Turtle Mountain Road
Remote Mojave mining roads through boulder country.
Turtle Mountain Road cuts through some of the most remote desert country in the Mojave, winding past abandoned gold mines and through boulder-strewn washes that’ll test your line choice. The route follows old mining roads dating back to the 1920s, passing the remnants of the Dale Mining District before climbing toward Turtle Mountain’s rocky spine. Key challenge comes at mile 8 where you’ll navigate the Sidewinder Wash—a technical rock garden that separates the pretenders from the veterans.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and skid plates for the rocky sections. Best tackled October through April when temperatures drop below triple digits. No permits needed, but fuel up in Twentynine Palms—next gas is 60 miles away in opposite directions. What you get is pure Mojave solitude, stellar night skies, and the satisfaction of running a route that still culls the unprepared. Dispersed camping is legal and encouraged.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Twentynine Palms, CA |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Turtle Mountain Road?
Yes, but expect some body damage from the boulder sections. The trail demands high clearance and armor is highly recommended for the rocky stretches.
Is Turtle Mountain Road passable in summer?
Technically yes, but dangerous due to extreme heat and zero cell service. Stick to October through April when temps are manageable.
Do I need permits for Turtle Mountain Road?
No permits required since it's BLM land. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in previously disturbed areas only.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The boulder fields in the middle section where you're threading between house-sized rocks with tight squeeze points. Take your time and spot each move.
How much fuel range do I need for Turtle Mountain Road?
Plan for at least 60 miles round-trip from Twentynine Palms, plus extra for exploring side routes and getting back to civilization if you take a wrong turn.