About This Run
THE TRIP
Four days across the historic Mojave Road, the same wagon route used to cross the desert in the 1860s. We'll start at Avi Casino on the Colorado, cross the Piute Range, camp two nights at classic dispersed sites, and finish at Afton Canyon. This is a moderate run — sand, washboard, some rocky sections, but nothing technical. Stock 4WD with all-terrains and a recovery kit can handle it; built rigs will have an easier time.
We move as a group, lead and sweep stay on the radio, and we're never separated by more than the next ridge. Bring four days of water minimum (1.5 gal/person/day), full fuel out of Avi, and your sense of humor — there will be sand stuck in places you don't expect for the rest of the year.
Day By Day
ITINERARY
D1
SAT · MAY 9
AVI CASINO → MARL SPRINGS
Group convenes 7am at Avi. Driver briefing, radio check, airdown. Cross the Piute Range, lunch at Fort Piute, camp at Marl Springs.
7:00 AM
Group Meet · Driver Briefing
12:30 PM
Fort Piute Spring · Lunch
5:00 PM
Marl Springs Camp · Night 1
D2
SUN · MAY 10
MARL SPRINGS → SODA LAKE
Long driving day across the Cinder Cones lava flow and Kelso Dunes. Soft sand sections — keep momentum and hold formation. Camp on the dry lakebed.
9:00 AM
Cinder Cones Lava Field
2:00 PM
Kelso Dunes Crossing
5:30 PM
Soda Lake Crossing · Night 2
D3
MON · MAY 11
SODA LAKE LAYOVER
Optional half-day side run to the Cima Dome, then layover at camp for repairs, swims, and hammock time.
D4
TUE · MAY 12
SODA LAKE → AFTON CANYON
Final push to Afton Canyon, fuel and food at Baker, group photo at the canyon overlook, then we disperse.
What You Need
REQUIREMENTS
Drivetrain
4WD · Low Range Required
Tires
All-Terrain · 31"+
Ground Clearance
9" Minimum
Recovery Kit
Recovery Boards · Strap · Soft Shackles
Water
6 Gal Minimum / Vehicle
Comms
GMRS or HAM Radio Required
SAFETY BRIEFING REQUIRED
Read the trip rules, communications protocol, and emergency procedures. You'll need to acknowledge before your RSVP is confirmed.