Mojave Road West — Rock Springs Lake to Afton Canyon via Mojave Desert Historic Trail
The original highway across the Mojave. Sand, lava, river.
The Mojave Road is one of the oldest continuously traveled routes in North America — used by the Mojave people, Spanish missionaries, American Army surveyors, and emigrant wagon trains before most western states existed. The western segment runs roughly 70 miles from Rock Springs Lake east through the Lava Tube area, across the Mojave River crossing at Afton Canyon — a rare spot where the Mojave River actually runs above ground. Afton Canyon is called the “Grand Canyon of the Mojave” and it earns the description: red and orange canyon walls rise 200 feet above the river bed, and the road crosses the river multiple times in quick succession. Water depth varies wildly by season. Rock Springs itself, a historic Army watering stop, is marked and worth a stop.
This is genuinely sandy desert driving — a stock 4WD with a locker or limited-slip is strongly recommended, and airing down to 18–22 psi is standard practice before the sand washes hit. The Afton Canyon river crossings can be axle-deep in spring and early summer; check with the BLM Barstow office before committing. Best season is October through April — summer heat in the Mojave is a vehicle and human killer. No permit required, but a Friends of the Mojave Road map (available online) is the single most useful piece of paper you can bring. Cell service is essentially zero from Rock Springs to Afton. Dispersed camping throughout.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 70 mi / 112.7 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with high clearance, lockers recommended |
| Nearest town | Barstow, CA |
| Land manager | BLM Barstow Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Afton Canyon Area Friends of the Mojave Road |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock 4WD with decent ground clearance can complete most of it, but lockers are strongly recommended for the deep sand washes and loose lava rock sections. A lift and all-terrain tires will reduce your stress considerably. Heavily loaded rigs without lockers have gotten stuck in the sand — don't be that person.
What months should I avoid, and can I run this in summer?
Summer is genuinely dangerous — Mojave Desert temps regularly exceed 110°F and there's zero shade and no cell service for help. Stick to October through April. Spring and fall are ideal; winter runs are doable but check for rare flash flood warnings in the wash sections.
Do I need a permit to drive the Mojave Road?
No permit is required to drive the route, but you're on BLM land the entire way, so standard desert travel rules apply — no off-trail driving, pack out your trash. The Friends of the Mojave Road sell a detailed trail guide that's essentially mandatory for navigation; it's not a permit but treat it like one.
How technical does it actually get, and where's the hardest section?
Most of the route is moderate — long sandy washes and rough lava fields that test traction more than line selection. The Afton Canyon end is where it gets serious: you're dropping into a narrow canyon with multiple Mojave River crossings that can run axle-deep depending on recent rainfall. Water depth is unpredictable — scout before you commit.
How far is the nearest gas, and is there any water on route?
Fuel up in Barstow before you leave — it's the last reliable gas for this entire 70-mile stretch. There's no potable water on the trail; the Mojave River crossings at Afton Canyon are not a drinking source. Carry a minimum of 2 gallons per person per day and enough for a mechanical emergency overnight.
Trail track
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