Any interest in doing the Mojave Road?

[boyfester]

Is there any interest from anyone here on doing the 138 mile long Mojave Road? I've been wanting to do this for quite some time but have never done it. I was thinking about March/April time frame. Starting from the east on a Friday morning (stay overnight in NV on Thursday) and working our way west and exiting on Sunday. I have Casebier's book on the Mojave Road which is the penultimate guide plus some other books too. I was thinking of 3 days so we had time to explore other stuff (lava tubes, Mojave mailbox, sand dunes, etc.). We'd be primitive camping in tents, in your truck, or on the ground.

Mojave Road - Welcome to the Official Website of the Mojave Road

Marc

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Mojave Road..

I would be very interested in participating on that trip. You can just count me in
if it goes down. I'm just a 2wd but a trooper I think that road and trails shouldn't be a problem from I've checked out. :boxing:

 

[2014 Warthog]

I'd be interested in that! Never been on it myself either...

 

[Marcocopuffs]

Sounds fun.

 

[LMR]

I have been wanting to do this again, so I'm in. Here is a pic from before.

 

[BobsTrail]

Mojave Road Info

A lot of the Mojave Road is in the Mojave Preserve.
More info on the Mojave Preserve at -- Current Conditions - Mojave National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

Soda Lake may be impassible at times due to seasonal rains. Call Kelso Depot at 760-252-6108 for the latest conditions.
______________________________________________________________________

I went over the Piute Range last year, it was not too bad, a lot of ruts.
Met a group after the top that included a 2wd Explorer. He said he made it OK.
The sign probably said "No Shooting".

Stone cabin, Rock Creek and the Lava Tube are good to visit on the way. Death Valley Mine near Cima is interesting too.

 

[Keemonrunnin]

Myself and a couple other guys were talking about doing this run. Just didn't have a date set up. Only thing for me is that it's hard for me to get the Thursday/Friday off. Once a date is final I'll have to see what I can do.

 

[boyfester]

I would be very interested in participating on that trip. You can just count me in
if it goes down. I'm just a 2wd but a trooper I think that road and trails shouldn't be a problem from I've checked out. :boxing:

FYI. I heard 4WD is recommended as there may be lots of soft sand/mud at the dry lake depending on the weather and time of year. I've never been there so please talk to others and if keeping your speed up is good enough.

 

[470SNC]

As a Mojave road veteran, this is a must do trip for all offroaders around here. Definitely best to start from east to west as when you're done you will be closer to home. The main road throughout is definitely not too bad, doable in 2wd. 4x4 may be required at the dry lake area depending on the weather but there is a bypass around the lake if necessary. There is one deep water crossing at the end of the west side of the trail.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

IMO the trip is a bit overrated. The best is wheeling with buddies and having fun. Don't get me wrong, its a nice trail. Its long, I mean very long. Its a must if haven't done it. I can do without the whippidoos for like 8 miles in the middle section. Dry lake bed and sands were the my favorite.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Forgot to add 3rd gen bring extra 5 gallons of gas. If not on kelso/Cima road up to 15 fwy to shell for gas. The trail is old government road.

 

[Chsbrgr]

I drove the Mojave road from the Avi Casino at the river to the New York Mountains one day last week. Probably could have done it all in 2wd, but sure wouldn't risk it solo. Piute Range seemed fine, just the normal rocky road. Driving down into sandy washes, crossing, and up out of them is where 4WD really shines. You could probably cross in 2WD with enough momentum. As Bob stated, Soda Lake is probably the crux. But there are some deep sandy stretches in the general area of Lava Tubes too.

I'm interested in going if the timing works out. I love driving ALL day long, and still, would consider 3 days the minimum. There is just so much to see besides the actual road.

 

[626 4runner]

I ran it last yr around mid april. Its a fun trip, lots to see and side trails to explore. I found that downloading someone else's tracks or prepunching in the GPS cordinates saves a lot of time and makes the trek a lot more enjoyable rather then fumbling with the book. The sand after the dry lake bed could b a problem due to being pretty soft. It heated up my friend's transmission fluid a bit on his diesel powered dodge ram. Bring at least 5 gallons of gas extra and plenty of water. It gets quite windy at night too.

 

[boyfester]

I went on the Mojave website and if we have over 7 vehicles or 15 people we need to pull a permit. For the people that have done this, is that a hassle or should I just keep the vehicle number down to 7 to make it easier?

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

FYI. I heard 4WD is recommended as there may be lots of soft sand/mud at the dry lake depending on the weather and time of year. I've never been there so please talk to others and if keeping your speed up is good enough.

Well it sounds like most of the vets and the recent passing through, 95% of the road no problem 5% questionable areas... I'm assuming say go for it.
Thats what i got all you v8 4x4 for a lil yank if needed. Lol
If you guys are cool im down to give a whirl and check this place off my list.

 

[Jedrattle]

I would like to go do this but my runner probably won't be running again until around this time frame. Maybe with a little luck I can get it back together by then.

 

[YetiX]

Another 2WD who'd be interested. My understanding is that it's doable in 2WD but it's good to have a 4WD with you just in case.

 

[scrap metal]

The road is fun because it has some nice history to it.

I've done the whole trail in 2wd in my 1st gen 4runner because at the time my front and rear diff were different gearing (mid upgrade lol). There are some sandy areas that you may get stuck in, but keep up your speed and you should be good in 2wd. Also, its not like someone couldnt just pull you out.

I also hated the 15 miles of woops near the center section before kelso... The 3rd time doing it I took Edison road down to the highway to go around that stuff and that is the way i take all the time now.... very awesome dirt road following edison power lines through the hills and then you take the highway north and make a left back onto the trail.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Let's do it!

How about March?

BTW can someone please post start and end (roads or coordinates) information?

I assume camping is involved as well?

 

[AKmoney]

I'd be interested in going. Last 3 weekends of March are currently open for me..