Mesquite Canyon Road

Running north to south through the rugged El Paso Mountains, Mesquite Canyon offers a stunning geological tour of the region. Starting at the northern end, the trail skirts the El Paso Mountain Wilderness Area and Black Mountain, providing excellent views of the desert landscape. As you travel south, the scenery shifts to sculpted sandstone formations in shades of pink and red, creating a striking contrast against the rugged terrain. Toward the southern end, the route opens up to Koehn Lake, a vast dry lakebed shimmering white with mineral-rich salts.

This is a long drive with rough terrain consisting of eroded dirt paths, embedded rocks, and stretches of hardened lava rock. Airing down your tires and having a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Although the road is rough, there are no major concerns in dry weather. About midway through, a shaded picnic area with a natural spring provides a perfect spot to pause and stretch your legs before continuing.

Due to the uneven terrain, camping options are limited along the route. Less-than-ideal spots are located at the northern and southern ends and offer no shade or privacy. The best spot is located along the southern end, just below an old mine shaft, but it is right on the trail.

For those seeking a remote and scenic offroad adventure, Mesquite Canyon delivers an unforgettable ride through California’s interesting and geologically diverse landscapes.