Mojave Road — Rock Springs to Afton Canyon via Government Holes and Soda Dry Lake
Lava, salt flats, and a Civil War–era ruin.
The Mojave Road is a 138-mile historic trail that follows a Mojave Indian trading route turned U.S. Army supply road — and this central segment from Rock Springs (a reliable desert water source used for thousands of years) to Afton Canyon covers the route’s most varied and demanding terrain. You cross Pisgah Lava Bed — sharp basalt that has been eating tyres since wagons first rolled through — then hit Government Holes, hand-dug wells the Army sank in the 1850s that still hold water. Soda Dry Lake is a white alkali flat so blinding in afternoon sun it looks like snow. Afton Canyon, where the Mojave River briefly surfaces, is a narrow red sandstone gorge that the BLM calls the Grand Canyon of the Mojave — a fair name for a desert that usually undersells itself.
Rated Moderate to Difficult — the lava beds will shred sidewalls on road tyres, and Soda Lake floods impassably after rain. High-clearance 4WD is required; lockers are useful but not mandatory if you have skill and aired-down tyres. The trail is entirely within BLM land, no permit required. Fuel at Barstow or Needles — nothing along the route. Spring and fall are the windows; summer heat kills engines and people alike. Cell service is nonexistent. A Garmin inReach or equivalent is strongly recommended. Camp anywhere on BLM land — the site at Afton Canyon Campground has pit toilets and water.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4500 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Baker, California |
| Land manager | BLM – Barstow Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Afton Canyon Area BLM Barstow Field Office |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD handles most of it fine — the lava rock sections and sandy washes are the main challenges, not extreme ledges. Skid plates are a real advantage on the lava beds near Marl Mountains. A lift helps but isn't a hard requirement.
Is the trail passable in summer?
Technically passable but not smart — Mojave Desert temps regularly hit 110°F+ between May and September, and there's no shade or rescue infrastructure out there. October through April is the window; spring and fall are ideal.
Do I need a permit to drive the Mojave Road?
No permit required for day use or dispersed camping. The trail crosses BLM land managed by the Barstow Field Office, and camping is free along the route. A self-issued campfire permit from CAL FIRE is required if you want a ground fire.
How technical is the Afton Canyon section at the end — is it actually hard?
The Afton Canyon descent is the most committing section: loose rocky walls, tight turns, and the Mojave River crossing at the canyon floor, which can be axle-deep depending on season and flow. It's not extreme, but it's not a place to back out of once you're committed — scout water depth before driving through.
Where do I fuel up, and how far is it between gas stops?
Baker is the closest town and your last guaranteed fuel before the eastern trailhead — fill up there. The full 68-mile route plus approach and exit can push 100+ miles round-trip from Baker, so carry extra fuel if your rig gets under 15 MPG in sand.
Trail track
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