The Mojave Road is one of North America's most iconic overland routes. Established over 200 years ago as a local trading route for the indigenous tribes of the area, the Mojave Road has gained cult-like status in the off road world. Come visit the majestic Mojave and discover why so many people keep coming back.
Route Overview
Trip Length & Season
Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 138 miles, 1.5 - 3 days Season: The best time to visit is typically from mid-October to April. Summer temps regularly exceed 110F in the desert.
Digital Maps & GPX Files
Technical Ratings & Terrain
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Fuel, Provisions and Gear
Alternative Routes
Camping Recommendations
Discovery Points
Land Managers & Other Resources
Permits & Papers
Adventure Badge Get your Mojave Road adventure badge (decal or patch) at our online store.
Route Details
Chances are that you've heard or read about Mojave Road from a friend, on a forum, or perhaps you stumbled across it on someone's Instagram feed. And for good reason, the Mojave is a magical, and some would even say mythical place. The desert rats, artists, and eccentrics who call the desert have all been drawn by its ethos. Whether you're big on historical sites, geological wonders, or challenging terrain, the Mojave has got you covered (you'll need to explore some of the side trails for technical terrain).
Most traffic along the Mojave Road travels driven from west to east, although it can be driven in either direction. While the Mojave can be driven just about any time of year, due to extreme temperatures during the summer months (that can top out at 120 F), most people tend to run the Mojave between October and May. If you're not a fan of sub-freezing temperatures, consider running the route in fall or spring. The vast majority of the route can be easily traversed by a stock 4x4. The biggest challenge that newcomers typically face, is keeping on the trail, as numerous roads and trails make it difficult to discern which road you should be on. It's recommended that you load a gpx track to your favorite mapping app, while remaining vigilant of your location in relation to the track (we're also big fans of paper maps and recommend Mojave Guide Book, which contains a wealth of information about the route and surrounding areas).
Along the 138 mile route, you'll pass numerous historical sites and ruins, dried lake beds, numerous washes, slot canyons, and lava flows (caves). And don't forget the funkiness factor, the desert is loaded with strange stories and even stranger characters (hello Charles Manson). Some of the more bizarre sites along the route include the old Mojave bus, penny can tree, and frog shrine (weird shit happens in the desert). Take away all of the history and weirdness, and you're still left with the stunning desert landscape. Despite the harsh conditions of the desert, and if you time your visit right, you may just be lucky enough to experience one of the Mojave's desert blooms. Another favorite plant/tree of the region, is the legendary Joshua Tree, which can be found throughout the Mojave (and their namesake, Joshua Tree National Park).
If you live in California or the southwest, you need to make the pilgrimage to the Mojave Road at least once in your lifetime. The Mojave is a place where friendships are born, memories are created, and wisdom is shared. If you haven't made the pilgrimage, better start planning!
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