Mojave Road — Needles to Barstow via Fort Piute, Government Holes, and Afton Canyon (West-to-East Return via Lanfair Valley)
140 miles of Mojave history. Earn every mile.
The Mojave Road is as close to genuine American trail history as a 4×4 driver will find. Originally a Native American trade route, formalized by the U.S. Army in the 1860s, it runs 138 miles across the eastern Mojave from the Colorado River at Needles west to Barstow, passing Fort Piute ruins, the spring-fed cottonwoods at Piute Creek, Government Holes waterhole, Kelso Dunes, and the spectacular narrows of Afton Canyon — the Mojave’s answer to a slot canyon. The Lanfair Valley stretch through the Preserve’s interior is classic high desert: open basin, Joshua tree flats, basalt rubble, and the ghost infrastructure of Lanfair’s homestead era. Afton Canyon’s sandy wash crossings at the western end are the most technically demanding section and after rain can trap even capable rigs.
The trail runs almost entirely through Mojave National Preserve, managed by the National Park Service. No permit required for day use, but campfire regulations apply. A high-clearance 4WD handles the majority of the route; Afton Canyon’s soft sand and cut banks benefit from lockers. Carry 10 gallons of water — no reliable water sources en route without treatment. Fuel in Needles or Barstow only. Best season is October through April — summer temperatures routinely exceed 115°F and have killed people. The Mojave Preserve website publishes current road status and the Friends of the Mojave Road maintain a detailed guide worth downloading before you go.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Historic, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 138 mi / 222 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4724 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Baker, California |
| Land manager | National Park Service — Mojave National Preserve |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | NPS Mojave Road Info Friends of the Mojave Road Guide |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with a decent skid plate handles most of the Mojave Road fine. The sand sections near Afton Canyon and the rocky stretches around Fort Piute are where aired-down tires (18-20 PSI) matter most — a lifted rig helps but isn't required.
Is the Mojave Road passable in summer?
Technically open, but summer temps regularly exceed 110°F out there and vehicles have died on this trail in July. October through April is the window — spring and fall give you the best combination of mild temps and passable sand conditions.
Do I need a permit to drive the Mojave Road?
No permit required to drive it, but you're traveling through Mojave National Preserve and dispersed camping is governed by NPS rules — 14-day stay limit, 200 feet from water sources, and no campfires in fire-restricted periods. Check current fire restrictions at the Kelso Visitor Center or the NPS site before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The deep sand washes between Needles and Government Holes catch people off guard — soft enough to swallow an under-inflated tire and wide enough that momentum is your friend. Afton Canyon has an actual water crossing of the Mojave River that can run 1-2 feet deep depending on season; it's typically passable but scout it before committing.
How much water and fuel do I need to carry for the full 138 miles?
Carry a minimum of 5 gallons of water per person — Fort Piute spring exists but should be treated and never counted on as your primary source. Fuel range needs to cover roughly 140 miles of slow, low-gear desert driving with zero gas between Needles and Baker, so top off in Needles before you drop in and plan for worse-than-highway consumption.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.