Trail Overview

This route is part of the Mojave Desert Scenic Backway. This section is predominantly an easy, maintained dirt road. As you make your way up and over the Beaver Dam Mountains, you will encounter a few rocky patches on trail, but nothing of significant difficulty. There is a section on the Western side that is part of the Woodbury Desert Study. Scattered primitive camping spots were spotted along the western side as well. This route passes the Woodbury Road Crags Climbing site. The trail is unmaintained in wet or winter conditions.

Photos of Joshua Tree Road

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Technical Rating

Matthew Britton

Jun 05, 2026

Open

Road is in great shape. A few spots that could be tricky for a two-wheel drive vehicle with an experienced driver (bare rock surfaces, rubbly surfaces, and steeper grades than you'll find on city streets), but should be a piece of cake for any crossover, SUV, or dedicated off-road vehicle. Also, barely adds half an hour to the drive between I-15 in St George and Littlefield (either by the Canyon or the Back Way), so I love going this way when I want to mix up the scenery.

Disco Overlander

Oct 27, 2025

Open

This Trail cuts from 91 toward the south side of St. George. Trail's in pretty good shape. Looks like it's been recently graded. It does get very dusty. Pretty views of the hills in the area. The trail is a rating 1. Except for a few occasional very small rocks, there are no obstacles. It's a nice dirt. Sand and gravel Road.

Dallin W

Oct 19, 2025

Open

Passed a couple trucks along the way. Wasn’t a problem for me to pass them but there are some corners where needing to get by another car might be an issue.

Cathy Huff

Aug 22, 2025

Open

Beautiful drive. Narrow, one car only in some spots but we only ran into one other vehicle and were able to get by them. Great, short trip for locals to pack a lunch and enjoy the beautiful views.

Matthew Colvin

Jun 07, 2025

Open

Great trail some area a little rough and rocky but overall a blast