Old Blythe Vidal Road

Old Blyth Vidal Road was used by the early settlers in Vidal, CA, to reach Blythe, CA, and perhaps even included Wyatt Earp, who lived in Vidal for a time.  Along the drive, there are wonderful panoramas across Rice Valley and a marvelous perspective of the Rice Valley Dunes to the west.  The trail provides a gateway to explore Rice Valley from its intersecting trails, along with the many nearby mines such as the Gold Rice Mine.

The trail follows a path of least resistance over sandy bajadas, weaving a path along the edge and through the narrow valleys of the Riverside Mountains Wilderness to reach Hwy 95.

This is an easy drive over stretches of deep sand, providing more of a navigation challenge where the lack of markers, wide tangled washes, and disturbed surfaces can disguise the route. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required to manage the deep sandy sections.

Many dispersed campsites with existing rock fire rings are located over the first 8 miles and the last 4 miles of the trail. These sites are in areas of flat desert that provide little wind shelter. After the first 8 miles, the trail enters a narrow canyon that cuts through the Riverside Mountains, and there are no existing campsites visible from the trail when in the canyon.

Drivers exploring the area should carry adequate water, be equipped for self-rescue, and notify family/friends of their travel plans.