Old Mojave Road
Historic desert crossing from river to railhead
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 138 mi / 222.1 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Needles, California |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Old Mojave Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you need and will handle the route fine. Soft sand sections and rocky washes are the main challenges — airing down to 15-18 PSI is essential. Lifted rigs have an easier time but aren't required.
Can you drive Old Mojave Road in summer?
Technically open, but summer is genuinely dangerous — daytime temps regularly exceed 110°F in the Mojave, and vehicle overheating and heat exhaustion are real risks. Stick to October through April; March and April are peak season for a reason.
Do you need a permit to drive Old Mojave Road?
No permit required — it's BLM land and open to the public. Dispersed camping is free along the route. A self-issued free permit is required if you camp in Mojave National Preserve sections, available at trailhead iron ranger boxes.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The soft sand washes east of Kelso are the most demanding — some are deep enough to swallow a tire if you're not moving. It's not a rock-crawling trail, but inexperienced drivers who haven't aired down have gotten buried here. Know how to use a recovery board before you show up.
Is there any water or fuel along the 138-mile route?
No reliable water sources exist on the trail itself — carry all drinking water for your entire group for 3-4 days. Fuel up in Needles at the start and plan your range carefully; the nearest mid-route fuel is a significant detour, and you won't find any on the trail.
Trail track
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