Baxter Wash Trail

Trail Overview

This is a 19.5-mile point-to-point trail through the Mojave National Preserve, with a 4 out of 10 technical rating due to the few obstacles around the middle of the trail. 4-WD High Clearance Vehicles are a must for this trail due to deep soft sand washes and the obstacles. The trail parallels the 15 Freeway; therefore, cell service was available most of the time. However, through the obstacles, there was no cell service. This trail is wide for the most part, with passing and turn arounds made with ease, should you choose not to do the obstacles. The route varies from very soft sandy washes to hard-packed dirt, sometimes rutted, rocky road areas, minor hill climbs, as well as a slot canyon rock garden, with a squeeze at the end that Jeeps or a Tacoma won't have any trouble with, but a full-sized truck with wide fender flairs would. This route has a bit of everything to offer that's not going to cause body damage, but has views for days! One important mention, at approximately mile marker 7.7, if on the trail from West to East, there's a volcanic rock hill climb that, as soon as you get to the top, the trail makes an immediate sharp 90-degree left turn. There's a picture posted of this. If you were to continue straight, it's an extremely steep drop-off. This trail can be reached by two well-known easy trails, the Mojave Road from the West or the Afton Canyon from the Northeast. If you start off early enough and reach the trail from the West end at Mojave Road, ending at Afton Canyon, you can take Afton Canyon for 9 more miles to the well-known Mojave Megaphone landmark! This trail is full of beautiful views of valleys, where you can see for miles! The massive, beautiful buttes, hills, sandstone, and rock outcroppings, as well as various cacti and floral bloom during the right season. There are old historic mine ruins at the first obstacle when traveling West. If you run through the trail, it should only take about 2 hours. As beautiful as it is, you'll want to stop for pictures and lunch along the way. I'm sure it will take you longer just to enjoy your day and soak in the beauty! Just please remember to pack it in and pack it out.

Photos of Baxter Wash Trail

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Difficulty

Deep dry sandy washes during dry seasons, which could be multiple water crossings during rainy seasons. Double ledge-loose dirt steep up hill obstacle, and rock garden with up to 18-inch rocks.

Technical Rating

Baxter Wash Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike