Trail Overview
This single-wide trail travels through extremely soft sand with little room for vehicles to pass. Near the beginning, ruts and washouts reach 12–14 inches deep. The combination of deep washes and loose sand can make maintaining traction difficult, particularly when wet. 4WD or AWD is required for this route. The trail provides an enjoyable desert drive with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and open landscape. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the area, providing numerous options for everything from solo camping to larger groups.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the extremely soft sand, 12–14-inch ruts and washouts, and narrow terrain. 4WD or AWD is required to maintain traction through the softer and more deeply 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.