Trail Overview
This wide trail crosses the BLM area over very fine, loose sand, with plenty of room for vehicles to pass. Expect frequent washboards and ruts beginning around 6–8 inches deep. Around 1.5 miles, the ruts increase significantly to approximately 16 inches deep. The soft sand can become considerably more difficult when wet, and 4WD or AWD is highly recommended. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the entire route, with numerous campsites offering their own fire rings. The open desert setting provides an easy way to explore the surrounding BLM area while accessing plenty of camping opportunities.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the very soft sand, frequent washboards, and ruts reaching approximately 16 inches deep. 4WD or AWD is highly recommended for maintaining traction and navigating the deeper rutted sections.
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.
Offroad