Home / Mojave Preserve and Desert bikepacking trips / 2007: Death Valley National Park bikepacking / Day 13: Tecopa Hot Springs to Baker, where I'll catch Amtrak tomorrow to San José 10
There are moments on the ride from Tecopa Hot Springs to Baker on Highway 127 when nothing seems to move, no matter how much one pedals.
I love the climb over Ibex Pass. The descent that follows into and across the valley of Dumont Dunes is pure pleasure.
I have no film left, so I use a few photos taken on the way up Highway 127 earlier in the trip, looking back, to relive my favourite part of the return ride to Baker, marking the trip's finale. 55 bicycle miles.
I'll see you next year.
- Heading back to Baker from Tecopa Hot Springs, I pass over the summit of Ibex Pass on Highway 127
San Bernardino County begins; Inyo County ends. - The descent into the Dumont Dunes valley is about to begin
The Saddle Peak Hills Wilderness area is on the right. - Just before descending is the sign on the other side of the road for uphill climbers
Welcome to Inyo County. - Five-percent grade ahead
Woo hoo! - Descent from Ibex Pass continues
Dumont Dunes become visible over on the left. - Highway 127 winds its way down
... around the next mound in the Saddle Peak Hills. - Dumont Dunes get closer as the descent continues
It always seems warmer in this valley and I can almost feel heat radiating from the dunes over there. - Ooo, four-percent grade for a few miles
The fun isn't over yet! The Salt Spring Hills sit to the right of the dunes. - Entering the valley, with the Avawatz Mountains in the background
Wind blowing against me is starting to feel hot. - Crossing the floor of the Dumont Dunes valley
It must be over 100 degrees here in the valley; I'm used to that now. No more photos, but I still have 30 miles of riding ahead of me to Baker--the end. Really.