Cleghorn Pass Trail

Cleghorn Pass follows the original Mormon Pioneer Trail blazed in 1847, cutting through the rugged terrain between Cajon Pass and Silverwood Lake. The route starts innocuously enough from the Cleghorn Road exit off I-15, but quickly turns serious with loose rock climbs, off-camber sections, and tight squeezes between granite boulders. The trail’s signature challenge is Devil’s Backbone — a narrow ridge with steep drops that demands precise wheel placement and steady nerves.

This is solid intermediate to difficult terrain requiring high clearance and low-range gearing. Rock sliders recommended for the tighter sections. The trail sees heavy weekend traffic, so weekdays offer a better experience. Spring and fall provide the best conditions — summer heat can be brutal. What you’re rewarded with are sweeping views of the Mojave Desert, San Gabriel Mountains, and a genuine piece of westward expansion history. Multiple camping spots exist along the route, though water is scarce.