The drive down China Ranch Road into and through the China Ranch Wash is dramatic. Limited turn-around for any RV pulling a car or trailer. Small RVs can probably find parking at the main parking lot. No cell coverage! You must be self-reliant in the desert. You can read about my practicing with a satellite terminal that provides voice calls here: https://southwestrockhounding.com/sat-fi2-and-spot-x/

China Ranch Road from Thomas Farley on Vimeo.

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Here’s the shorter video for those with shorter attention spans:

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China Ranch Road to the China Ranch Date Farm at Instagram speed. The real time, four minute video called China Ranch Road’ is now at Vimeo and YouTube. I have no part in any YouTube ads, I have no ads at my website and nothing to sell. #geologistonboard#tecopa#chinaranch#inyocounty#roadtrip#palms#mojavedesert #armogosavalley

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 9, 2020 at 5:15pm PDT

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More from the BLM trails starting at the China Ranch Date Farm parking lot. The Ranch and the Nature Conservancy have contributed mightily toward sustaining this area. #tecopa#natureconservancy #areaofcriticalenvironmentalconcern #mesquite#tonopahandtidewaterrailroad #chinaranchdatefarm #inyocounty#

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 9, 2020 at 11:30pm PDT

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Back at China Ranch. Armagosa Tiver, mesquite bosque, old railroad bed. #roadtrip#geology #rocks#river#armagosa#inyocounty#mesquite#tecopa#mojavedesert#oasis#palmtrees#datepalms

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 9, 2020 at 2:54pm PDT

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Kit Carson approved! Bread is great as well as the date shakes which are more ice cream than date. Despite the lush appearance of the trees, mesquite will tear you apart with its thorns and it is impossible to cross. Still, good cover for birds and pretty to look at from a distance. The drive down the road is terrific fun and worth doing several times. Also, walk through the palm trees themselves. Bring cash in small bills. Free admission so please buy something to support the ranch. Thank you. #tecopa#chinaranchdatefarm #inyocounty#roadtrip#

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 10, 2020 at 1:23am PDT

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Museum building closed, rock tour open. #geology #quartz #rockhound #rocks#roadtrip

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 9, 2020 at 1:49pm PDT

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The Shoshone Museum Rock Display outside the Museum in Shoshone, California. Other nice but unlabeled rocks nearby as well. #geolgy #geologyrocks #geologistonboard #rocks#minerals#roadtrip#shoshone#tecopa#inyocounty#deathvalleyregion#museums#rockgarden#

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 10, 2020 at 1:03am PDT

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In Shoshone. Details to follow. Beautiful day on the desert. #shoshone#deathvalley#roadtrip#inyocounty #geolgy

A post shared by Tom Farley (@tgfarley) on Jul 9, 2020 at 12:22pm PDT