Trail Overview
Starting just south of Sage Canyon Trail, this sand and gravel route delivers great views of the Eastern Sierras to the west and the El Paso Wilderness Mountains to the east. The trail is lined with many large creosote bushes, sagebrush, Joshua trees, and seasonal blooming wildflowers, creating dense vegetation. Lots of washboards make this a bumpy ride throughout, while occasional boulders on the road demand vigilance. Serving as a great trail for traveling north and south without hitting pavement, many established camp spots dot the road, making this a popular staging area. Expect crowds on weekends when traffic picks up.
Difficulty
A sand and gravel surface provides decent traction despite the lots of washboards creating that bumpy ride. Watch for occasional boulders on the road that can appear without warning and cause tire damage if struck. The established camp spots mean this sees regular use, keeping it defined. Busy weekends mean more traffic and dust. Overall, an accessible route suitable for weekend warrior camping access without serious technical challenges beyond those washboards and boulder hazards.