Travelling the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree
Usa, north-america
24.3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, desert adventurers! Joshua Tree National Park is calling with some seriously epic off-road experiences:
**Berdoo Canyon Road:** This 15-mile, unpaved beast in Joshua Tree throws down a challenge with steep climbs (up to 11%!), sandy patches, and ruts that demand respect. You *need* a 4x4 for this one. The views are killer, and you can tackle it year-round, but watch out – flash floods can totally change the game. Budget about 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in.
**Black Eagle Mine Road:** Dig into history on this 19-mile dirt track through an old mining district. The further you go, the tougher it gets, so a 4WD with decent clearance is a must. You'll cruise past abandoned mines (think Barry Storm's Jade Mine!), but fair warning: the road gets blocked eventually. Total off-grid vibes here—no cell service, so plan accordingly!
**Covington Flat Road:** Craving panoramic vistas? This 9.6-mile dirt gem delivers! Picture this: Palm Springs shimmering in the distance, framed by mountains and the vast Morongo Basin. A high-clearance vehicle is your best bet, especially after a rain or snow. Wind your way through classic Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines, ending at the Covington Crest Trailhead.
**Geology Tour Road:** Calling all rock hounds! This 18-mile unpaved loop is a geological wonderland. Think formations sculpted by erosion, earthquakes, and ancient volcanoes. A 4x4 is recommended past the first few miles. Sixteen interpretive stops make it a super educational (and beautiful!) drive. Give yourself about two hours to explore.
**Old Dale Road:** This 26-mile unpaved trail to old mines is not for the faint of heart! Sharp rocks and deep sand make it mandatory to have 4WD. This is a remote area with no cell reception, so allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. October to May is the best time to drive.
**Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road:** Looking for a real adventure? The 20-mile Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road is a rough and rocky 4WD journey that will challenge even seasoned off-roaders. It begins at the Cottonwood Visitor Center and travels through Pinkham and Thermal Canyons before coming out on I-10. This is a remote area and requires drivers to be self-sufficient.
Where is it?
Travelling the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5537, -102.9084
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.5537, -102.9084
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