Caruthers Canyon Road

Located deep within the Mojave National Preserve, Caruthers Canyon Road begins at Cedar Canyon Road and winds upward into the rugged New York Mountains. The intersection is unmarked, but a lone stop sign hints at the start of your journey.

The road begins at about 4,400 feet in elevation amid a forest of Joshua Trees and climbs roughly nine miles to about 5,600 feet, where stands of pinyon pines once blanketed the slopes. Sadly, much of this forest was lost in the York Fire of 2023, which originated in Caruthers Canyon and burned over 93,000 acres. Three structures were lost, and the landscape was dramatically altered, yet the canyon retains a striking beauty and a sense of quiet resilience.

As you ascend, granite rock formations and towering spires dominate the horizon, creating a landscape reminiscent of Joshua Tree National Park. The road surface varies between sand, gravel, and hard-packed dirt, typical of desert terrain. While ruts and shallow washes cross the route, it remains passable by a high-clearance 2WD vehicle equipped with good off-road tires. Beyond the main camping area, however, the road becomes washed out and impassable as it climbs steeply toward the Giant Ledge Mine.

There are several areas suitable for dispersed camping, including one large site that can accommodate up to seven vehicles. Groups larger than seven vehicles or more than 25 people must obtain a permit from the National Park Service. One particularly scenic campsite is tucked among granite boulders and features a built-in picnic table and grill, perfect for smaller groups of two or three vehicles.

From the upper camps, you can hike the final mile to the Giant Ledge Mine, where a few open adits remain. Use extreme caution when entering abandoned mines, as it is dangerous and not recommended. Historically, the mine was worked primarily for copper, though traces of silver and gold were also found in quartz veins throughout the area. Mining activity here dates back to the early 1900s, part of the region’s short-lived boom that attracted fortune seekers to the Mojave’s remote corners.

Today, Caruthers Canyon offers a serene escape for explorers seeking solitude, geological beauty, and a touch of history. It’s an excellent overnight stop for those traveling the Mojave Road, offering a short but rewarding detour filled with panoramic views, fascinating rock formations, and the quiet magic of the high desert.