Mojave Road

The old Army wagon road runs east–west across Mojave National Preserve from the Colorado River near Laughlin to Camp Cady on the Mojave River. 138 Miles of sand, rocky climbs, and Joshua tree forest that never touches pavement. Street-legal bikes only in the preserve. The Soda Lake crossing is the wildcard: a dry lakebed that becomes impassable slime after rain. Check conditions and use the bypass when wet. Deep sand in the western third favors real dirt bikes over heavy ADV. No fuel on route (Baker is the mid-point bailout), no reliable water; carry everything. Traditions: ring the bell at the mailbox, add a rock to the frog. October–April. The Mojave Road Guide by Dennis Casebier is still the bible.