Mojave Road is a 4-Wheel Drive Route in California

Mojave Road is a 4-Wheel Drive Route in California

Usa, north-america

Length

240 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

The Mojave Road: picture this - you, your 4x4, and 150 miles of pure Mojave Desert magic! This iconic route snakes through the heart of California's Mojave National Preserve, and honestly, it's a trip you won't forget.

Think of it as following in the footsteps of history, tracing a wagon trail that once linked Fort Mohave (near the Colorado River) to Camp Cady (east of Barstow). We're talking about a 2-3 day adventure into remote landscapes, so you definitely need to be self-sufficient.

Now, this isn't exactly a Sunday drive. You're in the desert, after all. Keep an eye out for those sneaky Teddybear Cholla cacti – they're notorious for puncturing tires. And be prepared for anything the desert throws at you: scorching temperatures, sudden rainstorms that can turn the road into a muddy mess, and even sandstorms.

While most 4x4 SUVs can handle the route, there are some sandy and rough patches to navigate. Knowing how to tackle sand is a major plus, especially if you're planning to cross Soda Dry Lake. Just a heads-up: conditions can change rapidly, so check before you go. Water on Soda Lake, flood damage, snow, or ice can make parts of the road impassable. Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible, and the solitude is unbeatable.

Where is it?

Mojave Road is a 4-Wheel Drive Route in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.8256, -101.5423

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
240 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
39.8256, -101.5423

Related Roads in north-america

Hatcher Pass is an awe-inspiring road through remote areas of Alaskahard

Hatcher Pass is an awe-inspiring road through remote areas of Alaska

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Hatcher Pass in Alaska! This isn't just a road; it's a 60-mile (96.56km) blast through the Talkeetna Mountains, reaching a lofty 3,886 feet (1.148m) above sea level. It's one of the highest roads you'll find in Alaska, and it's named after some gold prospector named Robert Hatcher. You'll kick things off smooth on pavement heading from Palmer to Independence Mine State Historical Park, but then get ready for some grit! For about 15 miles (between Mile 17.5 and Mile 32.5), the road turns to gravel and can get pretty gnarly, especially after a good rain. Think ruts and bumps, folks. Located in the Mat-Su Valley, expect some hairpin turns, switchbacks, and the occasional pothole along the way. Oh, and did I mention there are no guardrails? I wouldn’t recommend bringing your RV or any other big rig. Speaking of wild, Hatcher Pass gets slammed with snow early. The road is open year-round except the last mile to Independence Mine. The central section tends to close during the winter, usually opening back up around the 4th of July weekend. This drive is pretty remote, so fill up the tank and grab some snacks before you go – services are few and far between!

Forest Road 162hard

Forest Road 162

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: You're in south-central Utah, Garfield County to be exact, and you're itching for a high-altitude adventure. Look no further than Forest Service Road 162, also known as Spectacle Lake Road! Nestled within the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, this unpaved beauty is a real test for your 4WD. We're talking some rocky sections that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at around 13.6 miles, the road is open from roughly June to October, conditions permitting. Keep an eye on the weather, though; it can become impassable after rain. You'll be cruising along at over 10,000 feet the whole time, hitting a peak elevation of 11,118 feet! Trust me, the views are worth it. Starting from Forest Road 1277 and heading towards Forest Road 154, get ready for some serious mountain scenery. This road is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable experience for those who dare.

Oh-My-God Road is a thrilling adventure in Coloradohard

Oh-My-God Road is a thrilling adventure in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

# Oh-My-God Road Ready for a heart-pounding drive through Colorado's wild side? Oh-My-God Road is calling your name. This thrilling route runs along the border between Clear Creek and Gilpin counties, stretching 12.23 km (7.6 miles) from Idaho Springs (right off I-70) up to the historic gambling town of Central City near Highway 119. Fair warning: this is legitimately intense. The road barely squeezes in two cars side-by-side, and "side-by-side" is being generous. You're looking at a mostly unpaved track with some paved sections appearing sporadically at the top—the county's actually paving about a mile each year, so it's slowly improving. The route splits into two sections: one that's pretty manageable for most vehicles, another that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. Good news? You can tackle it in a standard 2-wheel-drive car when conditions are dry. Here's what makes it genuinely nail-biting: 12% grade sections, hairpin switchbacks, zero guardrails, washed-out shoulders, and jaw-dropping cliff drop-offs that'll make your stomach flip. The road's nickname comes from exactly this—it's so narrow and exposed that it earned an exclamation. One day it's smooth sailing; the next, washboard conditions might shake you right toward the edge. Perched at 2,855m (9,366ft) elevation, this high mountain road typically stays open year-round, though winter can sometimes force temporary closures. But here's the magic: you're driving through actual gold rush history. The route passes Russell Gulch, a genuine ghost town, plus roughly a dozen abandoned mines and incredible remnants of 1865 mining camps. These old supply roads once bustled with horse and wagon traffic before the railroad made them obsolete. Epic views of both Central City and Idaho Springs unfold as you climb, painting vivid pictures of those wild mining-era towns. It's history, thrills, and scenery all wrapped into one unforgettable adventure.

Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Piedra Grande Huthard

Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Piedra Grande Hut

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on Refugio Piedra Grande, a mountain hut chilling at a whopping 4,255 meters (that's 13,959 feet!) in Mexico. Seriously, this place is high – one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this gem nestled right on the border of Veracruz and Puebla, inside the Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba, smack-dab in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It's a massive hut, perfect for 40-60 of your closest climbing buddies. Why trek all the way up here? Because it’s the base camp for conquering the majestic Pico de Orizaba, a glacier-covered volcano also called Citlaltépetl. We're talking about the highest peak in Mexico (5,636 meters!) and the third-highest in all of North America. Now, about that road... forget your pavement dreams. This is a rugged, unpaved, and narrow path begging for a 4x4. The adventure starts in Tecpanquiahuac, and it’s a thrilling 25.8 km (16.03 miles) ride to the top. Get ready for some epic views and an unforgettable climb!