Johnson Valley to Lucerne Valley Trail
Desert connector through forgotten mining country
This desert connector threads between Joshua trees and granite boulders, linking the chaos of Johnson Valley’s OHV playground to the quiet high desert around Lucerne Valley. The route follows forgotten mining roads and natural washes, passing the old Soggy Dry Lake bed and remnants of the Rand Mining District before climbing through Fry Mountains toward the Mojave River valley.
Easy to moderate difficulty with sandy washes and some rocky climbs that’ll test your line choice but won’t break axles. Stock 4WD handles it fine with proper tires and recovery gear for sand. Best run fall through early spring when temps drop below furnace levels. No permits needed, plenty of dispersed camping, and fuel up in Barstow or Apple Valley. You get pure Mojave solitude and a taste of California’s mining history without the crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Barstow, CA |
| Land manager | BLM Barstow Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee do this trail?
Yes, a stock 4WD Cherokee with decent ground clearance will handle this route fine. The sandy washes and rocky sections require 4WD but nothing too technical for a capable stock rig.
Is this trail passable in summer?
Technically yes, but it's brutal - temps regularly hit 115°F+ with zero shade. Stick to October through April when daytime temps are manageable and nights are comfortable for camping.
Do I need permits or pay fees for this trail?
No permits or fees required - it's all BLM land. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp only in previously disturbed areas.
What's the hardest section I should expect?
The sandy washes near the middle of the route can get soft and require momentum. A few rocky climbs around the old mining areas need careful line choice but nothing extreme.
How many gallons of fuel do I need for the full trail?
Plan for about 15-20 gallons total depending on your rig's efficiency. No fuel available once you leave Johnson Valley until you reach Lucerne Valley, so top off before starting.