Mojave Road Trail

[Mrs. Riley1]

We went on our first overland trip this past weekend on the Mojave Road trail. We had 12 vehicles in our group- 4 Jeeps, 3 Toyotas, 2 blazers, and 3 full size trucks. All were able to complete the trail with no issues. We stayed in Laughlin Thursday night and headed out Friday morning. We started at the river just north of the Avi. The ruins of the old Fort Mohave are on the other side of the river.

We headed out and took a break after crossing the 95 for a drink and to fix a small issue on a truck.

The next stop on the trip was Fort Piute where we saw old ruins and had lunch.

We went about 50 miles the first day. @Riley1 and I had done a bunch of research before the trip and we decided on a campground about 8 miles off the trail. The campsite was great, but it was at an elevation of about 5900' so it was extremely cold and also windy. So much so, that we had 3 vehicles turn off and head back home the next day.

to be continued...

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Saturday morning we headed out and hit an old mining site, stopped to sign in at the mailbox, and then took a short side trip to the Lava Tubes

After the Lava Tubes, we crossed Soda Lake near Zyzzx and stopped at Travelers Monument to leave a rock.

The second night we camped near Rasor Rd. It was warmer the second night, but extremely windy.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Sunday we got up early, packed up and headed off to Afton Canyon.

First stop was the railroad crossing. We got there right as a train was going by.

Of course we had to do a photo op!

Next up was Spooky Canyon.

It's a really cool hike back into a slot canyon. I highly recommend this to anyone in that area!

We continued on through the canyon.

We hit a couple water crossings.

We ended our trip at the Afton Canyon campground about mile 122 of the 140 mile trail. It was getting late and we all had long drives home.

With side trips, we did 150 miles overall. It was an incredible trip! There is so much to see that it can't be done in one weekend. We will definitely be planning another trip!
We were a little worried about the size of the group, but it worked out fine. As a group we only had a couple minor mechanical issues. It was a good mix of people also which helps considerably. You might even spot a couple other RDP vehicles in there!

 

[Cole Trickle]

nice....We did the same run over new years.

ended up skipping the second night of camping due to crazy wind.

 

[Meaney77]

Looks like a killer time! We did that trip a few years ago in our buggies, we parked at the KOA in Barstow and stayed in Laughlin We did the trail in 1 day which was fun but we didnt have enough time to stop and check things out. If we ever do it again we would break it up and stay a night out there.

How was the mud on Soda lake? If you have any mud get that shit off ASAP, it took its toll on some of my car (bolts, anodized stuff, etc...)

 

[sintax]

Looks like a killer time! We did that trip a few years ago in our buggies, we parked at the KOA in Barstow and stayed in Laughlin We did the trail in 1 day which was fun but we didnt have enough time to stop and check things out. If we ever do it again we would break it up and stay a night out there.

How was the mud on Soda lake? If you have any mud get that shit off ASAP, it took its toll on some of my car (bolts, anodized stuff, etc...)

haha back when i was wheeling a lot. I got a phone call from a bud about rescuing someone from that dry lake. They thought they could cut through a section of it, but the crust broke through and they quickly found themselves sitting on the frame rails of their jeep on 35's.

11pm we got up there, and it took a solid couple ours to extract them. NOT FUN, all in all just stay away from that damn lake

 

[Lavey5150]

Looks like a great trip, we saw you guys camped at Rasor, we were just over the flats almost directly across from you. The wind was no joke tho.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

nice....We did the same run over new years.

ended up skipping the second night of camping due to crazy wind.
[/QUOT
I would definitely wait until March or even April next time so it’s a little warmer.
We’re also thinking about a bed rack and a rooftop tent now. They’re supposed to be much better in the wind.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Looks like a killer time! We did that trip a few years ago in our buggies, we parked at the KOA in Barstow and stayed in Laughlin We did the trail in 1 day which was fun but we didnt have enough time to stop and check things out. If we ever do it again we would break it up and stay a night out there.

How was the mud on Soda lake? If you have any mud get that shit off ASAP, it took its toll on some of my car (bolts, anodized stuff, etc...)

We followed the trail exactly. We hit the lake with our windows down and we were immediately hit with a huge cloud of white dust that got all over everything inside the truck. We didn’t come across any mud or wet spots.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Looks like a great trip, we saw you guys camped at Rasor, we were just over the flats almost directly across from you. The wind was no joke tho.

It was crazy. It also switched direction at some point in the night and the bushes no longer blocked it. It destroyed our bathroom tent.
You guys should have come over for a drink!

 

[Ol Man]

I have done that trip many times. It is a great adventure. We also camp and spend either 3 or 4 nights on the trail. I don't know if you used Dennis Casebier's book as the guide for your adventure, but all who go should have a copy of his book and the passenger can read about things to see along the road. Here is a link to his story and link to get his book. Without him, we would not have that jewel.

Dennis Casebier and the Mojave Road - DesertUSA

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

I have done that trip many times. It is a great adventure. We also camp and spend either 3 or 4 nights on the trail. I don't know if you used Dennis Casebier's book as the guide for your adventure, but all who go should have a copy of his book and the passenger can read about things to see along the road. Here is a link to his story and link to get his book. Without him, we would not have that jewel.

Dennis Casebier and the Mojave Road - DesertUSA

we bought the book several months ago. I read through the whole thing and marked the stops we wanted to make. We also used the gps coordinates to make a route on Gaia that we shared with everyone before the trip. I brought the book with us and we all had radios so I used it to call out points of interest. It was a great resource!

 

[Flatsix66]

Looks like your all having fun thanks for sharing, brings back good memories. Years ago I was on a quest to ride a KTM 950 motorcycle solo on all the off-road trails in southern California, this was one of the highlights. Barstow to Avi and back. Deep Pioneer and Indian fighting history of that route. I always wanted to do the route on the other side of the river, the Hardyville Toll road, which is Bullhead to Prescott (Ft Whipple). Another cool one is the Brashaw trail (Salton Sea to Blyth), and then Ehrenberg to Ft Whipple. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/old-mojave-road-738a645?u=i

 

[LBsuperJET]

I have done that trip many times. It is a great adventure. We also camp and spend either 3 or 4 nights on the trail. I don't know if you used Dennis Casebier's book as the guide for your adventure, but all who go should have a copy of his book and the passenger can read about things to see along the road. Here is a link to his story and link to get his book. Without him, we would not have that jewel.

Dennis Casebier and the Mojave Road - DesertUSA

Also, the EMHT! Eastern Mojave Heritage Trail. Dennis mapped it out years ago but this guy just resurrected it with Dennis' blessing and it sounds like an amazing time. I believe its upwards of about 600 miles split into 4 sections and there are books floating around about each leg. A bucket list item for me for sure.

The East Mojave Heritage Trail - DesertUSA

The East Mojave Heritage Trail, 660 miles of forgotten track, winds through the heart of the East Mojave Desert’s historical and geological treasures. It’s not a straightforward A to B route like Mojave Road, but instead meanders through the region, coiling back on itself like a mad as hell...

www.desertusa.com

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Looks like your all having fun thanks for sharing, brings back good memories. Years ago I was on a quest to ride a KTM 950 motorcycle solo on all the off-road trails in southern California, this was one of the highlights. Barstow to Avi and back. Deep Pioneer and Indian fighting history of that route. I always wanted to do the route on the other side of the river, the Hardyville Toll road, which is Bullhead to Prescott (Ft Whipple). Another cool one is the Brashaw trail (Salton Sea to Blyth), and then Ehrenberg to Ft Whipple. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/old-mojave-road-738a645?u=i

Thanks for the info. I’m ready to plan our next trip already!

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Also, the EMHT! Eastern Mojave Heritage Trail. Dennis mapped it out years ago but this guy just resurrected it with Dennis' blessing and it sounds like an amazing time. I believe its upwards of about 600 miles split into 4 sections and there are books floating around about each leg. A bucket list item for me for sure.

The East Mojave Heritage Trail - DesertUSA

The East Mojave Heritage Trail, 660 miles of forgotten track, winds through the heart of the East Mojave Desert’s historical and geological treasures. It’s not a straightforward A to B route like Mojave Road, but instead meanders through the region, coiling back on itself like a mad as hell...

www.desertusa.com

I found the set of books on that one at the library. I’m going to check it out. It looks like the first leg from Needles to Ivanpah can be done on its own and we would end up close to home in Boulder City.

 

[Lavey5150]

It was crazy. It also switched direction at some point in the night and the bushes no longer blocked it. It destroyed our bathroom tent.
You guys should have come over for a drink!

We were going to, but ran into some wind and my little guys were running circles around the camp, had to keep an eye on em'

 

[aj923]

Looks like a great trip! Did any of the full-size trucks have any issues with tight clearances?

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Looks like a great trip! Did any of the full-size trucks have any issues with tight clearances?

They got some desert pinstripes, but that's about it. There weren't any areas where we went through close rocks or anything.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

We were going to, but ran into some wind and my little guys were running circles around the camp, had to keep an eye on em' View attachment 977799

We are definitely going back and camping there for a few days. It looks like great riding and there are so many destinations to ride to!

 

[jeepdog]

Thanks for posting, so bummed we missed it.

 

[OCMerrill]

Did you guys pull a permit or just went for it? Were going in 3 weeks and there is 11 rigs and I know the limit is 7 per group. We're going to refuel at Baker drop in at the top of Soda and drive it east.

Great pictures.

 

[DLC]

Those are some cool links guys!

Thank you for posting
The all trails link is amazing!

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Did you guys pull a permit or just went for it? Were going in 3 weeks and there is 11 rigs and I know the limit is 7 per group. We're going to refuel at Baker drop in at the top of Soda and drive it east.

Great pictures.

We did not pull a permit. I didn’t realize one was needed until a couple weeks ago. I started filling out the application and it said it takes a month to process. We only had two weeks at that point so we just went for it. We never saw a ranger until we got to Afton Canyon and it’s open riding at that point. He never asked us for anything.

We were going to refuel at Baker if needed, but everyone was at at least half a tank so we just kept going. It looks like it’s a 20 mile side trip to hit Baker. We were racing the sun at that point also, so we decided we would hit the gas station off Rasor Rd. the next day if needed since it’s only about 8 miles round trip.

 

[She's Mine]

Looks like a great trip! Did any of the full-size trucks have any issues with tight clearances?

There were a few spots that were tight. The truck behind me thought I was driving an obstacle course the way I was swerving to miss Joshua Trees and branches. lol

 

[She's Mine]

This was absolutely a killer trip. My son and I had a great time and the group was awesome. Thanks @Riley1 and @Mrs. Riley1 for putting this together. Can't wait for the next one.

 

[BeerMaker]

Looks like a great trip! Did any of the full-size trucks have any issues with tight clearances?

Yes, got a few light scratches from bushes and Joshua trees but it easily buffed out. Such a great trip! Thanks Mr and Mrs Riley for the invite.

 

[BeerMaker]

This was absolutely a killer trip. My son and I had a great time and the group was awesome. Thanks @Riley1 and @Mrs. Riley1 for putting this together. Can't wait for the next one.

I didn't realize the man that preserved and documented the Mohave road passed away the day before we headed out....wow

It is a fitting memorial to a man who dedicated his life to understanding the Mojave, and has revived the past and made it a living experience through the Mojave Road.
Dennis G. Casebier passed away at his home in Bullhead City, Arizona on February 10, 2021, with his daughter Darelyn sitting at his bedside, he was 86 years old.


Read more: https://www.desertusa.com/desert-trails/dennis-casebier.html#ixzz6pDFAuVec

 

[WhatExit?]

Great trip report and pics! Always good to see folks enjoying the Mohave Trail.

We've done that trip multiple times and it never gets old - great route and good times on it with wheeling friends.

How were the desert flowers? The spring time there can be amazing if there was enough rain the winter before

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

Great trip report and pics! Always good to see folks enjoying the Mohave Trail.

We've done that trip multiple times and it never gets old - great route and good times on it with wheeling friends.

How were the desert flowers? The spring time there can be amazing if there was enough rain the winter before

It was a little too early. We didn’t see many flowers unfortunately.