w w w . d a v e b a r t o n . c o m / m o j a v e

The Mojave Road
Above photo: Sunset from the New York Mountains.
UPDATED: January 21, 2023                      Dave's Volvo Page          Contact

Below are a series of PDF maps I've created over the years just for fun.
The first set of maps I made covered all 139 miles of The Mojave Road, along with some other surrounding areas. I originally did these for my own use for my trips to this great area. Then I decided to publish them for others who appreciate the Eastern Mojave. 
I have also created more maps for a large number of associated off-road trails in the region, adding numerous historical points of interest, landmarks, useful comments and GPS coordinates.
The most recent additions are 24 pages of the McCullough Range just north of the Mojave Preserve that few people ever see.
I have also added 10 pages of the eastern slope of the Providence Mountains where you can find sites such as the historic ruins of the Bonanza King Mine.

All maps are offered here FREE. 
There are now more than 250 pages of maps below in PDF format that will make you more familiar with the Mojave Preserve and surrounding region than any of your friends.


Mojave National Preserve. The Mojave Road. Mojave Road Stickers
The Mojave Road Bus. The Mojave Road Mailbox. The Mojave Road Cairn.
Just something for fun. CLICK HERE.
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES

Mojave Desert Trip Logs. Many cool locations with photos:
http://www.dzrtgrls.com/index.htm
http://www.drivingline.com/events/off-road-trail-reviews-mojave-desert/

Mojave Preserve
Maps, Camping and Trail Brochures provided by the NPS:
http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/maps.htm

USGS Topo Map of Mojave Preserve Area. A MUST HAVE ITEM. (pdf):
CA_Ivanpah_299098_1985_100000_geo (22mb pdf)


Wikipedia: MOJAVE ROAD

GPS RESOURCES
Funtreks.com Mojave Road GPX Download (look for #98, 99 and 100): https://www.funtreks.com/free-gps-waypoint-downloads#cali2nd
------------------

Mojave Road Track Topo Map PDF (12 pages) East Half to Kelbaker Rd crossing (15mb)

Mojave Road Track Topo Map PDF (7 pages) Western Half (10mb)

Mojave Road Camping Locations Topo Map PDF (3mb)



The EAST MOJAVE HERITAGE TRAIL
The East Mojave Heritage Trail (EMHT) was a series of trails originally put together by Dennis Casebier in the 1980s as an alternative to the Mojave Road to reduce its potential overuse. Four books were developed to fully detail the comprehensive tours. These books are: Needles to Ivanpah; Ivanpah to Rocky Ridge; Rocky Ridge to Fenner; and Fenner to Needles. Soon after the final book was published, the BLM began restricting and closing certain wilderness areas they felt needed protection from the evil motor vehicle. This act closed portions of the trail in 13 places, impacting over 75 miles of the original EMHT route.

Bill Creech discovered Dennis Casebier's guidebooks. In 2019 they inspired him to reorganize the EMHT track in 2019.
This was detailed in the below articles, where you can find more info about the EMHT.
https://cal4wheel.com/latest-news/in-gear-feature-stories/905-the-east-mojave-heritage-trail
https://expeditionportal.com/the-east-mojave-heritage-trail



In November 2022 a 35 minute video was made exploring some parts of the EMHT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HngmUQycB7Q





This section begins
The Mojave Road
Here's a scale map of the Mojave Road region and major surrounding wagon trails, historical sites, etc. 
I patterned this map after a similar one I saw in one of Dennis Casebier's books.
If you aren't yet familiar with this area, this map will help to orient you to the overall layout of the eastern Mojave Desert region. 

Click below for larger image (0.5mb JPG)
Mojave Road and Other Early Wagon Roads.
Also a high resolution PDF of this map is available below if you want to save it.
To save on your computer, right click on this link and choose "save link as":
>>>
mojaveroadmap-db2023 (1.6mb PDF)
<<<


A Full Index of Historic Sites for all Maps can be found at the bottom of this page.
CLICK HERE

Original development of these Mojave Road Maps

These maps were done originally for personal use during a number of 4WD trips to the area over a number of years. They have been a big help for me getting to know the layout of this large remote region and they will make you more knowledgeable about the area. These maps can mostly be considered complete, but I occasionally add more detail or updates when I find the need or when others contribute additional info.  And because I know how useful these maps can be, I offer them here at NO CHARGE for other Mojave Road and Eastern Mojave Desert explorers. You may save or print these maps or load them into a folder in your phone (like I do) or in a tablet or laptop for use on the trail. 
Low-resolution and high-resolution PDF maps are all available below.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A special acknowledgement and thank you goes to Dennis Casebier.
Dennis is the author of the
Mojave Road Guide and many other Mojave Desert book titles covering trails and the history of this region. Without his work, I would never have made any trips to this great region. His books sparked the interest to explore more of it.  With that in mind, the below maps are not intended to be a substitute for Dennis' essential Mojave Road Guide. It's packed full of historical anecdotes, which make such a trip a powerful learning experience.  If you don't yet own a copy, do yourself a favor and read the Mojave Road Guide before you go.

Dennis Casebier 1934-2021
https://mdhca.org/local-history/historian

MOJAVE DESERT HERITAGE & CULTURAL ASSOCIATION


COMPASS DIRECTION NOTE:
The Mojave Road maps FOUND BELOW are typically read page to page from west to east, similar to reading a sentence from left to right. This is different from Dennis Casebier's Mojave Road Guide, which is specifically laid out to read from east to west.  If you prefer to begin on the east end in the below maps, you can simply begin at the end page and work backward.
Feel free to contact me with comments or suggestions.
Dave Barton,  dbarton [at] linkline [dot] com



Mojave Road and Connected Trail Maps
OVERVIEW OF MAIN MOJAVE ROAD AREA MAP SEGMENTS       
Mojave Road area trails and historic sites.
Mojave Road (and surrounding area) Detailed Map Segments below.
  All PDF Downloads here
(low resolution files)

The below files are divided into multiple parts to reduce their download sizes.  If combined or printed, they may be put in alpha/numeric order. 
These files below are considered to be low resolution, so downloading will be easier if you have slower bandwidth.
To save a map file on your computer, right click and choose "save link as."
MojaveRd INDEXlo (0.5mb): Overview map of PDF trail map sets. This is essentially the same as the above colored "Overview of Mojave Road Area Map Segments." 
1 page.

MojaveRd INDEX2 (0.07mb):

A text index of numerous historical points of interest you'll find along the way on these trails, along with historical trivia for the region that you'll find interesting and helpful.
8 pages.
MojaveRd1 Westlo (4mb): The Mojave Road (WESTERN HALF, pages 1-14). Covers from Camp Cady on the western end (near Barstow) to the crossing at Kelbaker Road (near the Old Dad Mountains south of Baker). This part of the Mojave Road mostly follows the Mojave River, passing through Afton Canyon, traverses Soda Lake and passes Seventeen Mile Point near Kelbaker Road.
14 pages, 54 miles.

MojaveRd2 Eastlo (11mb): The Mojave Road (EASTERN HALF, pages 15-38) Covers from the Kelbaker Road crossing to the eastern end point (or beginning) at the Colorado River. This part covers the Lava Tubes, Mojave Road Mailbox, Marl Springs, Cedar Canyon, Government Holes, Rock Springs, Lanfair Valley, Piute Mountains, Fort Piute and the eastern end (or beginning) near the Colorado River. 
24 pages, 85 miles.

MojaveRd3 Marlsouthlo (1.3mb): These trails are directly south of Marl Springs. The earliest wagon route taking settlers west originally turned south from Marl Springs instead of the better known route around the north side of the Marl Mountains. It then went over Rocky Ridge and through Jackass Canyon and then west across the sandy flats to Afton Canyon. This route was abandoned around 1859 due to harsh terrain at Rocky Ridge and deep sandy areas in the canyon. Unfortunately the historic trails to the immediately south of Marl Springs are now posted Closed to Vehicles by the NPS. Most other portions are still accessible. 
7 pages.

MojaveRd4 Cimalo (2.3mb): The Cima area trails are to the north of the Mojave Road and to the west of the New York Mountains. It is accessed by turning north on Cima Road (AKA Death Valley Mine Road) off of the Mojave Road (Cedar Canyon Road) in Round Valley. One of the many prominent features to see in this area is the remains of the Death Valley Mine, which is a large mining camp with lots of mines, equipment and buildings, all well preserved and fully accessible for sight-seers. 
5 pages.

MojaveRd5 PintoNYMtnslo (4.1mb): These are trails to the north of the Mojave Road and east of the above Cima maps. Included are Pinto Valley, New York Mountains, Carruthers Canyon and surrounding areas. Access is made by turning north on New York Mountain Road off of Cedar Canyon Road (Mojave Road) in Round Valley. Or turn north on Carruthers Canyon Road (off of Mojave Road) in Lanfair Valley. 
15 pages.

MojaveRd6 BlackCanyonRdlo (5mb):
These are trails that are near Black Canyon Road, which runs south from the Mojave Road (near Round Valley). Black Canyon Road runs 19 miles south to Essex Road, which can connect you to I-40 further south. Sites include Round Valley, Wild Horse Canyon, Wild Horse Canyon Road Loop, Mid Hills Campground, Gold Valley, Hole in the Wall, Hole in the Wall Campground and Visitors Center, Woods Mountains and Colton Hills. 
13 pages.

MojaveRd7 EastLanfairTrNolo (2.6mb):
This map of the East Lanfair Valley Trail runs north/south from Searchlight, NV to Goffs, CA, a total distance of about 48 trail miles.  It intersects/crosses the Mojave Road just west of the Piute Mountains. This is the NORTH half of this trail, which covers about 35 trail miles from Searchlight, NV to the Mojave Road. 
13 pages, 35 miles.

MojaveRd8 EastLanfairTrSolo (1.3mb): The East Lanfair Valley Trail runs north/south from Searchlight, NV to Goffs, CA, a total distance of about 48 trail miles.  It intersects/crosses the Mojave Road just west of the Piute Mountains. This is the SOUTH half of this trail, which covers about 13 trail miles from the Mojave Road, past the Leiser Ray Mine ruins and ending in Goffs. 
6 pages, 13 miles.

MojaveRd9 ToughNutlo (0.7mb): The Tough Nut area shows some historic trails east of Kelso Cima Road (about 10 miles south of the Mojave Road). These trails lead to three historic gold mines; Globe Mine, Good Hope Mine and Tough Nut Mine. This area is considered to be in the northern Providence Mountains.
2 pages.

MojaveRd10 ElDoradoCañonRdlo (1mb): The El Dorado Cañon Road is a historic route, circa 1860s, that begins from the Mojave Road in Lanfair Valley and goes northeast through the Castle Mountains to Searchlight, Nevada and beyond to gold mines in El Dorado Cañon near the Colorado River. This route could also connected travelers to Las Vegas and the Salt Lake Trail to Utah.  This road merges with the East Lanfair Valley Trail in the northeast corner of Lanfair Valley and it continues north within this map MojaveRd7 East Lanfair Tr North (beginning with Page 8). 
4 pages.


MojaveRd11 PiuteValleyTraillo (1.8mb): The Piute Valley Trail may not be the correct historical name for this section, however it serves as a fitting description. It covers a 25 mile section from Searchlight, Nevada south to Piute Springs and Fort Piute. This trail is the southern portion of the larger trail which extends north to El Dorado Cañon and further north to Las Vegas and connection with the Salt Lake Trail.  It's existence predates Searchlight (originally a mining camp beginning in 1897). This trail is believed to possibly be as old as the Spanish Trail. While this trail does not offer the entertainment value of most of the others, it's just as historically important.  
11 pages, 25 miles.

MojaveRd12 KelsoTraillo (1.2mb): The Kelso Trail may not be the correct historical name for this trail, however it works.  The northern end of this trail begins in the center of Jackass Canyon and runs 13 miles south to Kelso.  This early road originally existed as the most direct route between Baker and Kelso long before Kelbaker Road was constructed (NOTE: Kelbaker Road did not yet exist in any form in USGS topo maps from 1956, so this trail was all there was. Otherwise there was only an early road between Kelso and Amboy to the south. 
6 pages, 13 miles.

MojaveRd13 Piute Detourlo (1.6mb): These Piute Detour maps were created after heavy rains in the spring of 2016 washed out parts of the Old Cable Road (used as an important Mojave Road bypass). This affected road is between Mojave Road mile 27 and 30.9 and travels up the canyon from the east side of the Piute Mountains to the west side into Lanfair Valley.  If needed, this detour to the south will take you 14 miles out of the way.  2020 Update Note: Reports say that repairs have been made, however this detour info will remain here for future use in case washouts occur again. 
7 pages, 14 miles.

MojaveRd14 Macedonialo (1.7mb): The Macedonia area shows trails south of Mojave Road (off Cedar Canyon Road) and east of Kelso Cima Road. The most prominent trail is Macedonia Canyon Road, which runs 6.2 miles east from Kelso Cima Road to Wild Horse Canyon Road.  A large number of trails, old mines and springs are illustrated in these maps and most areas are accessible to off-roaders. Some road closures by the NPS exist in this area for some side trails.
6 pages.

HIGH-RESOLUTION versions of the above map segments are located below.
To save a map file on your computer, right click and choose "save link as."
MojaveRd INDEX (1.7mb):

MojaveRd1 West(19mb):

MojaveRd2 East (91mb):

MojaveRd3 Marlsouth (8mb):

MojaveRd4 Cima (16.5mb):

MojaveRd5 PintoNYMtns (30mb):

MojaveRd6 BlackCanyonRd (32mb):


MojaveRd7 EastLanfairTrNo (13.8mb):


MojaveRd8 EastLanfairTrSo (6.3mb):


MojaveRd9 ToughNut (5mb):

MojaveRd10 ElDoradoCañonRd (8mb):

MojaveRd11 PiuteValleyTrail (22mb):

MojaveRd12 KelsoTrail (5.8mb):

MojaveRd13 Piute Detour (9.4mb):

MojaveRd14 Macedonia (11.5mb):

MojaveRd INDEX2 (0.07mb):
These high-resolution files to the left are higher are up to 80% larger in size than the low-resolution maps listed above. I added these for those of you with faster internet speeds or plenty of storage space. These images are more crisp and detailed. 




MojaveRd INDEX2 at the bottom is a text index of notable sites in the area. That information may also be found at the bottom of this page HERE.





Cady Mountains Region
MYSTERY OF CADY CANYON:
In 2016 while reviewing aerial maps I located this bizarre site shown below.  It's located in a secluded canyon on page 26 and it's a LONG way from anywhere.  I have not been there in person. I posted this info below to see if anyone could solve this mystery.

UPDATE 2017: MYSTERY SOLVED:

I was contacted by Jim M., a Mojave Desert off-roader who concluded this is a wildlife water collection site, believed to have been installed by the Society For The Preservation Of Bighorn Sheep.
Jim later visited the site in May 2017 and included more detailed info and photos in his blog:

https://suntothenorth.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-mystery-of-cady-canyon.html



And of course if your in this area, try to find the Mojave Desert Megaphone. 
Hint: It's on Page 12 in these maps below.

The Mojave Desert Megaphone.
This is one of the peculiar mysteries of the eastern Mojave Desert. There are a lot of speculative stories on the internet about what it is and why it was made, from a warning siren to a gun sight to a drum or maybe just a practical joke.  Or maybe just plain art.  Either way, no one seems to know how long ago it was placed there.

In 2021 I received an email from Greg, who suggested this looks to possibly be parts from a smoke stack for a steam locomotive, which commonly used such a venturi shape.
If you look online for locomotive stacks, you can see similarities. It also makes sense that this may have been something left behind from one of the many old railroad operations in the region.
https://www.google.com/search?q=steam+engine+stacks&source=lnms&tbm=isch&biw=1920&bih=937



Cady Mountains Maps
The below image is a summary of the below additional 75 pages of maps I've developed covering the Cady Mountains area west of Crucero Road and south of Afton Canyon.  This area is vast and typically less explored and uncrowded.  For those of you interested in something new, this might be the ticket.

I have provided low resolution and high resolution PDF maps below. 
This map set is divided into three segments to help with downloads.
Each segment includes 25 map pages.
Click below for larger image (1mb JPG)
Cady Moutains Region Maps. The Mojave Road.

To save a map file on your computer, right click and choose "save link as."
MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero1lo (4.2mb): Low resolution, pages 1-25.
26 pages.

MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero2lo (4mb): Low resolution, pages 26-50.
26 pages.


MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero3lo (4.3mb): Low resolution, pages 51-75.
26 pages.


MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero1 (25mb): HIGH resolution, pages 1-25.
26 pages.


MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero2 (25mb): HIGH resolution, pages 26-50.
26 pages.


MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero3 (24mb): HIGH resolution, pages 51-75.
26 pages.




.
Cave Mountain Region

This image is a summary of the below additional 7 pages of maps I have developed covering Cave Mountain on the north side of Afton Canyon.
I have provided low resolution and high resolution PDF maps below. 
Click for larger image (340kb JPG)
Cave Mountain Region maps. The Mojave Road.

To save a map file on your computer, right click and choose "save link as."

MojaveRd16CaveMtnlo (1.5mb): Low resolution maps.
7 pages.
MojaveRd16CaveMtn (7mb): HIGH resolution maps.
7 pages.




McCullough Range
24 pages showing the McCullough Range just northeast of the California/Nevada border and east of Primm, Nevada. 
These mountains feature some higher elevations (over 6000 feet) along with many tree filled areas typically not found in the Mojave Preserve.
I have provided low resolution and high resolution PDF maps below. 
Click for larger image (190kb JPG)
McCullough Range Trail Maps. The Mojave Road.

To save a map file on your computer, right click and choose "save link as."

MojaveRd17McCulloughRangelo (4.5mb): Low resolution maps.
25 pages.
MojaveRd17McCulloughRangehi (20mb): HIGH resolution maps.
25 pages.





Providence Mountains EAST
10 pages showing the eastern slope region of the Providence Mountains.
These maps feature the eastern slope region of the Providence Mountains and surrounds the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (Mitchell Caverns) and Bonanza King Mine regions.
More info about the Bonanza King Mine can be seen HERE.

I have provided low resolution and high resolution PDF maps below. 
Click for larger image (240kb JPG)
Providence Mountains Trail Maps. The Mojave Road.

To save a map file on your computer, right click and choose "save link as."

MojaveRd18ProvidenceEastlo (2mb): Low resolution maps.
10 pages.
MojaveRd18ProvidenceEasthi (8.4mb): HIGH resolution maps.
10 pages.




Some pics from past Mojave Road trips.


The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road. Fort Piute. The Mojave Road. Fort Piute. The Mojave Road. Fort Piute. The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road.
 The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road.  Camp Rock Springs. The Mojave Road. Camp Rock Springs. The Mojave Road. Camp Rock Springs. The Mojave Road. Rock Springs. The Mojave Road.
 Bert Smith Rock House. The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road.
New Yourk Mountains. The Mojave Road. New Yourk Mountains. The Mojave Road. Indian Petroglyphs. The Mojave Road.
 Indian Petroglyphs. The Mojave Road. Indian Petroglyphs. The Mojave Road. Ancient Well. Indian Petroglyphs. The Mojave Road. Indian Petroglyphs. The Mojave Road. The Mojave Road. Balancing Rock. The Mojave Road. Balancing Rock. The Mojave Road.
 Balancing Rock. The Mojave Road. Balancing Rock. The Mojave Road. Desert Wildlife. The Mojave Road.



Some older fun pics of our 4WD trip to Leadville, Colorado way back in July 2000.
Please excuse the photo quality. Digital cameras in 2000 were really new and primitive. Nothing like now.
This trip was called BroncoFest 2000 and was the first event organized by members of the 2BigBroncos club web forum, so it was historic.  Approximately 50 Broncos (and a couple other brand 4x4s) trekked to Leadville, Colorado from nearly every state in the country, including Alaska, for a 5-day festival in Printer Boy Campground.  A large number of 4WD trail excursions were accomplished with groups divided by levels of vehicle capability and trips made each day.

Bird's Eye Gulch Trail
Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado  Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado
 
Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado Bird's Eye Gulch Trail. Leadville, Colorado


Holy Cross Trail

Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado
 
Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado  Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado 
Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado
 
Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado
 
Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado Holy Cross Trail. Leadville, Colorado


Mosquito Pass Trail

Moquito Pass Trail. Leadville, Colorado Moquito Pass Trail. Leadville, Colorado Moquito Pass Trail. Leadville, Colorado Moquito Pass Trail. Leadville, Colorado


Printer Boy Campground

Printer Boy Campground. Leadville, Colorado Printer Boy Campground. Leadville, Colorado Printer Boy Campground. Leadville, Colorado  Printer Boy Campground. Leadville, Colorado Printer Boy Campground. Leadville, Colorado Printer Boy Campground. Leadville, Colorado


Wheeler Lake Road
Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado
 
Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado
 
Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado
 
Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado Wheeler Lake Road. Leadville, Colorado



FULL INDEX OF HISTORIC SITES FOUND IN ALL ABOVE MAPS
A PDF document with all of this may be found here: MojaveRd INDEX2.pdf

Afton Canyon: Afton Canyon is often called “the Grand Canyon of the Mojave.” It was originally called Cave Canyon, but acquired the current name after the railroad stop of Afton was created at the west end of the canyon. It’s one of the few places where the Mojave River flows above ground in places all year round. Four-wheel drive vehicle access is permitted through most of the canyon, however no vehicles are allowed in the far western end, where the “horseshoe” bend is and where the caves are located.  This closed area is accessible on foot only. It may be bypassed in your vehicle from the east by taking the access road along the railroad tracks and then by driving through the Mojave River wash and under the railroad trestle.  

Afton Cemetery is located south of where Afton Station once sat. There are five stone-covered mounds and wooden crosses. One of the burials has been identified as that of Jose Flores, born about 1882, died May 29, 1906. Flores was one of three men who arrived at Afton Station on an early-morning train hoping to be hired on by a local mine. They were intoxicated and attacked Section Foreman Robert Y. Williams, who was severely injured in the brawl.  Flores was killed. The other two were wounded, one other reportedly died later. [Reference: John V. Richardson, Jr., San Bernardino County Museum Association Quarterly, Vol. 55, Number 4, 2010].
MojaveRd1West Pages 5, 6.  GPS: 35.030936,-116.366846


Arbuckle Mine:   Arbuckle Mine was a magnesite (magnesium) mine high up on the side of a cliff on the south side in Afton Canyon. A large piece of timber at the mine has "Arbuckle Mine 1894" carved into it. At one time there was an aerial tramway to carry the ore down the cliff and across the Mojave River wash to a railroad siding. Arbuckle was later called the Cliffside Mine.
MojaveRd1West Page 6. GPS: 35.021987,-116.350769

Bitter Springs: Bitter Springs is a large spring among a green foliage area (mostly mesquite and cattails) along the Salt Lake Trail (also known as the Mormon Trail or Spanish Trail). It sits in the Mojave Desert 30 miles northeast of the Forks of the Road, a place where the Salt Lake Trail splits from the Mojave Road a few miles west of Camp Cady. The name, Bitter Springs, was given for its brackish taste, although the water was drinkable. Bitter Springs is currently off limits to the public because it's within the borders of present day Fort Irwin. The Army takes steps to preserve and protect the area from damage during training.
Found in Scale Map. GPS: 35.2271814,-116.4316653

Bonanza King Mine: Bonanza King Mine is located on the eastern slope of the Providence Mountains. Silver was discovered in this area in 1880 and soon a large mining operation was built. A ten-stamp mill was brought in from San Francisco and the mine employed as many as 150 men earning a wage of $4 per day. The nearby town of Providence was built with a post office, two general stores, two hotels, a saloon, a blacksmith and a survey office. By it’s closure in 1885, 1.7 million dollars in silver had been mined (valued at over $40 million today).  Ruins of the town still remain along with stone walls of at least a dozen buildings.
MojaveRd18ProvidenceEast Page 5.  GPS: 34.980278,-115.505278

Brannigan Mine: Brannigan Mine is located in the Old Dad Mountains. It's the most intact mine in the area. Gold was discovered at the Brannigan Mine in 1905. It was sparsely mined until 1930 when M. A. Sisley and John Herrod found high-grade ore and relocated the claims.  From 1938 to 1940 it yielded 51 tons of ore with 59 ounces of gold and 20 ounces of silver (source: Geology and Mineral Resources of the Ivanpah Quadrangle). Despite the short mining period, the Herrod family lived at the claim into the 1970s, with John Herrod’s grandchildren returning in April of 2012 to visit the site.

There are still two cabins there that are maintained by a local 4WD group and are open and available for use to all 4WD explorers. They ask only that you please leave them in the same or better condition as you found them.  The Oro Fino Mine is a short distance further up the same road. 
MojaveRd1West Page 14.  GPS: 35.192629,-115.892476

Camp Cady: Camp Cady is located on the northern bank of the Mojave River a few miles east of Barstow. Camp Cady was established in 1860 by Major James H. Carleton of the U.S. Army. Their purpose in the area was to punish local Paiute Indians who had been attacking wagon train travelers and had murdered a cattleman and some other travelers near Bitter Springs. Bitter Springs was located on the Los Angeles to Salt Lake Trail and it is currently within the Fort Irwin Training Center north of Barstow.  Carlton's superior in San Francisco, General Newman S. Clarke, ordered him to "proceed to Bitter Springs and chastise the Indians you find in the vicinity." The General specifically instructed Carleton that "the punishment must fall on those dwelling nearest to the place of the murder or frequenting the water courses in its vicinity."

After establishing his base at Camp Cady, Carlton sent out patrols looking for hostiles. On April 22nd, 1860, on Carlton's orders, the bodies of two Native American men, who had been slain earlier by a detachment of troops on the Mojave River at the Fish Ponds, were taken to Bitter Springs. There at the site of the earlier attack, the bodies were hung from an improvised scaffold. Then after another engagement at Old Dad Mountain on May 2nd, the heads of three more natives killed were cut off, taken to Bitter Springs and placed on display with those already hung. On May 28th, following reports of the displays in the San Francisco press, General Clarke ordered Carleton to stop mutilating the dead and remove all evidence of the mutilation from public gaze. Camp Cady was eventually abandoned after 1871 when it was deemed the Paiutes had been sufficiently pacified.
MojaveRd1West Page 1.  GPS: 34.940513,-116.599452,   34.945869,-116.589727

Carruthers Canyon: Also spelled Caruthers Canyon, this is a 2 mile deep and a fairly wide canyon in the New York Mountains. This location has some higher elevations from about 5300 to 6000 feet and it features plenty of trees, rock formations and hiking trails.  It’s a popular spot for camping and can become more crowded. A few of the features: Giant Ledge Mine (at the end of the Carruthers Canyon Trail), Phallic Rock and Stone Table Campsite, a primitive camping area (AKA: Phallic Rock Camp).
MojaveRd5PintoNY Page 8.  GPS: 35.230132,-115.300869

Death Valley Mine: Death Valley Mine is located 4 miles north of the junction of Mojave Road (Cedar Canyon Rd) and Cima Rd. Or about 2.5 miles southeast of Cima. The mine is near the junction of where Cima Rd turns from north to northwest. It's a great site to visit and to spend an hour or two walking around and exploring.

It was founded in 1906 by local Kelso resident J. L. Bright. Later that year Bright sold the mine to the Death Valley Gold Milling and Mining Company of Denver. A camp by the name of Dawson sprang up nearby, named after the Dawson brothers, who became directors of the mining company. Dawson Camp served as a community for the workers of not only the Death Valley Mine, but other mines that played a part in the Cima Mining District. In 1907, Death Valley Gold Milling and Mining Company and neighboring Arcalvada Mining and Milling Company consolidated and became known as the Death Valley-Arcalvada Consolidated Mines Company. Between the two mines, seventy-five men were employed as of November 1907.  The total haul for 1907 was estimated at around 75,000 ounces of silver. The mine was active until the 1930s and later revived for a short time in the 1950s. It has been a ghost town ever since. Overall silver production was estimated at $131,000.

A number of structures still survive, including a large two-story home, a small single story home, as well as a number of shops and sheds. There are also several mines with old equipment still in place. There are NO “private property” or "no trespassing" signs. There may be a gate that will keep vehicles out if it's locked, but it's often OPEN. If it's locked, then access is still ok by foot. Mining equipment litters the landscape, most of it appearing to be from the 1950s reactivation. 

To reach Death Valley Mine from Mojave Road (Cedar Canyon Road), turn NORTH on Cima Rd., drive 4 miles. The mine will be easily found on your right.
To reach it from Cima, turn EAST onto Cima Rd. from the intersection of Kelso-Cima Rd and Morning Star Mine Rd. and drive across the RR tracks. Continue EAST for 2.5 miles and you'll see the mine on your right.
MojaveRd4CIMA Page 2. GPS:  35.21861,-115.464722 

El Dorado Cañon Road:
The Mojave Road intersects with El Dorado Cañon Road in Lanfair Valley at mile 96.1 (43.7).  This intersection may be seen at MojaveRd2East Page 27. GPS: 35.139792,-115.217798.

El Dorado Cañon Road travels northeast from that intersection and then merges with the East Lanfair Valley Trail about 11 miles away in the northeast corner of Lanfair Valley. This stretch of El Dorado Cañon Road running through Lanfair Valley is nearly a straight line. It's faint in some areas, but still visible and appears mostly navigable for its entire length, although there may be parts that traverse private property. So you may need to go around at some places. 

At north-east corner on Lanfair Valley. Intersection with East Lanfair Valley Trail at MojaveRd7EastLanfairTrNo Page 8. 
GPS: 35.228664,-115.060938.


This northeastern wagon route was important to travelers in the 1860s as an early route to the north. After 28 miles it would pass through the site (which eventually became a mining camp), now known as Searchlight, Nevada, founded in 1897.  It then turned north to El Dorado Cañon near the Colorado River (about 28 miles north of Searchlight). Beyond El Dorado Cañon was Las Vegas where there were connections to the Salt Lake Trail.

El Dorado Cañon is located in southern Clark County, Nevada (about 20 miles north of Searchlight) near the small town of Nelson. The canyon got famous for its rich silver and gold mines. There are mine tours in the area near the Techatticup Mine, one of the oldest and historically most productive mines in the area. 
 
Forks of the Road:
Forks in the Road was the location where the Salt Lake Trail split off from the Mojave Road. It’s location was a short distance west of Camp Cady. The trail began on the north side of the Mojave River wash and traveled northeast to the Alvord Mountains and then to Bitter Spring, a popular water stop for immigrants on the trail, which is now within the Fort Irwin military base and off limits to the public. See Scale MapThe exact location for Forks in the Road is not currently known, but it is believed to be near Minneola Road and Cajalco Blvd in rural East Barstow here: 34.908806,-116.768698.

Fort Mojave:
Fort Mojave was originally named Camp Colorado when it was established on April 19, 1859 by U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel William Hoffman during the Mojave War. It was located on the eastern bank of the Colorado River at Beale's Crossing, near the head of the Mojave Valley in Mojave County, Arizona. The site was recommended by Lieutenant Edward F. Beale, who had previously explored the region.

The fort was used as a base of military operations against the Mojave Indians. With 50 soldiers, Lieutenant Hoffman reportedly defeated 200 Mojave in a battle in the summer of 1859, after which hostilities with the Mojave ended. Two years later, after the start of the American Civil War, Brigadier General Edwin V. Sumner ordered the post abandoned and the buildings burned on May 28, 1861, in order to withdraw the regular troops to garrison Los Angeles against an anticipated secessionist uprising. Later that year the regulars were sent east to serve with the Union Army.

On May 19, 1863, the post was rebuilt and infantry troops reassigned to protect travelers along the Mojave and Prescott road. This time the Infantry successfully cultivated friendly relations with the Mojave Indians. These volunteer soldiers also took up prospecting and established mining claims in the area and many later found they did not want to leave. Many of them would return after being mustered out after the end of the Civil War. After the end of the Indian Wars, the fort was transferred in 1890 to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 1935 it was transferred to the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. The location is currently administered by the state of Arizona.
MojaveRd2East Page 37.  GPS: 35.044115,-114.622305

Fort Piute:
Fort Piute was established in late 1859 by U.S. Army Captain James H. Carleton. It was eventually made a sub-post of Camp Cady. It's found near Piute Springs in the foothills of the Piute Mountains, 23 miles west of Fort Mojave at the Colorado River.

Captain Carleton originally named the post Fort Beale for Lieutenant Edward F. Beale, U.S. Navy. In 1857 to 1859, Lieutenant Beale and his caravan of camels famously explored the area for a suitable wagon road to the west. The name was later changed to Fort Piute. Fort Piute was abandoned in 1868.
MojaveRd2East Page 31.  GPS: 35.115020, -114.985260

Fred Welch Home:
Homestead of Fred L. Welch, circa 1914. Mojave Road at intersection with Caruthers Canyon Road.
MojaveRd2East Page 26. GPS: 35.13999,-115.25584

Government Holes:
Government Holes was originally named Banning’s Well. It was dug in 1859 by employees of Phineas Banning (who was considered the "Father of the Port of Los Angeles, the founder of Wilmington, California, and the man for whom the City of Banning, California was named). Banning's Well was later renamed Government Holes after U.S. solders enlarged and improved it in 1860. Even though the plural "Holes" is used, there is only one well. Countless early travelers have made use of this well, but it has mostly been used for cattle operations in the area. The most famous incident at Government Holes occurred on November 8, 1925, when two men, Matt Burts and J. W. "Bill" Robinson, shot it out in a cabin there. Both were killed.
MojaveRd2East Page 24. GPS: 35.149245,-115.354778


Hole in the Wall
Campground:
Hole in the Wall Campground is located at 4,400 feet elevation and surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls. It has 35 campsites with areas large enough for motorhomes, trailers and two walk-in tent sites. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trash cans, and drinkable water on a limited basis. There are no utility hookups but there is a sanitary disposal station.  Fees: $12 per site per night, $6 for America the Beautiful Senior Access Pass holders. Campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
MojaveRd6BlackCanyonRd Page 4. GPS: 35.045382,-115.392908

Indian Petroglyphs and
Ancient Well:
This is a very large collection of large rocks on a hill which display hundreds of detailed and clear petroglyph drawings. Also you’ll discover a large natural stone well on the southwest side of the hill. The site is well-preserved, with minimal vandalism. There are a few inscriptions from early white travelers with dates ranging from 1900 to 1919.  The well still holds water, however appearing a bit stagnant. It’s easy to miss this place, but worth the visit. It's only about a mile out of your way when on the Mojave Road.  
MojaveRd2East Page 28. GPS: 35.145670,-115.159135


Indian Spring:
You may find the road leading east to Indian Spring off of Kelbaker Road at
GPS: 35.215086,-115.876568.

This intersection is about 0.7 mile north of the entrance of the lava flow split (south of Seventeen Mile Point).  This is NOT the same road as Indian Springs Trail, which is a few miles south.  Indian Spring can be found about 3.5 miles east of Kelbaker Road. 

Near MojaveRd1West Page 14.
The approximate location of Indian Spring is GPS: 35.232219,-115.821186

Jackass Canyon:
Before the Mojave Road as we know it was created, the earliest wagon route to the west originally cut due south from Marl Springs, instead of northwest, as it does now. It then crossed a large valley (now occupied by Kelbaker Road) and then went over Rocky Ridge, through Jackass Canyon, and almost due west across the wide, flat expanse, which is now known as Devil's Playground. This route was abandoned around 1859 due to harsh, rocky terrain on Rocky Ridge and deep sand in the canyon.
MojaveRd3MarlSouth Page 4. GPS: 35.079913,-115.842572


Kelso Depot:
Kelso Depot was built in 1924 and was used as a railroad depot until 1962. It's a Spanish Mission style building, with red-tile roof and graceful arches. At its peak during World War II, the town of Kelso supported 2,000 residents. The depot's diner, the Beanery, served customers 24 hours a day for many years. Once slated for demolition, the depot was saved and has been restored by the National Park Service for use as a visitor center. The Beanery was still open until just a few years ago, but it's no longer there.
GPS: 35.012148,-115.653252
Lanfair Valley:
Most of the eastern Mojave was opened to homesteading by the US government in 1910. That year, inspired by the gospel of dry-farming techniques, and sensitive to the potential increase in value of property with good access to transportation, Ernest Lanfair, a merchant from Searchlight, claimed a portion of the valley that would later bear his name. His homestead and several others became the heart of a community along the railroad. Migration to the area rose sharply in 1912 as word spread of Lanfair's bumper crops and free land. Settlers, referred derisively by cattlemen as "nesters," established a post office, a general store and a school. Further north, a settlement at Ledge had similar amenities. A 1914 Fourth of July community barbecue, hosted by Lanfair, counted some 400 participants. Future residents would rent boxcars from the Santa Fe Railway, known as "immigrant cars," load all of their possessions, and then meet the boxcar several days later on a siding in Lanfair Valley. Newly arrived migrants staked and recorded their claims, and worked to clear and plant a portion of the land to meet government requirements. Later homesteaders often came along and bought the improved claims of former residents who moved away before receiving title to the land. When that happened, the process of gaining title would begin anew, but at least the new arrivals did not have to worry about constructing a place to live.

Ernest Lanfair’s home can be seen still standing near the intersection of the Mojave Road and an unknown north-south road at MojaveRd2East Page 28. GPS 35.131571,-115.16512 

Lava Tubes:
The Mojave Desert Lava Tubes are off of Aiken Cinder Mine Road 3 miles north of the Mojave Road. Within the lava field is a short trail leading to subterranean tubes formed by molten lava. A stout steel ladder takes hikers down into the tubes where a few skylights above light things up. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore inside. 
MojaveRd2East Page 16. GPS: 35.216348,-115.751417

Marl Springs:   
Also known as Camp Marl Springs, this site was first garrisoned as a small informal Army outpost by troops from Camp Cady and Camp Rock Spring in October 1867. It was continuously occupied until May 1868, when it was abandoned permanently. In 1867 the post was reportedly surrounded by hostile Indians. During a 24 hour siege the station had a full test of its position. There were only three men there but they came out with their scalps intact. In the true spirit of the West, just at dawn a rescue column of soldiers cut through the besieging circle of Indians to save the post. Marl Springs continued to be an important station on the travel route across the Mojave Desert. It also served as the site for several trading posts. Some old deserted structures and ruins still occupy the site. Crumbling rock walls mark the site of the old Army post. 
MojaveRd2East Page 19.  GPS:  35.170700,-115.647590


Mid Hills Campground:
This 26-spot campground is nestled in pinyon pine and juniper trees at 5,600 feet elevation. Temperatures are typically 10 to 15 degrees lower than Hole in the Wall Campground. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trash cans, and drinkable water on a limited basis.The short road to the campground is not paved, but very accessible to normal vehicles. It is not recommended for motorhomes or trailers.  Fees: $12 per site per night, $6 for America the Beautiful Senior Access Pass holders. Campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
MojaveRd6BlackCanyonRd Page 6. GPS: 35.131637,-115.435568

Mojave Cross:
The Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial was erected in 1934 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in honor of World War I veterans and those who were killed in action. Riley Bembry, one of the founders of the memorial and a veteran of World War I, took care of the cross until his death in 1984. Shortly before his passing, he asked his friend, Henry Sandoz, to care for the memorial. Since that time, Henry and his wife, Wanda, have looked after the cross.  In 2001 the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man living in Oregon who argued the cross was unconstitutional, because it was located on government land. Lower federal courts agreed, ordering the removal of the cross and prohibiting Congress (who passed a law to transfer the property to the VFW) from making the transfer happen.   Liberty Institute stepped in and filed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the VFW, The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart and American Ex-Prisoners of War.  In 2010 the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the lower court ruling and declared that the law passed by Congress in 2003, allowing the property transfer to the VFW, was constitutional. The transfer was made in exchange for other land in the Mojave Desert owned by Henry Sandoz.  Days after that ruling, vandals stole the cross. It was later recovered 500 miles away and returned.
On Cima Road 10.8 mile north of the Mojave Road. GPS: 35.314280,-115.548789
See Scale Map.

Mojave Desert Heritage and
Cultural Association:
The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association is located at 37198 Lanfair Road in Goffs, CA. Visit www.mdhca.org. This location features a cultural center and museum as well as the restored Goff’s Schoolhouse, originally built in 1914. The center is open a limited number of days each week, so be sure to check the web page.  They can also open the facility for visiting groups with a few days advanced notice.  The center is funded through donations, so your generosity is appreciated.

Mojave Desert Megaphone:
This is one of the peculiar mysteries of the eastern Mojave Desert. There are a lot of speculative stories on the internet about what it is and why it was made, from a warning siren to a gun sight to a drum or maybe just a practical joke.  Or maybe just plain art.  Either way, no one seems to know how long ago it was placed there.  MojaveRd15CadyMtns-Crucero pages 12 & 13.  GPS: 35.0054,-116.1964.

Mojave Road Mailbox:
Be sure to stop at the Mojave Road Mailbox at Mojave Road mile 74. This metal box and flag pole with U.S. flag was installed in 1983 by the Friends of the Mojave Road, an affiliate of the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association in Goffs, CA. Visit www.mdhca.org.  There is a register book inside the mailbox for Mojave Road travelers to sign in, record their passing and leave comments.
MojaveRd2East Page 18  GPS: 35.185400,-115.692840

Nevada Southern Railway Monument:
A large concrete monument on the southwestern corner of the Mohave Road and Ivanpah-Lanfair Road.
A brass plaque reads the following:
Nevada Southern Railway. In January of 1893 construction of Isaac C. Blake’s Nevada Southern Railway commenced northward from Geoffs toward Manvel (later known as Barnwell) for the purpose of hauling ore from the mining districts of southeastern California and southern Nevada. It soon went bankrupt and was reorganized in 1895 as the California Eastern Railway. Six years later the line was extended north into Ivanpah Valleyand in July of 1902 was acquired by the Santa Fe Railroad. Four years later the Barnwell & Searchlight Railway was built from Barnwell to the mines at Searchlight, Nevada. After 1918 the Santa Fe abandoned part of it’s line in the Ivanpah and only ran trains beyond Barnwell when warranted by demand. Several substantial washouts and continuing unprofitability caused the Santa Fe to abandon their rails north of Goffs in 1923. Lanfair and Ivanpah Road parallel the former Southern Nevada Railway grade as it proceeds northward from Goffs, then runs directly upon it for part of the distance through the New York Mountains. Sections of the roadbed, washed out in several places, can be seen from Ivanpah and Lanfair Road. This monument has been erected on a portion of the original grade used by the N S and C E Railroads.”  “Plaque dedicated October 12, 2008, by the Billy Holcomb Chapter of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus in cooperation with the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association.”             
MojaveRd2East Page 27. GPS: 35.13866,-115.186983        


Old Dad Mountains:
This mountain range received the name “Old Dad,” after Joseph “Old Dad” Wallace, a railroad worker from Kelso who later became a prospector. Wallace was accused of murdering his fiancée, which prompted him to leave town. He moved to this mountain range with a team of donkeys to prospect. 
MojaveRd1West Page 14, MojaveRd2East Page 15.  GPS: 35.158779,-115.875728

Oro Fino Mine:   
The Oro Fino Mine is one of the earliest mines in the area. It began production in the 1890s. The expense of moving the ore at the time is what likely shut the mine down after a few years. The mine was reactivated in the 1930s and operated through 1943, producing about $50,000 in gold.  It’s just past the Brannigan Mine on the same road. 
MojaveRd1West Page 14.

Paymaster Mine:
The Paymaster Mine, also known as the Whitney Mine, was the largest producer in the Old Dad Range. It’s most relevant years were from 1900-1914. Water was piped in from Indian Spring and it had a mill operating in 1911. It is estimated to have made between $50,000 and $100,000 before being shut down in 1914 due to litigation. The mine was reopened in 1930 and was active on and off through the 1980s. 
MojaveRd1West Page 14.  GPS: 35.199127,-115.906398

Penny Can:
The Penny Can is an old can (often several cans) hanging from a tree on the north side of the Mojave Road at about head level. Tradition is to leave a penny as a tongue-in-cheek contribution to Mojave Road maintenance. According to Dennis Casebier, as the Mojave Road was being developed for use as a recreational trail in 1983, the can was found hanging here with a few pennies inside. Extra cans were reportedly added when one became full.
MojaveRd2East Page 27. GPS: 35.135488,-115.177167

Piute Springs:
Piute Springs are natural springs about 3500 feet distance up the canyon toward the west from Fort Piute.  It is generally isolated and only accessible by foot, since vehicle traffic is prohibited by the NPS beyond fort Piute.
MojaveRd2East Pages 30, 31. GPS: 35.110825,-114.996066

Rock Spring:
Camp Rock Spring was established by the U.S. Army on December 30, 1866 as a small outpost of Camp Cady. Water was a problem at the post. The spring was poor and irregular and water had to be brought in from a mile west at Government Holes. It was maintained as an army post until May 21, 1868.
MojaveRd2East Page 25. GPS: 35.152830, -115.327300

Rocky Ridge:
Before the Mojave Road as we know it was created, the earliest wagon route to the west proceeded due south from Marl Springs instead of northwest. From there it would cross a large valley (now occupied by Kelbaker Road), over Rocky Ridge and then through Jackass Canyon.  After exiting Jackass Canyon, the route would cross the expanse of Devil’s Playground. This route across Devil’s Playground is nearly due west from Jackass Canyon on a 25 mile track directly to the east end of Afton Canyon.  This route was abandoned around 1859 due to harsh terrain on Rocky Ridge and deep sand in the canyon and beyond. While the road down the ridge is really no longer visible, you can still see the lines of stones that were moved aside down the ridge that borders where the wagons used to go. Rocky Ridge is now easily accessed from a modern power line road nearby.
Details here: MojaveRd3MarlSouth Page 3. GPS: 35.110814,-115.794721


Stray Cow Wells:
During the Civil War the US military spent time scouting the Mojave Desert looking for suitable routes for moving men and supplies.  Captain George Price was given such a commission and in 1864 he led a company of men from Salt Lake City to Fort Mojave. They then travelled west to a well named Lewis Holes. During Captain Price’s journey his company came upon a stray cow at a watering hole near Lewis Holes. Prices men killed and ate the cow. The watering hole was named Stray Cow Wells in commemoration of the event. Located south of Searchlight, Nevada on the El Dorado Cañon Road Trail at the California/Nevada line. MojaveRd7EastLanfairTrNo Page 5.  GPS: 35.331488,-115.043951.

The Triangles:   
Located on a mesa overlooking the Mojave River Wash, on the north west side. They were created by unknown people by removing rocks from the desert surface. They are easily visible and may be accessed by a side road that climbs up the back of the mesa. There is a line of posts to prevent you from driving too close, but you can walk right up to them. The Triangles are large enough to be visible in Google Maps images. 
MojaveRd1West Page 3.  GPS: 34.986632,-116.486365

Travelers Monument:
The Travelers Monument is a fun part of the journey on the Mojave Road. It sits near the center of Soda Lake. Bring a large rock if you want to add to the monument. Thousands have done so over the years. Once you arrive, you’ll get to read the secret plaque and receive the profound knowledge that only travelers of the Mojave Road can know.
Do not divulge this secret inscription to any unworthy non-Mojave Road Travelers.

MojaveRd1West Page 10. GPS: 35.13086,-116.095365      




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