Old Dale Road

Total Miles
25.8

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

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Old Dale Road
10

Trail Overview

Old Dale Road is an iconic trail in the mountains of Joshua Tree National Park. Start from either the north or the south trailhead and enjoy a trek through the history and beauty of the desert. Visit abandoned mines throughout the trail or set up camp away from the crowds. This trail is appropriate for any high-clearance 4x4.

Photos of Old Dale Road

Old Dale Road
Old Dale Road

Difficulty

70% Of the trail is in deep sand that requires 4WD and the 30% is small to moderate-sized rocks that can pose damage to low clearance vehicles.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Michael Grimes
Apr 28, 2025
Open
Normal
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Washboard
Entered from Hwy 62 and found most of the trail was 2wd until about the middle, where it earned its 4 rating with some ruts and boulder work. Dropped into 4 low to work my way over and through without any problems. Maybe less than a mile and about 30 minutes. Once through, could push the speed in 2wd and cruise to Cottonwood.
Nate M
Apr 05, 2025
1994 Mitsubishi Montero
Open
Heath Stai
Mar 29, 2025
2021 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Great trail will be back to explore further. Very sandy and washboard on the N/S side of pinnacle. Great views of the Virgin desert Joshua Tree Nat.
Miles Fenwick
Mar 15, 2025
2022 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Good Ole Old Dale. never failes to disappoint. Usually washboard, usual rock. Fun trip!

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