Pleistocene Mammal Rubs and Chinese Gold Rush Trails in the High Desert
Leader: John K. Zancanella
Registration begins at 8:30am on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Field Trip Date/Time: Saturday May 16th , 8:30am muster at
Barnes & Noble parking lot on east side of town. Depart parking
lot at 9:00am. Approximately 1:10 hours, with stop at Brother
RA, to reach Hampton Station. Folks can drive their own
vehicles to Hampton Station, but we’ll want to consolidate
vehicles as much as possible before heading to the site area.
Takes another ½ hour to reach the site across unmaintained
dirt roads. High clearance vehicles are recommended (it will be
dusty with some vegetation in the center). Estimated time at
the site is around 2 hours. Return time to B&N parking lot
between 2-4pm.
Field Trip Description: The tour will focus on the Pleistocene
mammal rubs which we can drive to. Minimal walking is
involved. The sandy conditions make for loose uneven ground,
but the slope is negligible. Large sagebrush is common along
the cliff face where the rubs occur. We’ll need to be careful of
ticks and rattlesnakes while walking near the cliffs.
The Chinese gold rush trail is several hundred yards to the east
and is an easy walk along the extinct lake shore. To reach the
road segment a short, staircase-like scramble up a low rock
face and a low wire-fence step-over is required. There will be
assistance at this location. Here we’ll view the Chinese road
where tons of lava rock was moved to create a path the rocky
terrain. There is a short hike up the road to reach the top of the
ridge to view the surrounding landscape. We’ve observed
rattlesnakes at this location so be aware of where you walk, sit
or reach.
This will conclude the tour. Return to Hampton Station and
members can return to the B&N parking area.
Mobility considerations: Mammal Rubs shouldn’t be a problem.
Accessing the Chinese road could present issues for some.
Alternatively, there is a second, less well-pronounced Chinese
constructed road segment we drive by on the way to the rubs.
What to bring: Sturdy footwear is recommended for this tour
along with a hat, water, sunscreen, walking sticks as needed,
and a lunch/snack. Dress appropriately for variable weather
conditions (*If conditions are too wet, we’ll not be able to reach
the site location.). There are no bathrooms once you leave Brothers RA, only
sagebrush!
!
Contact for questions:
Email: zanc48@gmail.com; 541-410-4836
