Trail Overview
Fern Road begins in a neighborhood along a public right-of-way before entering BLM land. The trail consists of fine, loose sand and dirt that can become more difficult when wet. It is narrow with limited room for passing, although there are plenty of places to pull aside. Ruts remain around 4–5 inches deep, with several small rock gardens containing rocks no larger than 2–3 inches. Camping is plentiful throughout the route, with level sites, fire rings, and excellent views of Sawtooth Canyon, the desert valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. The trail connects with BLM 0M6605, providing access to additional BLM routes and numerous campsites in the surrounding area.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 2 because of its narrow width, loose sandy surface, shallow 4–5-inch ruts, and small rock gardens. There are no significant technical obstacles under normal dry conditions.
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.