Trail Overview
This limited-use area trail cuts across Highway 395, starting just above the South Haiwee Reservoir, a private lake owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Hard-packed sand with embedded rocks forms the surface as it slowly climbs from the reservoir. The route is open to both off-road vehicles and highway-registered vehicles. Vehicles are allowed only on established and labeled routes signed with numbered brown posts, with no cross-country travel permitted on this LADWP and BLM land. Lots of smoke trees and some Joshua trees populate the area initially. The north side takes you up into Haiwee Canyon toward Haiwee Pass, where character shifts dramatically. Entering the canyon introduces off-camber sections and shelf roads, creating exposure and technical navigation. Lots of desert brush and large patches of Joshua trees crowd the canyon landscape.
Difficulty
A few rutted sections plunge 6 to 8 inches deep requiring clearance and attention to line selection. The off-camber sections and shelf roads in Haiwee Canyon demand respect for exposure and precise navigation. Hard pack sand with embedded rocks provides decent traction but creates bumpy surface. The canyon terrain elevates difficulty beyond the lower elevation sections. High clearance helps with the deeper ruts. Respect the limited use restrictions and stay on numbered, signed routes only.
