The REAL Desert Dogs: Lost in the Golden Valley

The Golden Valley lies between two mountain ranges. Stretching across the north and northwest is the Lava Mountains, and to the southeast, the Almond Mountains close off the valley. The valley is literally surrounded by mountains and is probably one of the most secluded areas in the Mojave. While we were Google Earthing the area, we were only able to find one little road entering the valley. But, could we find it when we were actually there?

What's interesting about the Golden Valley is that it's relatively untouched, there's awesome potential to find wildlife and archaeological artifacts. If this visit proves fruitful, we will come out again later in the year. Very little is written about the Golden Valley, everywhere we looked on the internet (flashes of websites), even Wikipedia, bestowed the same description. But one of the things the Golden Valley Wilderness is best known for its wildflower display. It's June now, so we're at the tail end of it, but as you can see, there are still flowers around.

But the road started getting a little too rough for our Toyota Highlander, and we decided to explore the areas around Red Mountain, in an area still considered to be a part of the Golden Valley Wilderness. In particular, we were going to Joe's old stomping grounds, when he and his friends knew a local legend who lived around here. They called him Virgil Ramey. The 'Steam Man.'

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• pictograph
• kawaiisu
• johannesburg
• randsburg
• virge
• virgil ramey
• scary stories
• cryptozoology
• photography
• dead sheep
• desert archaeology
• golden valley wilderness
• father's day
• mojave desert
• biology
• desert dogs
• the real desert dogs

[bapyou]

I've been to Golden Valley. Just take BLM road RM 1444 (a.k.a. Granite Wells Road) off the Trona Road near Johannesburg.

There are actually two areas called Golden Valley, depending on your reference. If you drive RM 1444 you'll pass by a parking area for the Golden Valley Wilderness where the hills are truly a golden color.

The other area is the one you delimited between the Lava Mts & Almond Mtn. But this entire area is designated Wilderness & off limits to mechanized travel.

[KKPSteam]

We definitely need to get out there when its poppin

[Smithsgold]

Nice !!!!

[mobiltec]

Thanks for the history lesson on Virge... Always like to know someting about the very tough people who lived and thrived in the desert before us. What the heck were you guys thinking trying to find a really faint road in the dark? LOL I have problems finding them in the daylight.

[lethalvb01]

I liked the story about the steam man. It was really touching and it shows people how different some people live their lives.

[dondonkeys3]

That rock BABY bit scared the heck outta me... I would cock my gun SOOO FAST....

[gargole661]

You guys videos are always cool. The only problem I have is they are to short I could watch them for hours. I hope your dad joins us next month!!