Trail Overview
Southern Deer Spring Road is a scenic, entry-level off-road trail in the Mojave National Preserve, ideal for drivers of stock four-wheel-drive vehicles looking to explore historic ranching structures and unique desert landscapes. Spanning approximately 2.9 miles one-way, this out-and-back route climbs from the private Valley View Ranch up toward Deer Springs, ascending from 5,040 feet to a maximum elevation of 5,385 feet. The trail winds through a Joshua Tree forest heavily impacted by the 2020 Dome Fire, offering travelers a stark yet beautiful look at desert recovery as new green shoots begin to emerge from the charred trunks.
Rated a 3 out of 10, the route is mostly easy but features occasional sandy patches, off-camber transitions, and short, steep hill climbs. Drivers should stay alert for sudden deep washouts that can easily catch offroaders off guard. Because the trail resides within the Mojave National Preserve, all operating vehicles must be licensed and street-legal, meaning non-street-legal SxSs and OHVs are not permitted. A single dispersed campsite is available near the trail's end, though camping is prohibited at the very end near the historic livestock corral and valley overlook, and travelers can expect around three bars of LTE cellular service along the way.
Access Description
This route is located within the Mojave National Preserve. All vehicles must be licensed and street-legal; non-street-legal SxSs, ATVs, and off-highway vehicles are not permitted. One dispersed camping site is located near the end of the trail, but camping is strictly prohibited at the very end of the route. Reliable cellular connectivity is available with approximately three bars of LTE service.
