Bradshaw Trail — Hwy 111 to Blythe via the Chocolate and Chuckwalla Mountains
Gold-rush stage road across the Colorado Desert.
William Bradshaw cut this route in 1862 to get miners from San Bernardino to the gold fields at La Paz on the Colorado River. Stagecoaches ran it until the railroad killed them, and the road never got paved. You leave Highway 111 near the Salton Sea, roll past the Mecca Hills, and then run a long, dead-flat line between the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range on the south and the Orocopia, Chuckwalla and Palen ranges on the north. Sand washes, creosote flats, and old stage-stop sites give you plenty of reasons to stop. Expect washboard on the open stretches and soft sand in the dry washes, especially near Chuckwalla Bench and the crossings around Graham Pass. The gunnery range is live-fire, so stay on the road and never wander south.
In dry weather a careful high-clearance 2WD can make it, but deep sand and rain-cut washes make 4WD with low tire pressure the sensible call. Run it October through April. Summer here is a heat-stroke lottery, and monsoon storms can wash the road out. Carry all your fuel and at least a gallon of water per person per day, because there’s no services between the pavement at each end and cell coverage is patchy. BLM land along the corridor allows dispersed camping, so pull off, kill the engine, and enjoy a dark, dead-quiet desert night. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 65 mi / 104.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance, 4WD recommended for sand |
| Nearest town | Blythe, California |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management (Palm Springs-South Coast and Colorado River Districts) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Bradshaw Trail page |
| Verified | |
| 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 4Runner or Tacoma handle the Bradshaw Trail?
Yes, in dry conditions. A stock high-clearance 4x4 with decent tires handles it fine, and many people run it in capable 2WD SUVs when the sand is firm. Soft sand in washes is the main problem, so air down and carry traction boards.
Is the Bradshaw Trail open in summer?
Technically yes, but it's a bad idea. Best season is October to April; summer temps push well past 110°F with no shade, no water, and spotty cell service, which makes a breakdown dangerous. Winter and spring storms can also turn the washes into mud or flood them, so check recent conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive the Bradshaw Trail?
No permit or fee is required to drive it, since it runs across BLM-managed public land. Stay on the established route, and check the BLM Bradshaw Trail page for current closures and rules, especially near the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range boundary where off-route travel is restricted.
What's the hardest section of the Bradshaw Trail?
Soft sand in the wash crossings is the toughest part, particularly in the western half and after a dry spell when the sand is loose. It's more about momentum and tire pressure than technical obstacles. Rain can also make clay sections slick and cut up the road.
Where can I camp along the Bradshaw Trail, and do I need to carry extra supplies?
Dispersed camping is allowed along the route on BLM land, with plenty of pullouts and flat spots, though there are no services or water. Carry all your own water, food, fuel, and a recovery kit, and fill up before you leave since there's no gas on the trail and cell service is spotty.
Trail track
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