GuideMeet overland trip

Aiken Cinder Mine and Cima Lava Tube | Mojave National Preserve | SW California

Overland trip across United States. Available on request, typical duration 1 day. One of the coolest mines you'll see and explore. This mine is outside, there...

• Countries: United States
• Organized by: Patti Zapparolli
• Supported vehicles: 4x4 car, 4x4 truck
• Dates: Available on request
• Duration: 1 day
• Status: Open to join

One of the coolest mines you'll see and explore. This mine is outside, there are no caves. The Aiken Cinder Mine was opened in 1948 to harvest volcanic cinder cone rock. It abruptly closed in 1990 with everything left behind.

Plus you'll go inside a lava tube created by localized flow over 27,000 years ago.

The trail is mostly a sandy road with a few obstacles any stock Jeep can handle.

We will meet at the Shell Gas Station at Cima Road and air down there. Plan 1hr 15min from Las Vegas to get there.

From there we will turn on to Aiken Mine Road and follow the phone lines to the Mojave Phone Booth (no longer exists) -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojave_phone_booth. There is a replica installed at Goffs, CA now - we will not be stopping there on this trip.

We will then explore Aiken Cinder Mine and spend a good amount of time for exploring. There is plenty to see and I don't want you to feel rushed. We will eat lunch at the mine after everyone's had a good look around.

After our time at the mine we will proceed down to Lava Tube Road.

We will park just before the Lava Tube walk way and we'll walk up the hill and go into the Lava Tube. It is dark, and steep, with jagged rocks. Please wear pants, have good shoes and headlights. You'll want to ensure you bring water in with you. Don't ruin the time in the tube because you're thirsty! We'll spend some quality time in the tube for pictures, videos and exploring. It's famous for the hole in the ceiling and sunlight beaming in.

From there we will continue to Kelbaker Road and can head back to the 15 to return to Las Vegas. This trip requires off-road tires as there are sandy places and sharp volcanic rocks. You also must have a working spare tire. The trail is mostly an easy dirt road with one obstacle going up to the mine and rocky mountain roads. Please plan for a full day as you'll have an hr+ ride back to Las Vegas.

Due to the fact that this is in the Mojave National Preserve we are limited to 7 total vehicles.

🟡 Driver Requirements

This is a level 1 run. You do not need any off-road driving experience to go on this run. Trail Rating: 2 Licensed drivers only 18+

🟡 Jeep Requirements

Stock Jeeps or Trucks: Ok All terrain / off-road tires are Required Lift is: Not Required Pin-striping is Likely All Vehicles MUST have: No mechanical issues, Spare tire, Working 4WD

🔵 Trail Etiquette

Dogs are to be kept on leashes. Some dogs may not be able to go into the lava tube. There is a steep metal stair case down into it, so plan accordingly! Communicate with the group via radio Obey the Tread Lightly Rules and leave nothing behind No drinking, no drugs, no driving off trail, no leaving the group or lagging behind Be kind and courteous to other off-roaders

🟢 What to Bring

Bring: WATER, snacks, umbrellas, chairs, sunscreen, and wear hiking shoes & long pants. GMRS Radio - Channel 19 Frequency 462.65000. I have spare radios if you don't have one.

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