Mojave Road — Afton Canyon to Piute Spring via Soda Lake and Government Holes (West-to-East Night Run)
America's oldest desert road. Better after dark.
The Mojave Road is one of the oldest documented overland routes in the American West — used by Native Americans for centuries, then by Spanish missionaries, US Army Camel Corps expeditions in the 1850s, and eventually by the wagons that moved settlers toward California. The west-to-east night run from Afton Canyon on the BNSF railroad to Piute Spring covers Soda Dry Lake, Government Holes, and the long push across Lanfair Valley under the Mojave’s famous dark sky. Government Holes — hand-dug wells first developed in the 1860s to water military mules — are easy to miss in daylight; at night you navigate to them by GPS or you don’t find them at all. The desert feels completely different after dark. Coyotes, kit foxes, and the occasional desert tortoise cross the trail.
The Mojave Road is generally accessible to stock high-clearance 4x4s in dry conditions, but Soda Lake is the wildcard — if there has been any recent rain, the playa surface becomes impassable slick mud that will swallow a truck to the frame. Check conditions with the Bureau of Land Management Needles Field Office before committing. No permits required, no fees, no rangers. Carry water for two days minimum; there is no potable water on the route. The night sky in the Mojave National Preserve is designated Dark Sky territory and genuinely ranks among the best in the lower 48. Bring a sleeping bag and stop when you’re tired.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4800 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4x4 |
| Nearest town | Baker, California |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management — Needles Field Office / National Park Service — Mojave National Preserve |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | NPS Mojave Road guide BLM Needles Field Office |
| Verified | |
| 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 the Mojave Road without modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4x4 with decent all-terrain tires can run it. The sand sections near Soda Lake and the wash crossings are the main challenges, so airing down to 18-20 PSI is non-negotiable. Lifted rigs will have more margin, but bone-stock is doable if you know how to drive in sand.
Is the Mojave Road passable in summer?
Technically accessible but genuinely dangerous — daytime temps regularly exceed 110°F and there's zero shade on most of the route. Best season is October through April. A night run in summer is still a heat management problem; desert temps don't drop fast enough to make it comfortable or safe.
Do you need a permit to drive the Mojave Road?
No permit required for day use or dispersed camping. You're crossing BLM land and Mojave National Preserve — no entry fee, no reservation system. Campfire restrictions apply seasonally, so check current fire conditions with the BLM Needles Field Office before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Soda Lake crossing is the most committing section — it's a broad dry lakebed that turns into axle-deep mud after any significant rain with zero warning. Running it at night adds a real navigation challenge since landmarks disappear. Government Holes can also require some technical maneuvering depending on recent rainfall and wash erosion.
How far is the nearest gas from the route, and is there any water available?
Baker is your last reliable fuel stop on the west end — fill up there, no exceptions. The route is 68 miles with no services. Piute Spring (near the east end) has historically had water, but treat everything and don't count on it; carry a minimum of 4 gallons per person for a night run in cooler months, more in shoulder season.
Trail track
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