Where is Aiken Mine Road?
Usa, north-america
32.5 km
1,538 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a taste of the wild west, Aiken Mine Road in California's Mojave Desert is calling your name. Located in San Bernardino County, inside the Mojave National Preserve, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
This completely unpaved trail stretches for 20.2 miles (32.50 km) from Cima Road to Kelbaker Road, climbing to a breezy 5,045 feet (1,538 m) above sea level. Think desert flats, other-worldly basalt lava flows, and enough cinder cones to make you feel like you're on another planet.
Now, let's be real – this road's got character. Most of it is a decent width and well-maintained, but you'll hit sandy patches and some rough, rocky sections. The lower part, especially the bit to the lava tube, can get washboarded, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Good tires are a MUST – those lava rocks are no joke!
The views? Epic. You'll be winding through the Mojave National Preserve's famous cinder cone field, heading towards the abandoned Aiken Cinder Mine. This place was a full-on mining operation before it was abruptly abandoned in 1990, leaving all its equipment behind. It's a fascinating, slightly eerie, glimpse into the past. So, if you're ready for a rugged, scenic adventure, Aiken Mine Road is waiting! 4x4 highly recommended!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 32.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,538 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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