Calico Hills to Teutonia Peak — Mojave National Preserve Desert Crest Road
Mojave's quiet interior on your own terms.
The Mojave National Preserve doesn’t advertise itself, and that’s exactly the point. Kelbaker Road drops you into the basin near Kelso Dunes — the tallest sand dunes in California outside of Death Valley — then the route pushes northeast through Cima Dome, a massive granite batholith so gradual you won’t realize you’re climbing it until the Joshua trees thicken around 5,000 feet. Teutonia Peak trailhead serves as a natural waypoint before the track cuts back down through old ranching roads and the ghost infrastructure of mid-century mining operations. Black Tank Road and Cedar Canyon Road are your connectors — both graded dirt, both exposed to full desert sun with zero shade.
This is legitimately a high-clearance 2WD route in dry conditions, but after winter rains the clay sections turn greasy and a 4WD with all-terrain tires earns its keep. Stock up on water in Baker or Needles — there is nothing inside the preserve. No permit required, dispersed camping is allowed throughout. Best window is October through April; summer temps routinely crack 110°F at low elevation. Cell service is nonexistent past Kelso Depot. The Depot itself is worth the stop — restored by the National Park Service and occasionally staffed.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 58 mi / 93.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5755 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD (4WD recommended wet season) |
| Nearest town | Baker, CA |
| Land manager | National Park Service — Mojave National Preserve |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without a lift?
Yes — stock high-clearance trucks run this fine in dry conditions. The surface is dirt, gravel, and occasional soft sand, nothing technical, but a few rutted sections will scrape low-slung bumpers on stock SUVs. 4WD is worth having if you're out here October through April when rain can make the clay sections greasy.
What's the best time of year to run this, and what happens if it rains?
October through April is the window — desert temps are tolerable and you're not cooking in 110°F heat. Rain turns sections of the dirt road into slick clay that'll slide a 2WD vehicle sideways fast; if the forecast shows precip, either wait it out or make sure your lockers are ready.
Do I need a permit to drive through Mojave National Preserve or camp here?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the preserve — just camp at least 50 feet from roads and water sources, and follow leave-no-trace. There's no fee to enter Mojave National Preserve.
What's the hardest section of this route and what makes it technical?
The trail doesn't have one brutal obstacle — the challenge is cumulative: 58 miles of remote Mojave with soft sand stretches near the cinder cones that can swallow momentum if you're not aired down. Drop tire pressure to 20-25 PSI before the sandy sections and you'll move through without drama.
How far is the nearest gas and is there any water on route?
Baker is your fuel stop — fill up there before you head in, because there's nothing on this route and the nearest alternative is well over an hour out. There is no reliable water on trail; carry all you need for the full 58 miles plus a cushion for the unexpected.
Trail track
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