NPS Photos

Four-wheel drivers have access to over a thousand miles of unpaved roads.

Much of the wild and historic splendor of Mojave National Preserve's 1.6 million acres is available only to those who travel its trails and unmaintained roads.

Before beginning any adventure, four-wheel drivers should ensure that their vehicle is in good condition: check tires, oil, and gas guage. For emergencies, carry tools, tire jack, towrope, extra water, and fluids for your vehicle.

Rules of the Road
All vehicles operating within Mojave National Preserve must be street-legal in accordance with California DMV requirements, including current registration and tags, lights and turn signals, and valid insurance. California “Green Sticker” and “Red Sticker” programs are not recognized within the preserve.

Off-pavement travel is allowed only on existing, open dirt roads. Do not travel cross-country or create new routes. This rule is strictly enforced; violators will receive citations. Driving in washes is not permitted. Watch for and respect Wilderness Boundary signs; motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas.

Road Conditions
Road conditions vary widely (click here for the latest updates). Dirt roads might be rough, sandy, or muddy, rendering them impassable and the unprepared motorist could be trapped many miles from help. Watch for cattle, burros, and other wildlife on roadways.

Carry a good map but recognize that not all roads are shown on all maps; traces and illegal shortcuts add to the confusion.

NPS Photo

Shafts of light illuminate visitors in the lava tube, accessible via Aiken Mine Road.

Aiken Mine Road to the Lava Tube
From Baker, drive 21 miles south on Kelbaker Road, then about 4.5 miles northeast on the unmarked Aiken Mine Road. Bear left at the fork, pass a corral on the left and then park in the loop at the bottom of a cinder cone.

Continue walking up the road on foot for 300 yards. Watch for a short, unmarked trail off to the right leading up the cinder cone. The trail ends at a hole with a ladder in it. This is the entrance to the lava tube. The lava tube is not maintained by the National Park Service.

NPS Photo

White fir on Calrk Mountain are remnants from cooler and wetter times of the Pleistocene (i.e., the last Ice Age).

Clark Mountain
The only portion of Mojave National Preserve north of I-15 is also its highest point, at 7,929 feet. A relict white fir grove near the top is one of only three in the Mojave Desert.

A network of dirt roads lead to several abandoned mine and town sites. Exit I-15 at Cima Road or Yates Well and enter the preserve via a paved road and then a series of unmaintained dirt roads.

NPS Photo

Shaded, primitive campsites attract many four-wheel drivers to Caruthers Canyon.

Caruthers Canyon
Surrounded by mountains rising over 7,500 feet, a botanical “island” of chaparral plants remains from wetter times of the past. Primitive campsites are situated in a valley surrounded by jumbled rock.

From the intersection of Ivanpah and Morning Star Mine roads, drive 21 miles southeast on Ivanpah Road. Turn west on New York Mountain Road and continue for about 4.5 miles to a four-way intersection. Turn north and follow road up into Caruthers Canyon.