Trail Overview

This is a challenging, but fun trail through the El Paso Mountains, known for the abandoned mines and cabins of years past, and amazing camping. The highlight of the trail is a narrow, rocky section called The Narrows. Handle this section with extreme patience and care. Long wheelbase vehicles not recommended and 4WD is required. After you successfully navigate The Narrows, continue exploring the other connected trails in the area, such as Last Chance Canyon and Bonanza Gulch, as well as Burro Schmidt's Tunnel. The Narrows can be accessed via Mesquite Canyon Road to the northwest or Redrock Randsburg Road to the southeast.

Photos of The Narrows

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Difficulty

The first part of the trail is through a very sandy wash, which turns into The Narrows, an extremely narrow, rocky, challenging and jagged trail. The driver must skillfully navigate through this section or damage their vehicle.

History

Like many Mojave Desert trails on BLM land, this navigates past many abandoned mines and shacks. Occasionally, drivers and riders may come across folks sifting the sand for bits of gold.

Technical Rating

Joe B

Oct 18, 2025

Open

We were the first through here after the floods and it took 8 hours back and forth to fix all the trail damage just enough to get through serious ruts and obstructions. After a lot of traffic it is a lot easier in a capable rig. Did it today in about 2 hours from Ridgecrest to Garlock and back the same route. We made it through the big rock pile at the turn before the narrows in our built Can-ams so no need to take the bypass. From up top, head to the end of the pile and hit it to the right and snake down to the trail. there are some 2' boulders you'll be climbing on/over. We went up and down the rock pile no problem. There's still a lot of random boulders at the bottom of obstacles, but we were able to get over everything no problem.

Kharis O'Connell

Sep 20, 2025

Open

After the recent storm The Narrows has gone from being passable with bypasses, to having nearly all bypasses destroyed and the main route blocked when it gets narrow. The sheer amount of boulders that have piled up just north of the narrowest part is incredible (worst I’ve ever seen here). To get through you now have to mount the dirt berm and drive up a steep rock face to get through. This is a very difficult trail now.

Danny D

Mar 04, 2025

Open

Great day out in the El Paso Mountains. Approached The Narrows route from the Western side, and encountered a washout at the top of the climb up and out of Mormon Wash. Dirt bikes and quads may have little issue navigating around this washout, SXSs may get around at own risk. 4x4s i would recommend to take an alternate route. This washout is 3.6 miles into The Narrows route from Garlock Road, via Goler Gulch.

Joseph Benitez

Mar 10, 2024

Open

Very fun and easy trail.some clearance and 35s would help but not necessary. A stock 4x4 can clear picking the right lines. Lots of rocks and scenic views will definitely be coming back to this place. Also a flat area on top of the trail could be used for camping.