Turquoise Mountain Road

Turquoise Mountain Road wraps around the northern and western flanks of Turquoise Mountain. The trail begins by crossing a broad alluvial fan before winding into colorful, mineralized hills dotted with historic turquoise prospects and other remnants of the area’s mining past. Expansive desert views, varied terrain, and a remarkable sense of solitude make this an enjoyable connector through an exceptionally remote portion of the Mojave Desert.

The entire route forms part of Segment 2 of the East Mojave Heritage Trail (EMHT), an approximately 190-mile section of the larger 733-mile route. Segment 2 traverses some of the most isolated terrain in the eastern Mojave and is supported by the Bureau of Land Management and the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association.

Road conditions range from relatively smooth desert gravel to loose rock, sandy washes, and storm-eroded drainage crossings. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, particularly along the rougher portions of NN586.

Dispersed camping is permitted on the surrounding BLM land, but only a few previously established campsites are visible from the trail. Camp only in existing disturbed areas and follow current BLM fire and camping restrictions.