Trail Overview
This narrow trail continues from Townsend Street across extremely soft, fine sand with little room for vehicles to pass. Ruts begin around 6–8 inches deep, with frequent washes, washboards, and whoops throughout. Several steep, loose-sand hill climbs add difficulty, and 4WD or AWD is required. Approximately 12 inches of front-end clearance is also recommended for the rougher sections. The route crosses open BLM land with expansive 360-degree views of the surrounding desert and mountain ranges. Hundreds of dispersed camping opportunities are available throughout the area, making this a scenic route for exploring and camping in the desert.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the steep soft-sand hill climbs, frequent ruts, washes, and whoops. 4WD or AWD is required, along with approximately 12 inches of front-end clearance for the larger obstacles.
History
The BLM lands around Sawtooth Canyon reflect the long history of California’s Mojave Desert, where Indigenous peoples traveled and lived for thousands of years before miners, ranchers, and settlers arrived in the 1800s. The surrounding desert also contains remnants of the region’s mining and homesteading era, while its rugged volcanic rock formations preserve a much older geologic history.
