Old Mojave Road

The Old Mojave Road follows the exact route Spanish padres and freight wagons used to cross the Mojave Desert from 1826 to the 1880s. This 138-mile desert crossing runs from the Colorado River near Needles to Barstow, passing through some of the most remote and unforgiving terrain in Southern California. Key waypoints include the restored Fort Piute ruins, Marl Springs (often dry), and the infamous Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area where wagon wheels ground deep ruts still visible today.

This is a moderate desert route requiring high-clearance 4WD, spare parts, and serious water reserves — plan on 20+ gallons per vehicle. Best tackled October through April when temperatures drop below deadly. No services exist for the entire middle 100 miles, and cell service is nonexistent. What you get is pure Mojave solitude, brilliant night skies, and the satisfaction of completing one of the West’s most historically significant desert crossings. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout most of the route on BLM land.