The MOJAVE ROAD

Official start of the Trail (not recommended)

35.046280, -114.627890 

Although this trail starts off near the Colorado river by the Avi resort and casino, most people skip the first 20 or so miles and start by highway 95.

I highly recommend you do too!  

I went to the start of the Mojave trail by the Colorado river, but there were a bunch of transients there, and the trail did not seem interesting at all.  The dirt trail actually leads to a paved road and then it stops.

[Mile 0]

Where everyone else starts the Mojave road (RECOMMENDED)

35.112886, -114.829981

<camping> Balancing Rock Camp Ground

35.103104, -114.774880

If you will be camping out before starting the trail, go to balancing rock campground.  This is a primitive campground right next to rock formations.

<excursion> Fort Piute

35.114705, -114.984732

Before you're ready to begin, you'll need to decide if you want to visit Fort Piute or not.  It's about a 2-3 hour excursion off the main road that leads to remnants of old homesteads and hiking trails.   

*** IF YOU GO HERE, YOU'LL NEED TO BACK TRACK to the main road.  DO NOT try to use GPS to navigate to the next point of interest on the Mojave trail.  Doing so will lead you through an impassable section that only hikers can access***

[11.1 miles]

The Rocky Climb - Lanfair Valley

35.091253, -114.999528

This is arguably the roughest section of the Mojave trail.  There's ruts and small shelves that will give many crossovers a tough time. 

After you ascend up into the mountains the road is semi sandy and rutted.  As you continue on, you will come across a forest of Joshua Tree's.  In this area, you may come across really difficult ruts.    

[10.8 miles]

Penny Tree

35.135452, -115.177157

Eventually, you will come across the Penny Tree!  Drop a penny in the hanging metal can for good luck!  There's a large area of cleared land, this could be a good place for a small camp.  Just know that this is a point of interest, and other travelers may be stopping by for good luck!

[0.6 miles]

Mojave Desert Outpost

35.138470, -115.187067

There is a memorial plaque about the rail road.

[4 miles]

Abandoned settlers house

35.141374, -115.256986

This is a good check in point to start making plans for camp.  If you drive north from here 8 miles there's camping up in the New York Mountains.  Otherwise, you can continue on the Mojave road 22 miles West and camp by rock formations.

[5.3 miles]

Rock Springs

35.155155, -115.334828

This is the only restroom on the Mojave road!  There's a scenic hike and the rock spring house.

[11.2 miles]

Mojave Road Historical Marker

35.176154, -115.509516

The inscription reads:

"Long ago Mohave Indians used a network of pathways to cross the Mojave Desert to reach the Pacific Coast from their homes along the Colorado River. In 1776, the Spanish Missionary Francisco Garces became the first non-Indian to trek these trans-desert routes. In 1826 Jedediah Smith trod these trails to become the first white man to reach the California Coast overland from mid-America. The route became a military wagon road in 1859 when Fort Mojave on the Colorado River was established. This travel route remained a major link between Los Angeles and points east until a railway was completed across the desert in 1883."

From this point, you will keep heading west on the dirt road.  Keep in mind that your GPS will try to make you drive on the paved highway.  Keep on the dirt road.

[6.2 miles]

<camping>  Rainbow Well Rocks

35.182166, -115.613797

This campsite is just off the main road and features steel ring fire pits.  This would be an excellent place to camp out on Day 1.

[5.8 miles]

Mojave Mail Box 

35.185400, -115.692840

This stop features a mailbox with a guestbook.  

[5 miles]

<choose your adventure> Road Split

35.172168, -115.778309

Your choice will be to continue on, or visit the Lava Tube.

***MORE TO COME/WORK IN PROGRESS***

<excursion> Mojave Lava Tube

35.216365, -115.752391

[3.4 miles]

Descend into a lava tube that features beams of light that shoot down from the ceiling.  It's spectacular!  You'll obviously want to make sure you visit here during the day time when it's nice and sunny.

Kelbaker Paved Road 

35.155395, -115.790560

This is the only section of the Mojave road where you will have to travel on pavement.  Please note that the speed limit is 55mph here.  You will need to travel 7.5 miles.  Because my tires were aired down to 20 PSI, I personally drove on the road at 35mph and I pulled over when I saw someone coming up behind me.  I only had to do this once.

You will reconnect to the Mojave road at:

35.222520, -115.878952

***Note.  If conditions are wet, then Soda Lake will be impassable.***

You can continue on Kelbaker road to the town of Baker at:

35.265229, -116.075183 and then divert down to the travelers monument.

[11 miles]

Soda Lake (IMPASSABLE WHEN WET)

35.154343, -116.045316

[3.3 miles]

Travelers Rock Monument 

35.130840, -116.095270

You are suppose to contribute to this monument by bringing a rock with you and placing it on the mound.  If you climb up to the top of the mound there is a small plaque that has a message for travelers.  Only those that travel here are to see this message.

[7.5 miles]

Sand Dunes  

35.077502, -116.201964

This is such a fun place to drive your vehicle on.

***Note.  The Mojave River Crossing is typically 4 feet deep.  This means that most crossovers should not try to cross it.  Continue at your own peril.***

It's still worth driving through the Afton Canyon.  It's a beautiful place!  Or you can exit Basin road and head north to make your way back home.

[6.9 miles]

Afton Canyon 

35.042720, -116.309500

These canyons are absolutely beautiful.  The road eventually leads to the Mojave River Crossing.

[5 miles]

Mojave River Crossing and Afton Campground 

35.037740, -116.381120

This is the infamous river crossing!

Westside Mojave trailhead

34.974380, -116.540800

This is where you would start on the west side.