mission well

You’re not going to find this one on the official Joshua Tree National Park map, as they probably don’t want to encourage people to go out there. From the Cottonwood Visitor’s Center, go about six miles north on Pinto Basin Road (the main paved road). To the right you will see the dirt turn off to Old Dale Road and Black Eagle Mine Road (stay off this road). It’s not marked on the paved road, but if you look down the dirt road, you will see the signs at an immediate fork in the road. About 10 or so miles up Old Dale Road is the Mission Well Site. It’s on the right and marked with a sign. If you wander around well beyond the actual well site, you will see the well ruins, various foundations, some machinery, old steel cans (it’s not an abandoned mine without them) and other remains.What kind of vehicle do you need? It really depends on the weather and how far you want to go. Old Dale Road is a “4x4 only road” that is “not maintained,” but let’s get into that a little. When I went, the first approximately 11 or 12 miles of the road is through the Pinto Basin, which is flat with very few rocks. The road was graded at some point in the not too distant past. There were a lot of washboard bumps and some softer sandy areas. The former was not a problem, but with the latter, I can see getting stuck in some sand if you aren’t careful. I had a 2wd Chevy Suburban and it was no problem. Could you do this in a car? Maybe, but clearance would concern me a little. And today’s lower profile tires probably wouldn’t allow much benefit to airing down to get out of the sand (I had an air compressor for this purpose, but did not need it). So, if you have a higher clearance 2WD, you are probably okay. If it is wet, all bets are off. If it is hot outside, and you get stuck, you could die. Pack water and food (hey, have a picnic!). Remember, you are out in the middle of nowhere and there may not be any passersby. Use common sense and if it starts getting dicey or beyond you or your vehicle’s ability, turn around. After the 11 or 12 mile mark, the road climbs into the Pinto Mountains. This IS 4X4 only at this point. Even high clearance 2WD is most likely not enough (I did not go into the Pinto Mountains).Why come out here? This is part of the Old Dale Mining District and there are many old mines. 2WD, even high clearance, will not get you to most of those mines, but you can go to the Mission Well and, just to the north of the well (which can be seen from the well), is a mining site with cyanide tanks, large foundations, and a huge can dump (again, signifying that it is a true abandoned mine). Another benefit is the drawback discussed above: You are out in the middle of nowhere – and it really feels like it. If you have had enough of the Park’s “nature trails,” “exhibits” and crowds, this provides a welcome respite. If that’s appealing, you might want to give it a try, if you are willing to apply some common sense. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to stick to the marked trails.Five stars? But there’s nothing out here. What gives? This area is definitely not Arch Rock, Hidden Valley or the Wonderland of Rocks. It doesn’t have that awe factor. What it does have is solitude. You, your friends, and a good chance that there will be no one else. On a day with no wind, have a seat, hold your breath, and hear … nothing. How often can you do that in this day and age?