Mojave Road — Afton Canyon to Government Holes via Soda Mountains
Old wagon ruts through the Mojave's brutal heart.
The Mojave Road is one of America’s oldest overland routes — a trail worn by the Mojave people, pushed wider by the Spanish, and hammered into memory by mule teams hauling freight from the Colorado River to the coast in the 1860s. The Afton Canyon to Government Holes segment is the core of the route: washing through the Afton Canyon narrows (the only place the Mojave River runs above ground for miles), crossing the Soda Dry Lake playa, and pushing over the Soda Mountains toward lava flows and the water hole chain that made the trail viable in the 1800s. Government Holes — real hand-dug desert wells — still exist and mark one of the most significant stops on the crossing.
Difficulty is moderate for a capable 4WD with decent clearance and aired-down tires — this isn’t a rock-crawler’s trail, it’s an endurance route. The sand crossings on the playa and through Afton Canyon wash demand flotation; the lava rock sections are rough on tires. No fuel, no water, no services between Barstow and Needles — carry everything. Cell service is nonexistent. The route falls within BLM’s Mojave Trails National Monument, no permit required. Best traveled October through April before the Mojave hits triple digits. Bring a paper copy of Dennis Casebier’s Mojave Road Guide — it’s the bible for this crossing.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 58 mi / 93.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3560 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with aired-down tires |
| Nearest town | Baker, California |
| Land manager | BLM — Mojave Trails National Monument |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Mojave Trails National Monument BLM Barstow Field Office |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle the Mojave Road without modifications?
Yes, but air down your tires to 20-25 PSI before the sand sections — the Soda Lake crossing and soft washes will bury you otherwise. Stock clearance is fine; the trail rewards tire prep more than lift kits.
Is the Mojave Road passable in summer?
Technically yes, but summer temps regularly exceed 115°F and there's no shade or rescue infrastructure for 58 miles. October through April is the window — outside that, you're gambling with your life and your rig.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on the Mojave Road?
No permit required for driving the route. Dispersed camping is allowed under BLM rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources and roads. No fees as of now, but check with BLM Barstow for current conditions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Soda Lake dry lakebed crossing is the most unpredictable — after any rain it turns to axle-deep mud with zero warning. The sand washes approaching Government Holes can also swallow under-aired tires. Neither is technically complex, but both will strand you fast if you're not paying attention.
How far is the nearest gas from the trail, and is there any water on route?
Baker is your last reliable fuel stop — tank up there before heading out, as 58 miles of desert with no services is unforgiving on a half tank. There's no reliable potable water on the trail; carry a minimum of 2 gallons per person per day and don't count on the historic water holes.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.