Since Claudia and I returned to the States from Baja, I’ve been a bit obsessed with finding “interesting” off-pavement routes for us to travel. We spent some time in California’s Mojave National Preserve last winter and I saw the Mojave Road outlined on the map, but I didn’t realize how interesting and important the route was until I came across the website Mojaveroad.com this past summer.
Starting in the late 1600’s, Indians used this network of paths as a trade route to the west and from the mid 1700’s to the mid 1800’s European and American explorers traveled these paths during western exploration and expansion. When Fort Mojave was established on the Colorado River in 1859, this networks of paths became a military wagon route and by the late 1860’s outposts were established to ensure the safe transport of supplies, mail and travelers.
In present day, the Mojave road is a 140 mile unmaintained route through the desert for road legal 4-wheel drives, motor bikes, mountain bikers, etc. We took the 4-wheel drive option and spent five days traveling the Mojave Road from Powerline Road on the eastern border of Mojave National Preserve to Camp Cady at the western terminus. Along the way we took a few detours to some of the must see sights and a trip down Macedonia Canyon, which we took a trip back up as well because the bridge at the exit is too low for the Land Cruiser to pass under.
There are many great websites describing the Mojave Road, specifically AdventureDuo.com, Syncro Safari, and Dirtopia, which I used to plan this trip, so rather than add to the words that are out there, I’m choosing to tell about this great route through photos. Thanks for visiting and enjoy.
Powerline Road
Remains of Fort Piute
Entering Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave Bus
Suspension Testing on the Mojave Road
Driving Through Joshua Trees
Stone House Along the Mojave Road
Government Holes
Hiking Banshee Canyon
Yuccas in Macedonia Canyon
Exit to Macedonia Canyon
Whoop-De-Doos on the Mojave Road
The Mojave Mailbox
The Mojave Road Frog Pond
Inside The Lava Tube
Crossing Dry Soda Lake
The Mojave Road Travelers Monument
Route Through Afton Canyon
The Buried Boxcar in Afton Canyon
Cliffs of Afton Canyon
Crossing the Mojave River
We’re really enjoying your photo-journal. You know, save for a few pavement crossings and the need for a bridge across the Snake River, you can drive from the end of the Mojave Road to a “braid” of the Oregon Trail just south of our house—all on dirt. :-)
Allen R.
Thanks Allen. Just thinking about the Mojave Road extension you mentioned has me wanting to go. It won’t happen on this trip, but I have it logged in my future plans. There are lifetimes worth of adventures just within the US border.