Trail Overview
This soft-sand trail travels north through the open desert, with ruts beginning around 6–8 inches deep and large whoops reaching 2–3 feet tall. The combination of loose sand, ruts, whoops, and hill climbs can make traction challenging, particularly when wet. 4WD or AWD is highly recommended for this route. Dispersed campsites are available throughout the trail. Around 1.7 miles, the route reaches the top of one of the largest hills in the area, providing expansive views of the surrounding desert and mountains, along with several nearby camping opportunities.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the extremely soft sand, 6–8-inch ruts, 2–3-foot whoops, and hill climbs. 4WD or AWD is highly recommended for maintaining traction and navigating the larger terrain features.
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.
