Riggs Road

Rugged desert scenery, historic mining sites, and remote backcountry travel define Riggs Road in the Silurian Hills north of Baker. The route passes through a landscape shaped by the Mojave’s mining era, where prospector Frank Riggs made significant silver discoveries in the late 1800s. Several connecting roads offer opportunities for further exploration, including side trips to Riggs Mine, Riggs Cabin, and Jake’s Place, two restored cabins available for use by desert travelers.

Except for the cabin spurs, Riggs Road follows Segment 2 of the Eastern Mojave Heritage Trail. This roughly 190-mile section is part of the larger 733-mile heritage route, developed with support from the Bureau of Land Management and the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association. The best camping opportunities are found near Riggs Cabin and Jake’s Place, where travelers can stay inside the cabins or camp nearby using existing fire rings and basic amenities.

The drive itself is rugged, with much of the road covered in loose, grapefruit-sized rock. Washed-out sections can make the route difficult to follow, occasionally requiring careful route-finding to locate where the road continues. Because of the rough terrain, remoteness, and navigation challenges, Riggs Road is best suited for experienced drivers in capable, high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.