Desert
California Desert 4x4 Trails: Anza-Borrego to Mojave
The best desert 4x4 roads in California, from Fonts Point and Titus Canyon to the Mojave Road, with the vehicle you need, the season and gear to carry.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
California’s deserts have thousands of miles of dirt roads, from graded washes a stock SUV can handle to remote rocky routes.
This guide covers the main 4x4 roads in Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and the Mojave National Preserve, with the vehicle, season and gear each needs.
In This Guide
Before You Go: Vehicles, Rules and Season
In parks, vehicles must be street legal and stay on established roads. Non-street-legal OHVs belong in areas like Ocotillo Wells SVRA or Johnson Valley.
Off-road driving in the parks is illegal. The season is roughly October to April; summer heat above 110 degrees makes breakdowns dangerous.
- High clearance: rocky routes and deep ruts
- 4WD: soft sand, steep grades and rocky climbs
- All-terrain tires with strong sidewalls
- Most rental contracts ban unpaved roads
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 4x4 Roads
Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park, with roads from easy sandy washes to technical descents. Open camping is allowed along many roads.
- Fonts Point: easy to moderate, sandy
- Split Mountain and Fish Creek Wash: moderate, sandy
- Canyon Sin Nombre: moderate, sand and gravel
- Diablo Drop-Off: steep, sandy, one way downhill, experienced drivers only
Fonts Point
Fonts Point is about 4 miles each way up a sandy wash off Borrego Salton Seaway (S22), ending at a Borrego Badlands overlook. High clearance is recommended.
Split Mountain, Canyon Sin Nombre and Coyote Canyon
Fish Creek Wash leads into Split Mountain, with a short hike to the Wind Caves. Canyon Sin Nombre, off S2, runs through folded rock on sand and gravel.
Coyote Canyon is harder, with creek crossings. It closes roughly June through September to protect bighorn sheep water sources.
Joshua Tree National Park Dirt Roads
Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile self-guided route through Pleasant Valley. The first several miles suit most high-clearance vehicles; the far loop is better with 4WD.
Berdoo Canyon Road and Old Dale Road are remote, so carry extra water. My 2 days in Joshua Tree itinerary covers the paved highlights.
Death Valley Backcountry Roads
Death Valley’s backcountry roads are long, remote and hard on tires. Help can be hours away.
Titus Canyon Road
Titus Canyon Road runs one way for about 27 miles from Nevada Highway 374 near Beatty, past Leadfield ghost town. High clearance is required, and it often closes after storms.
The Racetrack
The Racetrack is reached by a long washboard road from Ubehebe Crater. Sharp rocks cause frequent flats, so carry two full-size spares.
Echo Canyon and Aguereberry Point are shorter options. See my Death Valley winter itinerary.
Mojave National Preserve Routes
The Mojave Road crosses the preserve for over 100 miles. It’s a multi-day trip best done with a second vehicle.
Shorter options: the road to the Kelso Dunes trailhead and roads around Cima Dome, burned in the 2020 Dome Fire.
Where to Ride OHVs Legally
Legal OHV areas include Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Johnson Valley near Lucerne Valley and Dumont Dunes near Death Valley.
Check California State Parks OHV or the BLM for permits, flag rules and seasons. Oceano Dunes near Pismo allows beach riding, though its rules keep changing.
Essential Desert 4x4 Gear
Most desert trouble is a flat, a stuck vehicle or running out of water. Pack to spend a night waiting for help.
- At least 1 gallon of water per person per day, plus extra
- Full-size spare (two for the Racetrack), jack and tire plug kit
- Air compressor and tire gauge
- Shovel, traction boards and a tow strap
- Satellite messenger or personal locator beacon
- Paper map plus offline maps in Gaia GPS or onX Offroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 4WD for Titus Canyon?
High clearance is required and 4WD is recommended. Check the Death Valley NPS road conditions page first.
Can I take a rental car off road in the desert?
Most rental agreements prohibit unpaved roads. Farabee’s in Death Valley rents Jeeps for backcountry roads.
Where can I ride dirt bikes or side-by-sides legally?
In OHV areas such as Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Johnson Valley or Dumont Dunes. Parks allow only street-legal vehicles on established roads.
What is the best time of year for desert off-roading in California?
October to April. Avoid summer, when heat makes breakdowns dangerous.
Is Fonts Point accessible without 4WD?
High clearance matters more than 4WD, but low cars get stuck in the soft sand. If your car sits low, walk the last stretch or skip it.
