The Mojave Desert near Barstow is your ultimate starter zone! Forget the intimidating King of the Hammers hype; this area offers miles of fun, scenic dirt roads perfect for a stock 4x4. This is your chance to explore the unique desert terrain, practice desert driving, and earn your first set of sand-dusted quality memories. You’ve got the built rig, the durable tires, and the weekend off—now, ditch the crowds and point your nose toward the open sand.

The desert calls for a special kind of adventurer: the one who seeks freedom but respects the elements. The area around Barstow, largely managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), is the ideal launching pad for your first authentic adventure into the Mojave. It offers enough varied terrain—from colorful canyons to expansive dry lake beds—to test your skills without breaking your bank account or your axles. Success here is rooted in smart driving and having a confident mindset.

We've compiled the Five Fast Tracks to Mojave Fun—routes that offer views, history, and just enough sand wash to get you stoked. This is where your journey truly begins. Grab your keys, gear up right, and send it!

The Five Fast Tracks to Mojave Fun

These routes are easily accessible off major highways near Barstow, making them perfect for a single day trip. They are all scenic, tough enough to require 4WD skills, but forgiving enough for the Weekend Warrior in a stock, high-clearance SUV.

1. Rainbow Basin Loop Road (The Geological Cruise)

This is the highlight of the local area and the perfect way to start your desert adventure. The Rainbow Basin Natural Area is a geological canvas—a short, spectacular, one-way scenic drive through multicolored rock formations.

Scout’s Report: Colors and Canyons

The Rainbow Basin Loop Road is a narrow, one-way, 5-mile dirt road that winds directly through canyons with dramatic, multi-colored rock walls. The colors are created by ancient lakebed sediments, and they pop brightest near sunset. The Challenge (Easy) is minimal, accessible to most high-clearance 4x4s. However, the road is one-way and narrow—trailers are prohibited, and large RVs should stay out. The main warning here is environmental: the soft, easily eroded rock base means there's a flash flood risk after rain. Always check the forecast!

The Reward is the scenery. The area is so unique it’s a National Natural Landmark. Near the loop entrance is Owl Canyon Campground, a perfect spot for a primitive basecamp (small fee applies). I love this trail because it proves an epic experience doesn't have to be a risky one. It’s all about the views and geology.

• The Route: Narrow, one-way, 5-mile dirt road through canyons.
• The Challenge (Easy): Accessible to most high-clearance 4x4s; check flash flood risk.
• The Reward: Unmatched geological scenery; Owl Canyon Campground access.

Audience Question: Since this trail is one-way, is it better to drive in the morning or near sunset for the best photos? Sunset! The low angle of the sun illuminates the rock layers, making the colors in the formations truly pop. This is the prime time to explore this geological marvel.

2. Hinkley Desert Lighthouse Road (The Quirky Landmark)

Sometimes the best adventure is the one that makes you smile. This run is a straight shot to a bizarre, fun, and highly unique desert landmark—a lighthouse miles from any ocean.

Scout’s Report: Beacon in the Barren

The Hinkley Desert Lighthouse Road is an easy dirt road/trail that is perfectly traversable by almost any high-clearance vehicle. It’s a low-stakes run, perfect for the true beginner to get comfortable with the feel of the desert dirt under their tires. The Challenge (Very Easy) is minimal; just keep an eye out for wildlife (snakes, coyotes) and other adventurers.

The Reward is the Hinkley Desert Lighthouse, an art installation that is often lit up at night. This is a perfect objective for a short, quick evening run to practice desert navigation—getting a sense of direction when all the landmarks look the same. Frame your built rig against the lit-up lighthouse for a unique nighttime photo—it’s a memory you’ll want to rep with a quality sticker.

• The Route: Easy dirt road; short, straight run.
• The Challenge (Very Easy): Minimal, perfect for practicing desert driving basics.
• The Reward: A quirky, fun art installation that is lit up at night.

Audience Question: Is it safe to camp near the lighthouse? Dispersed camping is generally allowed on BLM land in the area, but always follow Leave No Trace principles. The site is a popular art spot, so keep a respectable distance and be mindful of other visitors.

3. Soggy Dry Lake to Cougar Buttes (The Sand/Rock Mix)

Ready for a little bit of everything? This run is located in the Johnson Valley OHV Area but stays on the easier tracks. It's a fun, long run that offers a valuable mix of terrain, perfect for testing your resilient handling.

Scout’s Report: Multi-Terrain Test

This trail connects the smooth surface of Soggy Dry Lake to the Cougar Buttes granite formations. It is dirt and two-track with manageable patches of sand and light rocks. The Challenge (Easy/Moderate) is easily navigable for the novice, but the shifting balance between the hard-packed dirt and the loose sand requires you to engage 4WD and check your lines. This is excellent practice for the difference in driving technique between soft and rocky terrain.

The Vibe is pure desert fun. The Cougar Buttes offer unique granite rock formations that make a fantastic backdrop for a photo-op. Best of all, you get to drive past the epicenter of King of the Hammers without having to tackle the extreme lines like Sledgehammer. It’s the perfect way to get stoked on the culture without the commitment.

• The Route: Mix of smooth lakebed and dirt two-track.
• The Challenge (Easy/Moderate): Multi-terrain test (sand vs. light rock); engaging 4WD is mandatory.
• The Reward: Cruising the dry lakebed; seeing the Cougar Buttes granite formations.

Audience Question: How deep does the sand get on the dry lake bed? The dry lake bed surface is typically hard-packed and fast. The deeper, soft sand is found where the wash flows onto the lakebed or near the Cougar Buttes trail entrances. This is where your airing down prep pays off.

4. Coxey Road (FS 3N14) (The Wide Open Connector)

Need to escape the immediate area and connect to the San Bernardino National Forest for more scenery? Coxey Road is your high-speed path to freedom (drive responsibly!).

Scout’s Report: The Flow State

Coxey Road is a nice, easy-going, wide sandy trail that serves as an essential, scenic connector route. It’s an explore drive that gives you continuous, open desert views and slowly transitions you toward the high-desert scrubland. The Challenge (Easy) is minimal; the road is wide and generally smooth sand. However, the main risk is surprise dips and deep ruts caused by water runoff and high-speed traffic—watch your speed!

The Reward is the continuous flow state of driving—just smooth throttle and open views. This road is perfect for practicing your long-distance desert driving skills. Look for pull-offs along the route, as the transition zone offers great primitive dispersed camping opportunities near the start of the climb toward Big Bear. It’s a quiet journey that reminds you what the high desert is all about.

• The Route: Wide, sandy connector road.
• The Challenge (Easy): Washboard, surprise dips, and ruts. Speed control is critical.
• The Reward: Continuous open desert scenery; easy access to the mountain trails.

Audience Question: What is the biggest risk on a wide, sandy trail like this? Speed. You might be tempted to send it too hard, but losing control in a surprise dip or hidden patch of deep sand can lead to a broken suspension component or a serious accident. Confident driving means staying within your limits.

5. Cady Mountain Loop (Part 1 - The Historical Start)

If you're looking for a longer, multi-day option, starting with the easy portion of the Cady Mountain Loop is a great way to introduce yourself to the vast Mojave Desert and its history.

Scout’s Report: Endurance Prep

This trail starts near Afton Canyon Campground and follows a section of the historic Mojave Trail. This initial segment is easy, mostly hard-packed dirt that follows portions of the historic route. The Challenge (Easy) is minimal; this section is built for easy cruising and serves as an endurance test for long, dusty drives, rather than a technical one. The terrain is flat and wide, allowing you to focus on navigation and supplies.

The Reward is the sense of true authentic adventure—you are following the path of the pioneers. You can link this to a weekend camp at Afton Canyon, making a great basecamp for further explore trips. Use this run to prove your durable machine can handle the long, dusty haul.

• The Route: Easy, long segment of the Cady Mountain Loop.
• The Challenge (Easy): Endurance test for long, dusty desert drives.
• The Reward: Access to the Afton Canyon area and the historical Mojave Trail.

Audience Question: Is this trail appropriate for a two-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance? Yes, this first segment is often passable by high-clearance 2WD vehicles, especially when dry. However, remember that 4WD gives you the resilient ability to pull through unexpected soft sand or a surprise washout.

Conquer the Weekend: The Final Send-Off

Barstow is your gateway to fun, easy desert runs that build confident skills and reward you with spectacular scenery. These five routes are the fastest way to get off the asphalt and into the authentic adventure of the Mojave Desert.

Stop settling for pavement. Grab your map, dial those tires down for the sand wash, and give your built rig the desert test it deserves. Go explore the Mojave Desert and send it now!

Rep your rig with the durable desert dust and quality stickers that show you’ve found the true freedom of the California backcountry.