The call of water

Looking west from the east end of the canyon from a vantage point on the "backside" of Afton. This is one of the areas frequently visited by Big Horn Sheep.
Looking west from the east end of the canyon from a vantage point on the "backside" of Afton. This is one of the areas frequently visited by Big Horn Sheep.
Looking down into Afton Canyon from the rim above the Cliffside Mine, you can see the river during a particularly wet year.
Looking down into Afton Canyon from the rim above the Cliffside Mine, you can see the river during a particularly wet year.

Take a long look as you drive along that lonely stretch of highway between Barstow and Baker, Calif. Just over there, to the southeast, see those yellowish hills with dark green knobs? See the train chugging along what looks like a river of golden sand? You are driving across an ancient lake bed. If you get off the freeway, you can see where the water rises through the sand and the Mojave River reflects blue sky.

This is Afton Canyon, one of the three places where the Mojave River pushes its way to the surface and the only such site on public land.

Cave Mountain and its craggy profile, about 37 miles northeast of Barstow, Calif., on Interstate 15, signal you are near the Afton Road exit. The canyon is one of the best places in the Mojave to view wildlife, watch trains and release your inner Ansel Adams — although I think color photography is more suited to the area than Adams’ signature black and white.

I can’t think of anything more magical than water in the desert. By definition a desert is dry, so when you find a free-flowing stream supporting a healthy riparian habitat in an otherwise arid and barren landscape, it is indeed special.

The sides of the canyon are carved into spectacular, multicolored geological formations that give Afton Canyon its majestic title “The Grand Canyon of the Mojave” and changing light conditions make for many photographic opportunities.

Washes and stream channels are good hiking trails and excellent for experiencing natural conditions.

A small canyon opens onto the river bed and is an excellent hike into the colourful hills. Big Horn Sheep droppings were found a short distance up the trail. This hike warrants a return visit and longer exploration!
A small canyon opens onto the river bed and is an excellent hike into the colorful hills. Big Horn Sheep droppings were found a short distance up the trail. This hike warrants a return visit and longer exploration!

Remnants of prehistoric encampments, shorelines of ancient Lake Manix and the fabled Mojave Road are all part of the wonder of the canyon. Caves offered shelter to historic travelers, and a narrow slot canyon is an adventure for today’s modern explorers. (Bring a flashlight!)

Flying over the canyon in a helicopter allowed me a fabulous view of the unique geology, the river bed and the railroad tracks.
Flying over the canyon in a helicopter allowed me a fabulous view of the unique geology, the river bed and the railroad tracks.

There are signs of man to be sure in this primitive looking place, but buildings are few and far between. Most of them are abandoned to the vagaries of the weather. An old homestead is a poignant reminder that settlers tried to put down roots in this harsh environment. A trail etched by countless Indian feet meanders across the ancient lake bed, left high and dry by Lake Manix draining east into the Lake Mojave basin.

Remains of an Indian path meander down to the river bed. This is path is one of several crisscrossing the desert in the area of Afton Canyon.
Remains of an Indian path meander down to the river bed. This path is one of several crisscrossing the desert in the area of Afton Canyon.

A faraway rumble reminds you there is a train a’comin’ down the Union Pacific tracks.

Continue reading this story – go to page two

10 thoughts on “The call of water”

  1. MSgt Donald Palmer

    Ya! I can remember leading a group of my MOJT Students from the Marine Base there at Barstow when I was a Gunnery Sargent. We were with Dennis retracing the Mojave Road. We had a few problems crossing the wash coming out of Zzyzx but every one made it okay. But that’s another story. Ask Dennis about it sometime if you get the chance, one hell of a trip.

  2. Has been one of my favorite stopping points between Southern Cal and Las Vegas for many years. The campground is much more fun and certainly cheaper than a hotel night in Vegas.

  3. hey jack,

    at first i climbed up to the mine from the bottom – you can see the route we took marked with the little red dots.

    the shot from above – you access the rim behind afton via basin road and i totally do not know the name of the blm road that leads into the area. i am not even sure i could find it again. but those roads are probably on the desert access guide for the area.

  4. Excellent article and photos! How did you get the closeup of the Cliffside Mine? It looks like you are shotting down on the ruins. Thanks!

  5. Great article Lara, Love spend time in A.C., have spotted several Big Horns there. One time I saw three coyote pups playing in the long grass. When you go to cross the river, remember, “Still waters run deep”. I learned the hard way on my motorcycle!
    Keep up the good work!

  6. Once again wishing I did not shrivel up and fly away in any temperature over 78 degrees. But, also once again, so glad to be able to see your gorgeous photographs.

    (However, I must protest the post from Ross in Scotland, above. Spelt has neither color NOR flavor. Go on and get you some spelt bread and tell me different, I dare you.)

  7. Another informative piece, another nice set of images to add colour and flavour
    (and yes that’s colour and flavour spelt correctly).
    Beautiful dragonfly shot as an added bonus!

  8. Fantastic job, Lara. My wife and I discovered A.C. one year when Owl Canyon was loaded with dirt bikes riding back and forth IN the campground! Of all the places they could be enjoying, they chose the campground. Off we went to camp and explore Afton. It was a Godsend. Peace and quiet—except the trains. Being a typical guy the trains are cool! Thank you Mike C.

  9. What an awesome article and photos. I was out that way a couple of months back after visiting Zzyzx, but I don’t have the wheels to get really in there.

Comments are closed.

Scroll to Top