Trail Overview

From the Cottonwood entry gate area you will see the trailhead sign for Pinkham and Thermal Canyon Road. Here it is mostly flat and sandy for several miles. Traveling down the middle of a wide valley. The trail is well marked with "Designated Route" stakes. It is important to stay on the trail and not widen the trail or create any side spurs. Both sides of the trail are designated Wilderness Area. You will have to make a decision whether to stay on Pinkham or to catch Thermal to continue on. Both trails are very similar in scenic landscape and difficulty. And both trails exit in the same general direction and vicinity.

Photos of Pinkham Canyon to Thermal Canyon Trail

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Difficulty

Mostly sand and washes with minor drop-offs into the washes up on the flats. Once you are in the canyon the trail turns to sand and rocks.

Technical Rating

Derek Fox

May 03, 2025

Open

Always a great time on this trail! Haven’t been on this trail in a few years and it was my first time with my F150. Little more technical is spots than a few years ago. Mostly due to rocks/boulders becoming more exposed. Easy to navigate with a spotter and well placed tires. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE PATH THAT APPEARS MORE WARN OR TRAVELED ON. Lots of off shoot paths in the lower wash area. 3 spots on the trail could cause body damage to your vehicle if not careful. We did find some kind of a hub cap that was only the outer edge or a wheel. Put it in truck bed to throw away. If you see trash please pick it up!

Michael Grimes

Apr 28, 2025

Open

After running Old Dale, I easily passed Cottonwood Visitor Center and dropped into Pinkham to extend my day. A few technical areas that high clearance definitely helps and some 4wd mixed into 2wd. Continued the Pinkham trail out to a spot just before the pavement to air back up. Then slid under I-10 to merge eastbound back to cottonwood.

Nate M

Apr 05, 2025

Open

B P

Mar 19, 2025

Open

Great trail. The weather was nice. Saw one other person on the trail. The sand and rocks weren't awful, but a high clearance 4x4 will keep you from getting hung up.

Miles Fenwick

Mar 15, 2025

Open

Pinkham is always good, some possibility for pin stripes if you don't pay attention. Fun ride! nothing unusual.

Sebastiaan van Doornspeek

Feb 09, 2025

Open

Took the trail out of the park, no major issues on the trail but there are some areas with lighter sand and a single rock step to drive off, noting a 4x4 car can't do. Some clearance helps make this easier. Did come across a regular car stuck in the deeper sand towards the i10 side, but he got recovered.

Disco Overlander

Jan 04, 2025

Open

Sandy with small rocks. lots of uneven spots. Whoops.

Disco Overlander

Jan 04, 2025

Open

Sandy with small rocks. lots of uneven spots. Whoops.

Miles Fenwick

Nov 23, 2024

Open

fun trail!

Joe Martin

Oct 12, 2024

Open

The trail was fairly easy, lose gravel/sand some places and there was just one clip the was technical but fun. Very easy but fun trail.

Aleksandr Livshin

May 04, 2024

Open

Fairly easy trail. Basically just a dirt road for most of the way. Had maybe one or two somewhat challenging sections. Did a loop from Joshua Tree park through Pinkham and Thermal Canyon road back to I-10 in a stock Jeep Willys with no issues at all.

Brad Barton

Mar 06, 2024

Open

Easy trail with only one or two small drops. Did the whole thing in 2WD in my Jeep Willys.

Allison Dunkel

Aug 20, 2023

Open