Old Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP

Old Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP

Usa, north-america

Length

41.68 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Ready for a wild ride? Old Dale Road in Joshua Tree National Park is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 25.9-mile off-road adventure through the park's eastern backcountry. Think old mining roads, dating back to the late 1800s, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop.

Starting inside Joshua Tree, the trail cuts across Pinto Basin before climbing into the rugged Pinto Mountains, eventually connecting to Gold Crown Road and finally spitting you out onto California Route 62, about 15 miles east of Twentynine Palms.

Now, let's be real: this is a *dirt* road. Most of it is graded, but be prepared for sharp rocks, deep sand, and some seriously tricky sections across the mountains. We're talking big, loose rocks and steep drop-offs, so a 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST.

Heads up: you're going remote out here. No cell service, limited traffic, so bring a GPS and maybe a buddy in another vehicle. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer the road non-stop.

The best time to visit is October through May—trust me, you'll want to avoid the scorching summer heat. This road winds through both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, so pack plenty of water and prepare for extreme temperatures!

Where is it?

Old Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.0264, -100.1160

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
41.68 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
40.0264, -100.1160

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