Where is Mojave Road?

Where is Mojave Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

240 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Mojave Road winds through California's Mojave National Preserve, offering an iconic 4x4 adventure. Plan on 3-4 days to conquer this 150-mile stretch, also known as the Old Government Road, which runs from the Colorado River to the Mojave River.

Originally a Mojave People trail and wagon route, it connects the old Fort Mohave to Camp Cady. Ditch the GPS sometimes and bring a reliable map. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience that demands self-reliance, especially dealing with prickly hazards like Teddybear Cholla cactus. Always pack a spare tire and repair kit!

The desert climate brings its own set of challenges, from flash floods to sandstorms and scorching heat. It's wise to travel in groups, since cell service is spotty out there. Most 4x4 SUVs can handle the terrain, but sand can be a beast. Soda Dry Lake crossings can be tricky, and seasonal weather can make sections impassable. Despite these challenges, the views and the sense of adventure make it a memorable journey.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
240 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Is the road to Batopilas paved?hard

Is the road to Batopilas paved?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Hey fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Batopilas de Manuel Gómez Morín? It's this tiny town in Chihuahua, Mexico, chilling way down at 501m (1,643ft). Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road from Huasarorare is totally paved, but hold on tight – it's 62.5 km (38.8 miles) of pure twists and turns carved into one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. We're talking over a hundred curves and 34 hairpin turns! The drive usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. It’s steep, with some sections hitting a crazy 15% gradient. But oh, the views! Batopilas itself is a hidden gem at the bottom of a cliff. Think charming plazas, bridges made of rope and river rocks, and this amazing 19th-century aqueduct. It's a real step back in time, and totally worth the white-knuckle drive.

Driving the challenging road to Hellroaring Plateau in Montanahard

Driving the challenging road to Hellroaring Plateau in Montana

🇺🇸 Usa

Montana's Hellroaring Plateau sits way up high at 9,908 feet, right in the heart of Carbon County. Seriously, this road isn't messing around – it's one of the highest you'll find in the whole state and a proper challenge for experienced drivers. Tucked away in southern Montana, practically hugging the Wyoming border inside the Custer Gallatin National Forest, you'll find it. Back in the 30s, they built this road to get to the chrome deposits up on the plateau. It's called Hellroaring Road (or Forest Service Road 2412/421 if you're feeling official). And heads up, it's all dirt. There's even an older, less-used road that keeps climbing past the main parking area, topping out at 10,862 feet! Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think rough, potholed, and rocky, with sections that squeeze down to a single lane – awkward when someone's coming the other way! And yeah, no guardrails. You're gonna want a high-clearance vehicle, like a truck or SUV. Winter? Forget about it. You'll probably only be able to drive it mid-summer when things dry out. But hey, the views are totally worth it! Starting from the Beartooth Highway (US-212), it's about 6.6 miles to the plateau. You'll climb 2,782 feet in that short distance, so buckle up for an average gradient of almost 8%.

The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexicomoderate

The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexico

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, so you know I'm always hunting for those hidden gems, and I just found a crazy one: Raíces in the State of Mexico! This place is seriously sky-high, the highest town in the whole country at a whopping 11,919 feet. We're talking one of the highest drivable towns on the planet! The road up, Ruta 10, is totally paved and winds up the side of the Nevado de Toluca volcano. Think incredible views and lush forest scenery, but be warned, there are some serious curves along the way! The adventure kicks off from México 134, and it's only about 4.28 miles to Raíces, but don't let the short distance fool you. This climb is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% on some of those ramps! Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable drive.

Juniper Pass in Colorado is an absolute must for road loversmoderate

Juniper Pass in Colorado is an absolute must for road lovers

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're headed to Juniper Pass, a seriously stunning (and slightly scary!) mountain pass in Clear Creek County, Colorado, just west of Denver. This baby tops out at a whopping 11,049 feet! Built way back in 1921, the road, officially known as Colorado State Highway 103 (aka Squaw Pass Road), winds right through the heart of the Arapaho National Forest. The whole thing is paved, so no need for a monster truck, but don't get too comfy. This 17.7-mile stretch is packed with some seriously steep sections (we're talking 10% gradients!) and sheer drop-offs that'll test your fear of heights. The views, though? Totally worth it! Keep in mind that while it’s usually open year-round, winter storms can shut it down temporarily, so keep an eye on the weather. The pass connects Mount Evans Road at Echo Lake in the west to CO-74 (Evergreen Parkway) in Bergen Park to the east. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!