Bradshaw's Trail

Total Miles
70.2

Elevation

761.51 ft

Duration

5 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Bradshaw's Trail is roughly a 70-mile-long trail stretching from Blythe, CA, to the eastern side of the Salton Sea. The trail runs east to west although it can be traveled from either end, and goes through the Chuckwalla Mountains and the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range. The main trail is a periodically maintained dirt trail with soft sand washes and gravel areas requiring 4WD. There are many side trails that stem off from the main trail, so try to stay on the most trafficked path to avoid going in the wrong direction.

Photos of Bradshaw's Trail

Bradshaw's Trail
Bradshaw's Trail

Difficulty

The main trail is pretty flat with the occasional sand washes or gravel sections.

History

The Bradshaw Trail was first used as a gold mining route that connected San Bernadino County to La Paz, AZ. The trail was first blazed by William Bradshaw in 1862, who wanted to connect the goldfields in La Paz to southern California. It became to be a very popular overland stage route that was used to haul miners and their gold from Riverside county to the Colorado River.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Miles Fenwick
Jul 25, 2024
2022 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Trail was open from SR2013 Red Canyon Jeep Trail to Salton Sea
Adam Juhasz
Jun 20, 2024
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Forestry Ranger was at the gate when I arrived and said it was temporarily closed. Didn't state why
Alexandro Valdivia
May 11, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Dusty
Peaceful trail. Lengthy, so plan accordingly. IG: @Puddles392_ReptarBraptor
Miles Fenwick
May 07, 2024
4x4
Open
Typical Bradshaw, not hard, just long. Saw my first desert tortoise on the side of the trail. Big guy, size of a soccer ball! Very cool!

Access Description

Starting at the eastern trailhead in Blyth is recommended so you can finish the trail under the trestle railroad bridge.

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