Mojave Road North — Afton Canyon to Kelso Depot via Mojave Desert Back Road
Old Government Road through the Mojave's volcanic core.
The northern Mojave Road corridor connecting Afton Canyon to Kelso Depot runs approximately 38 miles through the geological guts of Mojave National Preserve — past volcanic cinder cones, through broad sandy washes that drain into nowhere, and across flats where the old Government Road wagon ruts are still faintly visible if you know where to look. Afton Canyon earns its nickname as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Mojave’ — the Mojave River cuts through exposed sedimentary layers here, and the canyon walls close in tight at the entry crossing. From there the route pushes east across the Cady Mountains and drops toward Kelso, where the restored 1924 Spanish Colonial Revival depot still stands against the backdrop of the Kelso Dunes.
This is a moderate run but deserves genuine respect in summer heat — air temps regularly exceed 110°F in July and August, and the sandy wash crossings can shift dramatically after rain. A high-clearance 4WD is the minimum; airing down to 20–25 psi for the wash sections is standard procedure. Carry a minimum of 4 gallons of water per person. No fuel between Baker and Kelso — top off before you leave pavement. The Preserve is managed by the National Park Service; no permit is required but the NPS asks you to self-register at the trailhead. Best seasons are October through April. Dispersed camping is allowed within the Preserve away from washes and sensitive vegetation.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4000 ft |
| Best season | October–April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Baker, CA |
| Land manager | National Park Service — Mojave National Preserve |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | NPS Mojave Preserve Off-Road Info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD handles this fine under normal conditions. Aired-down tires (20–25 psi) are important in the sandy wash sections — a stock truck that skips that step will have a worse time than a built rig that doesn't.
Is the trail passable in summer, or is the heat actually dangerous out here?
Summer is genuinely dangerous — temps regularly exceed 115°F in the Mojave, and there's no shade, no cell service, and no rescue coming fast. Stick to October through April; the NPS recommends the same window for a reason.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the Mojave Road through Mojave National Preserve. Dispersed camping is allowed within the preserve but you must stay at least 200 feet from water sources, roads, and cultural sites — no fee, no reservation.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The Afton Canyon end has the most demanding terrain — loose sand in the washes and a few rocky shelf sections with moderate drop-offs. Nothing requires a locker in dry conditions, but soft sand can swallow a high-clearance truck fast if you're carrying too much speed or too much tire pressure.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and do I need to carry extra fuel?
Baker, CA is the closest fuel — roughly 25–30 miles from the Kelso end of the trail. The full 38-mile route plus access roads in poor conditions can burn more fuel than expected, so carrying a spare 5-gallon can is worth it if your rig is thirsty or you plan to run side spurs.
Trail track
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