29 Palms to Bridgeport, CA

[Ballah06]

Going to 29 Palms (not for the first time by far) and then Bridgeport, CA for work in the next 2 weeks. If anyone is around the area, let me know - going to spend a week in 29 Palms starting Monday then off to Bridgeport area the week after. Any good hotel recommendations in the latter area are appreciated. atriot:

P.S. Driving from 29 Palms to Bridgeport.

 

[p m]

no recommendations for Bridgeport, but there is plenty in Bishop (~90 miles away) and Mammoth Lakes (~55 miles away). There are also some motels and B&Bs in June Lake (about 40 miles away).

 

[gage092879]

if you rented something off road, go to yucca vall. decent off roading there or big bear.

 

[jhmover]

Last time I was there dinner at the Bridgeport Inn was good.

 

[Ballah06]

if you rented something off road, go to yucca vall. decent off roading there or big bear.

Yeah, I will probably have a mid-size SUV type for the Bridgeport trip (rocking a Corolla for now...), not sure if I'll have time to offroad the little thing though.

 

[jhmover]

If you haven't been to Bodie it's not too far away, (if it's open). Just go in from the 395 side. The road from 167 is nothing but washboard all the way (enough to about make the dash fall out).

 

[p m]

If you get a 4-by, you can circle around Mono Lake - a good 50-mile side trip!
Also, on the way to Bridgeport - there's a turn-off to Convict Lake about 4 miles south of Mammoth Lakes exit from 395, another good trip.
You can also take the exit towards Crowley Lake (about the same area), drive to Owens River, turn left and follow the graded dirt road to Owens River Road that empties into 395 close to June Lake exit.

 

[jhmover]

Opening week of trout season is 4/28. Plenty of places to fish there. At Crowley you'll need to bring your own water for a boat and your own hotel room.

 

[p m]

LOL, that's true. But the drive along Owens River isn't bad at all without the fishing part.

 

[Ballah06]

Thanks for the input on the area guys. After a 400 mile drive one way, and work, not sure how much time I'll have for the fun stuff.

 

[p m]

I wish it didn't fall on Utah trip - I could've taken you to some places there. Eastern High Sierra is a beautiful area, any time of the year.

 

[knewsom]

I wish it didn't fall on Utah trip - I could've taken you to some places there. Eastern High Sierra is a beautiful area, any time of the year.

x2 on the Eastern Sierra. Also, if you find yourself with an afternoon to kill in 29 Palms, there's a great and fairly easy 4x4 trail from the north side of Joshua Tree into the park. Poke around on Google Maps and you'll see it.

 

[Ballah06]

x2 on the Eastern Sierra. Also, if you find yourself with an afternoon to kill in 29 Palms, there's a great and fairly easy 4x4 trail from the north side of Joshua Tree into the park. Poke around on Google Maps and you'll see it.

Roger. I'll check on the trail. What I find funny and annyoing at the same time is when I call Hertz and Enterprise (both of which my company has accounts with) and ask to specifically reserve a 4x4 vehicle, they tell me they cannot guarantee having it in stock. Wtf, over?

 

[knewsom]

Just checked - it's called "Gold Canyon Rd" and it intersects with Mecca Dale Rd inside the park.

I've never, NEVER been able to successfully rent a 4x4 with any company.

 

[p m]

No problem getting a JGC from Budget. It won't have low range, but it'll be a 4-by.

 

[Ballah06]

No problem getting a JGC from Budget. It won't have low range, but it'll be a 4-by.

Yeah, got to stick with Enterprize or Hertz for insurance, rates, etc. I am sure I can get one, just hate finding out last minute what's available.

 

[jhmover]

Berdoo Canyon in Joshua Tree is kind of fun. If you get stuck it's an all downhill walk to Indio. I rented a 4x4 for my brother-in-law, same crap, ended up with a Jeep Commander in 2WD. He made it down Berdoo without getting stuck or tearing anything up. Going up from Indio might be a different story, though.

 

[Ballah06]

Berdoo Canyon in Joshua Tree is kind of fun. If you get stuck it's an all downhill walk to Indio. I rented a 4x4 for my brother-in-law, same crap, ended up with a Jeep Commander in 2WD. He made it down Berdoo without getting stuck or tearing anything up. Going up from Indio might be a different story, though.

Not much time for fun activities while working, especially if I get stuck. Got a few hours here and there, but that's about it.