Mojave Road — Rock Springs Lake to Piute Spring via Mid Hills and Hole-in-the-Wall (Central Segment)
The Mojave's historic desert spine — junipers, volcanics, and silence.
Rock Springs Lake sits at the geographic heart of the East Mojave — a natural water source that made this corridor the preferred crossing for Mojave and Chemehuevi people long before Army surveyors mapped it in 1859. The run east from Rock Springs to Piute Spring passes through the Mid Hills, a high volcanic tableland at around 5,600 feet where junipers replace creosote and the temperature drops enough to remind you California has more than one climate. Hole-in-the-Wall, a dramatic formation of rhyolite riddled with solution caves, sits just south of the route and is worth the spur. The track itself varies from firm packed gravel to sandy washes prone to flash flooding after summer monsoons.
A standard stock 4WD handles this segment without drama under normal dry conditions, though soft sand sections in the wash crossings can catch low-clearance rigs off-guard. The Mojave Road Guide map (Friends of the Mojave Road) is essential — the BLM does not maintain consistent signage. Carry water regardless of season; springs cannot be counted on without verification. Best season is October through April. No permit required for day use. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Mojave National Preserve. Cell service is absent. Fill fuel in Baker, Needles, or Twentynine Palms before heading in.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Historic, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5640 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Baker, California |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management — Mojave National Preserve (NPS) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | NPS Mojave 4WD Roads BLM Mojave Preserve |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler handle this segment without modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and will get through under normal conditions. The volcanic rock sections and loose sand require low-range, but nothing here demands a lift or lockers if you pick your lines and the trail is dry.
Is this segment passable in summer?
Technically passable but not recommended — summer temps in the Mojave regularly exceed 110°F, which turns a breakdown into a life-safety situation fast. October through April is the window; winter days are cool and clear, though freezing nights and occasional snow can hit the 5,600-ft Mid Hills elevation.
Do you need a permit to run the Mojave Road through Mojave National Preserve?
No permit is required to drive the route, but you're traveling through Mojave National Preserve (NPS) land, so standard preserve rules apply — no off-route driving, campfires only in designated rings, and pack out everything. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas; the Mid Hills and Hole-in-the-Wall campgrounds are your main developed options along this segment.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The volcanic rock ledges and loose basalt sections near Hole-in-the-Wall are the most technical — uneven, chunky surface that can hang up a short-wheelbase rig if you're not reading the terrain. It's not extreme, but it punishes inattention and will expose weak sidewalls on worn tires.
How far is the nearest gas from this segment and is there any water on route?
Baker, CA is your last reliable fuel stop and sits roughly 40-60 miles from various points on this segment — fill up before you leave town, no exceptions. Piute Spring is a historic water source at the east end but treat anything you pull from it; carry all the water you need for the full run and don't count on natural sources.
Trail track
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