes, 400 miles is a long day.  The daily mileage, on average, will be much shorter. 

Another stipulation is that it needs to be three days, in duration.  Often, an extra day may be added, but the trip should be complete, in three days.

Finally, the skill level necessary has to include 95% of riders.  The focus is mostly street riding.  There are numerous dual-sport opportunities in the Southland.  The goal here is to be inclusive.  If you wish to share a dual-sport experience, please do.  It's easy to envision a complete story dedicated to unpaved roads.

Here are two more interesting, exciting and, in some cases, surprising destinations that can make for a memorable weekend that will make all of your friends envious.

Palm Springs, CA

According to the Official Palm Springs Visitors Website, “Palm Springs served as a winter playground for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Bob Hope, and Loretta Young. Today's stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Dakota Fanning, Halle Berry and Gwen Stefani continue to seek relaxation just hours away from the Hollywood glitz. European royalty and business tycoons all come to enjoy the endless sunshine and serenity of the desert.”

The Saguaro Palm Springs

Palm Springs serves as an oasis in the desert with spectacular dining and diverse lodging options from the opulent to 50’s kitsch.  Surprisingly walkable along the main strip, in all but the summer months, it’s a great place to base a weekend stay.

Getting there from Los Angeles is super easy.  Most folks would hop on I-10 and head east until the 111 and veer off to Palm Springs.  That’s fine if you’re in a hurry or four-wheeling it. 

There are a few alternatives that make the journey much more diverse.  One option is to head south on Pacific Coast Highway or I-5 until Hwy 74 and take Ortega Hwy over to Elsinore and continue through Hemet. 

After the town of Valle Vista, your journey up the mountain transforms the mundane into the desirable.   CA-74 takes you to the backside of Idyllwild through a marvelous G-1 (Butler Maps Designation) series of twists and turns, to the top.

From the top, known as Mountain Center, continue on 74 until you arrive in Palm Desert.  Your dining and accommodation choices will determine where you go from there. 
Trips from Palm Springs

On Saturday, You have many options.  One could reverse course on the 74 and take it to the 231 (Palms to Pines Highway and enjoy lunch in Idyllwild.  From there, take it to the valley floor for an epic ride.  Reverse it, to get back to your hotel for a fun-filled extravaganza of twists and turns guaranteed to wear down the sides of your tires.

Another option is to head west, a little bit on I-10, toward Mentone and connect with CA-38 up to Big Bear Lake.  The higher elevation will be refreshing, and the roads will keep you sharp and excited.

Big Bear Lake

At Big Bear Lake, head west on the 18 and take the 330 down to the valley floor, again to return to Palm Springs. 

Many details and information of Big Bear and Highway 18 are in this story.

After either of these destinations, you will probably be well-worn with excitement and thrills and want to settle in for an exquisite meal, complete with your favorite adult beverages.

A third option combines fun and relaxation with Joshua Tree National Park.  You’ll need to bring your swim trunks or bikini.  Please, guys, leave your bikini or mankini at home.  With your swim attire packed, make your way to Box Canyon.  Follow it along until you cross Interstate 10 and enter Joshua Tree National Park.  Do make sure your bike’s sound system or Bluetooth helmet speakers have U2’s album ‘The Joshua Tree” cued up and playing quite loud, as you make your trek.  Do stop by the visitors center and pay your park fee or have your National Parks Annual Pass ready.  If you don’t, you’ll pay upon exit and have to make up a stupid story on why you thought it was OK not to pay.

Joshua Tree is a brilliant run.  With many points of interest, it can take a significant portion of the day.  You can find details and learn more from this previous story. 

Miracle Spa - Desert Hot Springs

Now for the swimwear, off of CA-62, you will have the option of various hot springs that you can affordably get a day-pass to visit.  An hour in the healing mineral waters can make any tense muscles relax and bring you down to a more peaceful state. If you are so inclined, there is even the clothing-optional Living Waters Spa.

Riding CA-62 is it’s own fun back down to the valley and connecting up with Palm Springs again. 

Palm Springs Arial Tramway

The final day, there are still options.  Consider a couple of hours on the Palm Springs Arial Tramway.  This California treasure is well worth the reasonable cost of admission and a remarkable way to experience a different side of the region.  While it may be hot at the base, it’ll be cool, at the top.

Another way to return home, the long way, is to head south and hit Anzo Borrego and then Palomar Mountain going up from Lake Henshaw and down Palomar Mountain Road.  From there find I-15 back to the 91 or 60 and into Los Angeles.

All the options, riding, and exotic destinations make Palm Springs a great weekend for rich and plentiful motorcycling adventures.

Ensenada

You’re probably saying, “Wait a minute.  Ensenada is in Mexico, isn’t it?”  Yes, Ensenada is in Mexico.  Please refer to this story for the information you’ll need to know to ride your bike in Mexico. 

Mexico is an easy and fascinating destination that is affordable, attractive and exciting.  The recently re-opened Scenic Highway between Tijuana and Ensenada is both breathtaking in beauty, and challenging as a rider. 

Getting to the Mexican Border is simple from Los Angeles.  One can travel east and run south on I-15 or take I-5 south for a cooler coastal route. 

After the border crossing and getting Pesos at the ATM in the Blue SAT building, take the Zona Rio South.

You won't need a Visa or TVIP (Temprary Vehicle Import Permit) if you're staying in Baja and you'll be 72 hours or less.  If staying longer than 72 hours, you should get a Visa, though nobody checks that you have one.  7 day Visas are free.  Remember to return it (which can be a pain) before leaving.  The two things you MUST have before you enter Mexico are a Passport/Passcard and Mexican Auto or Moto Insurance.  There are many reputable brokers, but my preferred source is Mexican Insurance Store.com. Unless your bike is over 15 years old, the full coverage Ace Platinum is highly recommended.  If it is over 15 years old, you can still get full coverage, but you'll have to call in.  Otherwise, it's liability only.  If you have any problem, both Ace Seguros and Mexican Insurance Store will be there to help you.  Ace will get your claim solved and settled much faster and with much less hassle, than even your home carrier.  

Tijuana has a heavenly place for lunch and is a great place start to your Mexican adventure.

Tacos Kokopelli - Tijuana

Tacos Kokopelli is renown by Mexicans as one of the best places for tacos in Tijuana.   See the valet about parking your bikes on the sidewalk in front of the cafe.  Please remember to tip him 20 or 30 Pesos ($1.25-$1.75USD)  He's remarkably helpful, loves motorcycles, and speaks good English.

From there, it’s an easy run south on the main road to the Scenic Road to Ensenada.

Mex 1D - Scenic Highway from Tijuana to Ensenada

Ensenada is only 65 miles south of the border, but it's lightyears away from the lifestyle, back home.  Motorcycles traveling on the Scenic Highway will need to pay two tolls of $14MX each.  As of April 2016, the US Dollar exchanges for around $17MX.

There are many accommodation choices within Ensenada.  AirBnB has several offerings, also.  Ensenada caters extremely well to visitors and has many big-city amenities and options.

While it doesn’t take too long to get into Ensenada, you’ll probably be a little tired as the riding is more intense in Mexico.  It’s best to check into your hotel or AirBnB accommodations and drop off your stuff.   If you’re still up for a little riding, consider a run to La Bufadora.

La Bufadora or, the blowhole, in English, is a naturally occurring rock formation that causes water to shoot up simulating a whale’s blowhole. The action happens when the tide is coming in.  Check a tide chart app or look at the position of the moon to determine the best time to go.  The best viewpoint is a natural overlook from up high.  Going down into the village is fun, but crowded.  One can ride the full way, to the end. 

Natural Overlook above La Bufadora

To get there, head south on the main north/south road and follow the huge signs to La Bufadora.
On Saturday, there are several options for day-long riding.  One is to head east on MX 3 toward San Felipe.  The roadway is excellent and visually pleasing.  Mike’s Sky Ranch is found, along the way, close to the San Felipe end.  Reservations to Mike's Sky Ranch can be made by calling +1 52-664-681-5514.  If staying, Saturday night, in San Felipe, you can enjoy lunch and do a quick and fun run to Gonzaga Bay.  Otherwise, riding back the same way is still fun and visually different, each direction.

Mama Espinoza's in El Rosario

Another option is to head south on Highway 1 to El Rosario and Mama Espinosa’s for lunch.  Then return to Ensenada for another night.  That way you can abandon your luggage at the hotel. Here's a map of the region.  Alternatively, you can travel all the way to Cataviña and stay the night at the Hotel Mision Cataviña.  The road approacing El Rosario and onward to Cataviña is superb and very exciting for motorcyclists.  Again, Butler Maps would rate it G-1.  El Rosario also has two very nice hotels.  Mama Espinosa's is one and Baja Cactus is the other.  If you wish to stay in El Rosario or Cataviña, reservations are highly recommended, due to it's off-road popularity.  Regardless of your accommodations, do make sure you fuel up at El Rosario before heading further south.

Map of the wine region known as Valle de Guadalupe

Sunday, I recommend heading to the wine region of Valle de Guadalupe.   Make a plan to stop there for lunch.  It’s about 30 minutes northeast of Ensenada.  There are several unique dining options to cater to a variety of palates.

Restaurante Mustafa

A local favorite with superb food is Restaurante Mustafa.  Coming from Morocco, Mustafa Ali brings excellent local and Mediterranean cuisine to the wine region.  Prices are for locals, so the value is phenomenal.  Do save some room for their home made Apple Pie.  It will blow your mind!  charming and modern accommodations are also available.  Send a message on the Restaurante Mustafa Facebook Page or call to make reservations.

Encuentro - Valle de Guadalupe

Further up are two additional noteworthy wineries.  The ultra exquisite Encuentro serves up Napa grade dining and overnight accommodations.  The cabanas along the crest of the hill are available for the night.  They range in price from $250US to $350US a night.

La Esperanza Baja Med

La Esperanza Baja Med (L.A. Cetto on the map) is where locals go for an impressive meal and culinary experience.  Master Chef Miguel Angel Guerrero brings his special blend of locally sourced food, excellent wines and delightful ambiance to this world renown destination. Well regarded as a must, to impress one’s partner, La Esperanza BajaMed is the insider's dining option in the region.

Tecate, Baja California

From Valle de Guadelupe, continue north to Tecate, as in the beer!  The twists and turns would earn a G-1 rating from Butler Maps.  Tecate, BC is where Cerveza Tecate originates.  Tecate is a great town and a great place to cross over, back to the US.  Bikes enter where the cars do, but that’s where the similar rules end.  Stay to the left and ride all the way to the front.  5-minute wait! Hooray!

Once stateside, the ride up to Jamul, CA is a bonus treat with some great corners and scenery.

Part Three, in the series, will include destinations to Yosemite National Park and San Luis Obispo.

When you're in Southern California, please visit Irv Seaver BMW in Orange County, CA. Irv Seaver BMW has the largest selection of the latest BMW Motorcycles and one of the most extensive pre-owned motorcycle selections in California.

Master Chef Miguel Angel Guerrero (left) with a plate of octopus

Arial shot of Hotel Mision Cataviña

Museo de Historia

Motel at Mama Espinoza's in El Rosario

Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa

Downtown Ensenada

Mouth watering tacos at Kokopelli

Ensenada Sunset

Riding along Big Bear Lake

Palm Springs at night

Cruise Passengers from Los Angeles in Ensenada

©2016 Jim Foreman All Rights Reserved.

Joshua Tree National Park

I want to run.  I want to hide.  I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside. -U2 Where the Streets Have No Name

©2014 Words by Jim Foreman Photos by Jim Foreman and Gina Cardenas.

DETAILS OF THE TRIP

Destination:  Joshua Tree National Park

Round-trip Mileage: 365 Miles 

Motorcycles Ridden: 2002 BMW K 1200 RS

Best time to go: Fall, Spring,

Fun Factor: 10

Passenger Fun Factor: 8 (per Gina only because she got cold toward the end)

Natural Beauty Factor 1-10: (10 is best) 10 

Cost to enter Joshua Tree National Park: $15

Cost of a National Park Annual Pass: $80.00   

Number of times U2's songs will be in your head: Constantly

Map Link: Google Maps

The year was 1987.  Sitting in high school, someone mentioned that U2 was filming a video in Downtown Los Angeles.  Several hundred students instantly disappeared for the day.
That video was none other than “Where The Streets Have No Name.” It was the leading track for “The Joshua Tree", U2’s fifth studio album. “The Joshua Tree” is considered, by many, to be among the greatest rock albums ever made.  It was also the first time hearing of “Joshua Tree National Monument.”  Curiously, The name of the album wasn't chosen until it was completely recorded and the album artwork was being photographed.  Anton Corbijn, the photographer, mentioned to Bono to look over at a joshua tree and he said, "That's It!"
Another common misconception is that the Album cover was photographed in Joshua Tree National Park.  It wasn’t.  It was shot about 200 miles away near Darwin, CA.  The tree itself, on the album, fell in 2000.  A plaque sits there with the inscription, “Have you found what you were looking for?” in reference to the iconic song, “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, also on "The Joshua Tree."  The fascinating story of the photo shoot and a great GS ride is found here.

It’s this fascination with U2’s opus that prompted a moto-journey of discovery and awe.
The trek to Joshua Tree National Park originates at Irv Seaver BMW in Orange, CA. It doesn’t matter where one starts as there are only a couple of options heading east.  Expediency reigned supreme, so Interstate 10 was the road chosen.  One can bypass most of the interstates by heading south to Ortega Highway (CA 74) and following it out past Hemet and eventually dropping into the back end of Palm Springs.  An overnight in Palm Springs is highly advisable, in that case.

As a motorcycle ride, Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) is particularly interesting.  Butler Motorcycle Maps rates most of the roads in and around JTNP as G-2 and G-3.  While these are not the pulse-quickening G-1 roads, they remain very interesting and not a boring drone of straightness.   Joshua Tree is also quite fun in a four-wheeler, too.  Especially keen is a 4x4 as one can traverse some of the off-road paths listed in the NPS park guide.  This particular trip was made more interesting because a passenger accompanied me.  My good friend, Gina Cardenas, joined me on this excursion. Gina is an excellent passenger.  She leaned perfectly with me and was good company during the trip.

Box Canyon Road

BOX CANYON
The beginning of the fun starts in a little agriculture town of Mecca, CA.  Mecca itself is of little importance.  The 1966 film "The Wild Angels" starring Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra and Bruce Dern used the town as a primary filming location.  "The Wild Angels" is creditied with starting the outlaw biker film movement.  Now, Mecca is known for growing date palms, grapes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.  It is also the start of a fun little run known as Box Canyon.
Box Canyon is a pleasant indulgence that is well surfaced.  It winds its way around some formations that makes for a pleasant curvy start.  It’s nothing to go bonkers about, but it does keep one off the I-10.  In this case, an overturned big rig caused miles of backup that we were completely oblivious to.
To get to Box Canyon, Veer south of I-10 at Hwy 86 in Indio.  Yes, it can be a bit gusty, but nothing too bad.  Follow 86 south until you reach 66th Ave. (Hwy 195 - It’s a big light).  At that corner is a Starbucks Coffee if you require some fresh brewed caffeinated goodness.  Follow 66th Avenue until it dead ends.  Make a left and then an immediate right.  At the roundabout take the first exit (south) and then make a left back on to 66th Ave.  Whew! All that effort to cross some Railroad tracks.  66th Avenue becomes Box Canyon Road and eventually crosses I-10 and becomes Cottonwood Springs Road.  Cottonwood Springs Road happens to be the only southern entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. 

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
The main roads within Joshua Tree National Park make a ‘Y’ shape with one southern entrance and two northern entrances.  One in 29 Palms and the other in the town of Joshua Tree, CA.  There are several branches within the park including some 4x4 trails.  The off-road trails go a long way to satisfying some dual-sport GS urges.  Joshua Tree NP also features many excellent hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities.

Joshua Tree National Park became a National Park in 1994.  From 1936, it was a National Monument.  There is a fee to enter the park that currently stands at $15 per vehicle.  In most cases, two motorcycles are covered in one fee.  As you enter from the south, please stop into the Visitors Center and pay the admission fee.  If you think you’re too smart and blow past this, they do ask to see your receipt as you exit the northern points, to verify you paid.

There are many, clearly marked exhibits for one to stop at, along the way.  Ask a park ranger, at the Visitors Center, which ones are notable and worth exploring.  In this case, Ranger Keith Flood pointed out some ‘don’t miss’ spots that weren’t even on the radar before talking to him. Keith is also a rider (V-Star 1300) and was extra helpful to us.

Ranger Keith Flood

It’s worth noting that there is no mobile service in the park.  If you have a problem, you’ll need to rely on others for help.  The DeLorme InReach is an excellent way to summon help if there is an emergency.
There are scattered restrooms in JTNP, and a couple of them are flushing toilets at campsites, but that’s it.  Nothing else.  Even if it’s cool weather, bring water.  It’s very dry.  Many people die each year from dehydration.

The posted speed limit within JTNP is on the slower side.  Fortunately, during the off season and on light days, there are few, if any, cars on the roads and one can go a little bit faster.  Beware though, the scenery is quite beautiful. If you miss a corner, you may wind up in ocotillo, yucca or cholla as a reward.  Cholla is the worst! 
At the Visitors Center, the road name changes to Pinto Basin.  It will lead northwest until it hits Park  Blvd.  In addition to heading northwest, you will be climbing in elevation.  Wind gusts are also present.  Typically no big deal, but be mindful of high wind warnings.
Traveling northwest on Pinto Basin Road is mostly the desert one expects to find in this region.  Along the way will be the 'Cholla Garden' and several other turnouts for pictures and information about the vegetation.  Fortunately the road twists and turns in wide sweepers to make riding fun and enjoyable.

Lovely Cholla

Eventually, Pinto Basin Road will end at Park Blvd.  If you’re wise, you’re probably looking at your fuel level or mileage by now.  To get fuel, you’ll need to head to 29 Palms.  It's not a bad idea as there is also an excellent Thai Vietnamese café called “Red Lotus.”  Just head right (North) on Park Blvd and enjoy the awesome scenery until you leave JTNP.  Don’t worry, your receipt grants you in and out privileges.  Head north to Hwy 62 and make a left.  Look to the left side for a “Circle K” and Chevron gas stations.  Just a little further on the left will be Red Lotus.

Once fed and relieved, head back down the way you came and back into JTNP.  You’ll experience an interesting phenomenon.  The scenery looks quite different going the opposite direction. 
Also as you rise in elevation, you see the flora change.  It goes from ocotillo and Cholla to Joshua Trees and Yucca.  There is something very impressive about the Joshua Trees.  The Joshua Tree was named that by early Mormon settlers who felt the tree seemed to be raising it's arms in prayer to Heaven as the biblical prophet, Joshua.  They do stake out a beauty all their own!  As one returns down Park Blvd to the point of the ‘T’ Intersection from before, continue on through Park Blvd.

Skull Rock

Though there were some interesting rock formations before, it will start to get denser from here.  There will be many stops such as Skull Rock.  Initially, it appeared as a large whale jumping skyward with its tongue sticking out, but once parked, the features of the skull from a different perspective becomes evident.  There are great picture opportunities on both sides of the road.  It's also a great place to drink some water.
Continuing, one will see some formations called “Hall of Horrors.”  There’s also happens to be a restroom here.  After witnessing a parade of rock climbers going to and from the rocks, it became evident how these formations were named.  There’s a massive boulder that  was split nearly perfectly in half that makes for fun pictures, too.
Press on until you reach Keys View Road.  Make a left.  The sign was a bit faded, but look for it a few minutes past the Hall of Horrors. 
One branch off this road leads to the ruins of the Lost Horse Mine.  This is a moderate 4 mile hike, roundtrip.  The site has several foundations and a well-preserved stamp mill.  The stamp mill itself is now gated due to recent vandalism.  It’s still well-worth the journey. 

Keys View Overlook

Continuing south on Keys View Road will take you to a very nice overlook that peers upon Palm Springs and on a clear day, the Salton Sea. Once the photos and selfies are all taken, head back north on Keys View Road and back onto Park Blvd.
If you wish to see Big Horn Sheep, the best bet is Barker Dam.  A sign indicating Barker Dam and Wall Street Mill is clearly visible, and both hiking trails originate from the same place.  The trails range between 1 and 1.3 miles.  Campsites are also available here and throughout Joshua Tree NP.   Check the website for reservations and fees.
If hiking some of the trails appeals to you, consider camping or finding a hotel on Hwy 62 in 29 Palms or the town of Joshua Tree, so you can spend more time there.
Continuing northwest on Park Blvd will lead to the Western North Entrance of the park.  As you show your receipt or annual pass, to leave, the road will lead you onto 29 Palms Highway (CA 62).  Head west or left.
If it’s time for a recharge, there is a Starbucks Coffee and several fast food options.  A supermarket is also here in this area.  Once the caffeine is properly coursing through your veins again, there is one more fun little road one should experience. 

Pioneertown, CA
Pioneertown originated as a movie set in the 1940’s.  The old western structures were once real sets that doubled as homes for the actors and crew during filming. 
To get to Pioneer town and a fun little loop, continue west on Hwy 62.  There will be a major light indicating Hwy 247 (Old Woman Springs Road).  Make a right and follow it north for a couple of miles.
Look for a weathered sign indicating Pioneertown and Pipes Canyon Road.  Make a left onto Pipes Canyon Road.  A few minutes into the loop, you may imagine a banjo playing an ominous tune and begin to wonder if you’ll ever make it out alive.  Push aside those thoughts and continue until the road dead-ends.  Make a left and follow the sign to Pioneer Town.  If you have the time, do stop and explore this well-preserved movie set.  It’s fun and a little ominous, but worth the experience.  When finished, continue back to Hwy 62 and make a right. 

Chenoa and Jim Foreman at Willie Boy's Saloon

By this time, hunger will probably set in.  If you wisely avoided the fast food but still want a fun experience for dinner, do stop at Willie Boy’s Saloon.  It’s a fun western themed saloon with good food, fun decor and servers in costume.  In the evening, the mechanical bull is operating ensuring lots of fun times.  One could easily stay another night in the area, Palm Springs or simply make the long slog back to civilization.

This journey could be made in one day, but it would be a very long day.  It’s better if you plan to stay the night in the area to fully enjoy the many interesting offerings along this ride. 
Many thanks to Irv Seaver BMW Motorcycles in Orange, CA for sponsoring these ride destinations.  Do stop in to see their huge new and pre-owned selection of BMW motorcycles, apparel, and parts.

South Entrance Visitors Center

Willie Boy's Saloon on Hwy 62

Gina Cardenas playing legos with the rocks.

Gina near the Hall of Horrors.

Always Making Friends

Near Skull Rock

Amazing sunset on the way home.