Forced To Turn Around on the Trail - Old Dale Mining District, Joshua Tree

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Published 2023-12-12

I spent two days dirt bike riding by myself on my KTM 350 excf in Joshua Tree National Park in California. Black Eagle Mine was fun to ride to but my favorite place was riding in the Old Dale Mining District. There are many mines to explore with some great riding trails and jeep roads. Some of these trails are relatively easy but some are nothing but rock and boulder gardens where you need the right dirt bike skills to ride. I think I have those skills now but it's not wise to ride them alone. It was best to leave it for next time when I have a partner or a group to ride with.

2017 KTM 350 EXC-f Dual Sport Modifications -

Scott under-mount steering stabilizer
Renthal Fatbar CR Bend handlebars
KTMandHusky.com bar end vibration dampers
ARC clutch lever
Zeta Pivot adjustable brake lever
Cycra Probend hand guards
Doubletake mirror cut down and remounted
Sicass Key eliminator
13t Front Sprocket
Flo Motorsports radiator guards
P3 Carbon Fiber exhaust guard cut down
TM Designworks skid plate
IMS Core Enduro footpegs
Seat Concepts seat
Rear XC-W Sub-fender with Brake Light and Turn Signals
Wolf E12 rear bags
Goldentyre GT216AA 90/90-21 front tire
IRC VE-33S 110/100-18 rear tire
Neutech Nitro Mousse - front and rear
MX Tech Lucky fork cartridges set up for enduro riding
MX Tech National rear shock set up for enduro riding

Garmin inReach SE Satellite Communicator
Garmin Montana 680 GPS
Sony FDR-x3000 action camera
GoPro Hero 7 action cameras

All Comments (13)

@bradsied7947 7 months ago

That was a nasty old mine road 45 years ago. Good call to try another day with a buddy. There is so much to see out there. Endless riding possibilities. You're killing it, my friend.
@edjacobson8480 7 months ago

Of all your videos, this one looks like the funnest riding terrain.
@richardcabitto5108 7 months ago

I'm lov'n the looks of this area you shared. Def would be into this type of riding if I lived down there ! As others have said your skills are greatly improved my friend, keep it on two wheels! Cheers!
@vrock265 7 months ago

Collin: Well done. Always listen to your instincts. You may regret the decision to turn around. However, you can go back at some point and conquer the obstacles. I haven't really ridden in a few years now and miss it. Seems like the longer one goes without riding, the less you miss it. Sad.
@americandirtrider7662 7 months ago

This was such a cool video!! Definitely leaning more into the ADV aspect, less of what we normally end up doing. I'm sure you can do a whole series of videos from out there.
@ridgetop8161 7 months ago

The rocks kill us on the old mine roads in Nevada also. The other huge issue I constantly run into is slumping that causes horrible off camber on one side and rock filled ruts on the other.
@osimnod 7 months ago

What a variety of terrain, eh? From flowing, sandy double to gnarly rock garden goat trail. Your riding skills have really improved over the years since you began - you're confident and yet humble. Wise to turn around and re-try with a buddy or group. I'm thinking a 350 might be the right rig for the LAB2V ride?
@rlp44444 7 months ago

Hey Bud; if you ever want to finish that ride let me know looks like a blast.
@mgpBLARG 7 months ago

Get yourself some good lights and you wont have to worry about the sun going down
@livewire.. 7 months ago

Excellent trails. It is not wise to ride by oneself in such remote locations. Do you carry a Spot, Garmin, Inreach or similar emergency signalling tech?
@Greeny_Machiney 7 months ago

Gnarly
@sailingaeolus 7 months ago

What are the staring lat/long GPS? I've got a WR450 and definitely up for a ride up there if you want to go.