Mojave Road, Central

Total Miles 36.9
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Fall, Winter, Spring
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Mojave Road, Central trail photo

Trail Overview

Highlights of Mojave Road Central include stops at the Rock House, Government Holes, Marl Springs and the Mail Box. Entire route is inside the Mojave National Preserve, open to street-legal vehicles only. Trail departs from and rejoins larger Cedar Canyon Road several times.

Photos of Mojave Road, Central

Difficulty

Moderate: Mostly easy, but the descent to Watson Wash can be very challenging for stock 4x4 SUVs. This spot will be intimidating to novice drivers. Much of the route is soft sand, which, when dry, can quickly bog down any vehicle. Don't camp in washes where flash floods are possible.

History

Bert Smith built the Rock House in 1929. He came to this desolate place in an attempt to prolong his life after being exposed to poisonous gases in WWI. Although not expected to live long, he lasted another 25 years. You'll see signs for a loop hiking trail by the cabin. We recommend the hike. It leads to photogenic Rock Spring that provided water for the cabin. From 1866 to 1868, Rock Spring was the site of a military outpost.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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T Miller
Apr 20, 2026
Open
Endless whoopsies along this segment.
Aaron Shrier
Mar 22, 2025
Open
The trail is gorgeous and easy... as usual. The drop into Watson Wash is pretty technical right now for full sized vehicles... but very doable.
Disco Overlander
Dec 01, 2024
Open
Heavily traveled. Extensive whoopsies between Kelso Rd and Lava Tube Rd.
Dino and Sara 2 Road Dawgs
Nov 30, 2024
Open
West of Cima Kelso Road is all whoop-ties
Daryl Combs
Oct 27, 2024
Open
Mostly hard packed dirt, miles of whoop-de-dos, again most of the trail is below the vegetation. 4 high recommended but not always required. Some sandy places. Less than 10mph for most of this part of the trail.
Jim Northrup
Jun 13, 2024
Open
travel's in pretty good shape. a lot of off camber spots and there was one spot that I bypassed because it was a Mogul field on a pretty steep decline. not too far from The Rock House
Lincoln Every
May 26, 2024
Open
Soda lake dry and open. Great scenery, easy route
Sean Donlon
Feb 17, 2024
Open
Road was fine. Great weather. Soda Lake still closed. Please don’t drive on it until officially open. Detour was quick and got us back on the Mojave Road…
Trey Benke
May 27, 2023
Open

Mojave Road, Central Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Mojave Road, Central Map

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