South Gas Line Road

South Gas Line Road is a 71-mile overland adventure that showcases the full spectrum of the Mojave Desert, from open sandy flats and majestic dunes to the rugged flanks of the Providence Mountains. A narrow, vehicle-approved corridor threads between designated wilderness areas, giving travelers front-row views of untouched desert, jagged peaks, and endless horizons. Along the way, dozens of side trails and spurs invite deeper exploration, with standout highlights like the towering Kelso Dunes and the massive pit of the abandoned Vulcan Mine. The route finishes at legendary Route 66, just a few miles from Goffs Ghost Town.

The drive starts out on an easy, sandy desert two-track that a high-clearance 2-wheel-drive vehicle can handle in dry conditions. Beyond Kelbaker Road, the character changes quickly, with rough, uneven stretches and melon-sized rocks that require a lifted 4x4 and an experienced driver. The crossing of the Providence Mountains via Foshay Pass includes long, steep 20-degree climbs and descents over rocky, loose, and sometimes slippery surfaces bordered by deep ditches. Locking differentials greatly improve traction and help keep vehicles on line, and informal bypasses exist around the very worst sections.

Dispersed camping opportunities are scattered along the route, including a standout site roughly halfway up Foshay Pass that overlooks nearby canyons and offers sweeping views across the Providence Mountains. Additional camping can be found near Kelso Dunes, while those seeking amenities can overnight at the Mojave National Preserve’s Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, north along intersecting Black Canyon Road.