These eight scenic drives are in southeast California, east of Barstow between Interstates 15 and 40. The roads travel through the East Mojave National Scenic Area and are interconnected. All are usually open year-round. Severe thunderstorms can cause the roads to become impassable.
East Mojave National Scenic Area is a unique 1.5 million acre desert region full of scenic, historic, and natural wonders. Table Mountain is a flat-topped mesa visible from many of the routes as are the Providence Mountains. The scenic drives travel through pinyon-juniper woodlands, sage-covered hills, cactus gardens, and colorful volcanic cinder cones and lava beds.
Old mining roads in the New York, Castle, Clark, and Providence Mountains provide opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Several developed trails are also in the area. Two off-road vehicle trails cross the region: Mojave Road and East Mojave Heritage Trail. Mojave Road is a 130-mile historic Native American trade route that was later developed into a wagon trail. Mojave Road travels east-west through the heart of the National Scenic Area. The East Mojave Heritage Trail, a 700-mile loop beginning and ending in Needles, runs through much of the East Mojave region.
The BLM manages two campgrounds in the National Scenic Area. Hole-in-the-Wall Campground features 37 campsites; some are pull-through. A dump station is also available. Mid Hills Campground has 26 sites. RVs larger than 26 feet may have difficulty maneuvering in the campground. Both campgrounds provide water, restrooms, and picnic tables.
1. Black Canyon Road
Black Canyon Road is 20 miles long and follows a graded dirt road. Normal passenger cars can travel the route as long as caution is used on the rough or sandy segments.
2. Cedar Canyon Road
Cedar Canyon Road is 25 miles long and follows a graded dirt road. Passenger vehicles can safely travel the route as long as caution is used on the rough or sandy segments.
3. Cima Road
Cima Road is 17 miles long and follows a paved road that is suitable for all types of vehicles.
4. Essex Road
Essex Road is 16 miles long. It follows a paved road suitable for all types of vehicles.
5. Kelbaker Road
All but five miles of this 60-mile route follow a paved road. The byway is suitable for travel by all types of vehicles.
6. Kelso-Cima Road
Kelso-Cima Road is 20 miles long and follows a paved road that is suitable for all types of vehicles.
7. Lanfair-Ivenpah Road
This 55-mile route follows a combination of paved and graded dirt road suitable for all vehicles.
8. Wild Horse Canyon
Wild Horse Canyon is 12 miles long. It follows a dirt road that can safely be driven in a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle.