Mojave Road South — Afton Canyon to Ludlow via Broadwell Dry Lake and Lavic Lake Playa
Playa crossings and lava fields in the open Mojave.
This stretch of the Mojave Desert’s historic cross-country corridor runs east to west across some of the flattest, harshest real estate in California. Leaving Afton Canyon’s carved sandstone walls behind, the trail opens onto Broadwell Dry Lake — a blinding white playa that rewards high-speed running on firm salt crust but punishes anyone who wanders toward the soggy margins after rain. Past Broadwell, the route crosses into lava field country near Lavic Lake, where sharp basalt cobbles have been eating tires since wagon trains used this corridor in the 1860s. The Mojave Road is not technically brutal — most of it is two-track hardpack — but route-finding across the playas demands attention, and isolation is the real variable out here. The nearest pavement is a long walk in any direction.
A stock high-clearance 4WD handles most of this route dry; lava sections justify skid plates and a full-size spare minimum. Summer is genuinely dangerous — 115°F days are normal and rescue is slow. October through April is the window. Carry at least 10 gallons of water and a satellite communicator. No permit required; camping is dispersed along the corridor. A Mojave Road Guide map from the Friends of the Mojave Road is worth having — the route is not always obvious on the playas.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 48 mi / 77.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2770 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Barstow, CA |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management — Barstow Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Mojave Road visitor info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD handles this route fine. The sand sections on Broadwell Dry Lake and Lavic Lake playa can get soft, so airing down to 20-25 PSI is smart. Lifted rigs aren't required, but low-range is.
Is this trail passable in summer?
Technically yes, but summer temps regularly exceed 110°F out here and there's zero shade for most of the 48 miles. October through April is the window — anything outside that and you're gambling with your safety and your engine's cooling system.
Do I need a permit to drive the Mojave Road or camp along it?
No permit required for driving or dispersed camping. The route crosses BLM land managed out of the Barstow Field Office. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply — camp 200 feet from the road and water sources, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The lava rock field near Lavic Lake is the roughest part — sharp basalt that will punish sidewalls if you're moving too fast. Take it slow, pick your line, and watch tire placement. It's not a technical obstacle, but it's unforgiving on rubber.
How far is the nearest gas from either trailhead, and is there any water on route?
Barstow is your last reliable fuel stop — roughly 35 miles from Afton Canyon and about 25 miles from Ludlow. There is no water on this route; carry a minimum of 2 gallons per person per day. Cell service is zero for the entire 48 miles, so a satellite communicator isn't optional out here.
Trail track
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