Trail Overview
BLM SV2616 travels over fine, loose sand and dirt that can become more difficult when wet. The route leaves the nearby ranches and properties and heads deeper into BLM land with views of the Sawtooth Hills and surrounding mountain ranges. The trail is narrow with limited room for passing, although occasional pullouts are available. Ruts begin around 2–3 inches deep with no significant obstacles, while 12–16-inch whoops begin appearing around 0.5 miles. Camping is abundant throughout the route, with numerous large, level campsites. Depending on the location, these sites can accommodate groups ranging from approximately 10 to 30 vehicles while providing excellent access to the surrounding desert scenery.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 2 because of its loose sandy surface, narrow sections, and repeated 12–16 inch whoops. The beginning is relatively smooth with shallow ruts, and there are no major technical 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.
Offroad