Mojave Road and Joshua Tree

Epic 4x4 itineraries in the wild California

Itinerary Highlights

“The country, as a whole, seemed a vast volcanic desert-of mountain, canyons, and mesas – and what it was ever made for, except to excite wonder and astonishment, is a mystery to the passing traveler…Water was found only at distances of ten and twenty miles apart…” J.F. Rusling describes his 1866 trip on the Mojave Road in Across America
 
The Mojave Road is an east-west 4x4x route. Some sections are rough and sandy. Roads can become slick, muddy, and impassable after rains. We will be sure to inquire about road conditions for you, especially if the idea is to cross Soda Dry Lake.
 
Used by Indians to transport goods from the southwest to trade with the Chumash and other coastal tribes, this route later served the cause of westward expansion. Military forts were established along the way to protect critical water sources and provide assistance for travelers. Today it is a famous four-wheel-drive road.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are welcome in Joshua Tree National Park.

Old mine dirt roads allow exploring hidden lovely, not-crowded areas of the park.

Itinerary and Price

The preliminary price of your 10-day itinerary starts from

  1,300 USD per person  

based on

        • 4 passengers sharing vehicle
        • Shared tent accommodations
        • Entry-level vehicle and equipment
        • Low season (Winter)

 If you’ll the itinerary with your own rig and equipment, please, contact us for the rates.

At v-adventures, we will be happy to prepare a fully customized trip. The price is subject to the final dedicated itinerary and the vehicles, equipment, accommodation, and availability.

Available options:

    • +11-day itinerary
    • Departure from Las Vegas or San Diego
    • Peak season rates
    • Your own vehicles or rental equipped vehicle (Toyota Tacoma TRD, Tundra, 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler)
    • Number of participants
    • Accommodations: camping, dispersed camps, or lodges/hotel/Inn
    • Local Guide
    • Additional optional camping, safety, or communication gear
    • Additional optional activities
    • Adventure Travel insurance
    • Global Rescue subscription

Areas of Interest

The Mojave Road is often described as the best place to enjoy the desert solitude in Southern California.

Singing sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, a large Joshua tree forest, and carpets of spring wildflowers are all found within this 1.6-million-acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains, and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mojave provides serenity and solitude from major metropolitan areas.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.

The Kelso Dunes cover 45 square miles and rise 650 feet above the desert floor. What do you do with such a big pile of sand? Climb it! Even if you have hiked other dunes before, Kelso will be an interesting experience. The 3-mile round trip hike to the top features fantastic views of the surrounding dunes and peaks in Mojave National Preserve.

Photo credit: George H. H. Huey, Scott R. Kline, and v-adventures

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