Thermal Canyon Road

Trail Overview

Thermal Canyon Road can be accessed from the Frontage Road off-ramp off of I-10, either from the East or West. Stop at the BLM kiosk for the Pinkham Canyon Trail; then continue on the California River Aqueduct Road owned by the Metropolitan Water District. Various private and other agencies have rights to the road. Stay on the main road, do not take any side roads. You will be on California River Aqueduct Road for 7.2 miles to reach the trailhead of Thermal Canyon Road (BLM), then proceed to the (NPS) gate, which is just 148 yards. The surface in this area is a mix of soft/firm sand with rocks. This trail is a mix of narrow slot canyons (still wide enough for full-size 4wd), and the landscape gives plenty of scenery from wide open vistas and smoke tree forests. As you come out of a wide slot canyon, the trail continues on a narrow ridge, then to a steep hill descent. If you don't want to do that, there is a less steep downhill before the steeper section. Eventually, the trail connects to the Pinkham Canyon Trail, where you have a choice of going to the Cottonwood Visitor Center or taking the trail to the right and heading back to the California River Aqueduct Road. The total mileage from the BLM kiosk for the Pinkham Canyon Trail is 13.3 miles. Thermal Canyon Road can be accessed from the Frontage Road offramp. Upon reaching the BLM kiosk, proceed to the Pinkham Canyon Trail. Subsequently, continue along the California River Aqueduct Road, which is managed by the Metropolitan Water District. It is important to note that the road is shared by various private and other agencies. Maintain your course on the main road and avoid taking any side roads. The trailhead of Thermal Canyon Road (BLM) is located 7.2 miles along the California River Aqueduct Road. From there, proceed to the (NPS) gate, which is situated just 148 yards away. The terrain in this area consists of a combination of soft and firm sand interspersed with rocks. The trail features narrow slot canyons that remain wide enough to accommodate full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles. The landscape offers breathtaking views, including expansive vistas and smoke tree forests. As you emerge from a wide slot canyon, the trail transitions to a narrow ridge before descending a steep hill. Alternatively, a less steep downhill section precedes the steeper ascent. Eventually, the trail connects to the Pinkham Canyon Trail, providing options to visit the Cottonwood Visitor Center or continue along the trail to the right, ultimately returning to the California River Aqueduct Road. The total mileage from the BLM kiosk to the Pinkham Canyon Trail is 13.3 miles.

Photos of Thermal Canyon Road

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Difficulty

The area is made up of coarse gravel with sand. Some small ruts & rocks buried in the sand, not enough to require real rock crawling.

History

Thermal Canyon Road, situated on the southern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park, presents a challenging 4x4 backcountry route that provides an intimate glimpse into the park's pristine desert terrain. This route seamlessly connects to the historic Pinkham Canyon Road, traversing rugged, narrow canyons and expansive desert landscapes. The road's design largely mirrors the arid environment that was safeguarded when the monument was established in 1936. The route is located in the southern portion of the park and connects to the southern terminus of Pinkham Canyon Road. It features sandy, rocky, and narrow, steep sections that offer breathtaking views of the Hexie Mountains. Additionally, the road traverses a hot desert landscape sculpted by flash floods in the rain shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Technical Rating

Thermal Canyon Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV