Railroad Grade & Castle Mountain Mine Roads

This road travels through the Avi Kwa Ame and Castle Mountains National Monument areas.  Visitors will enjoy the serenity and solitude provided by Joshua tree forests and unbroken natural landscapes. The dramatic Castle Peaks, seen west of the road, are a cluster of rock spires that resemble the ramparts of an ancient fortress. The road intersects many motorized and hiking trails that invite exploration.

A two-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance to handle the uneven, rocky sections can manage this trail, but exploring the connecting trails will require a 4x4.

Dispersed camping near the road can be found primarily in the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument portion of the trail or the easternmost 11 miles of the road.  Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and use previously disturbed or established primitive sites. An existing campsite can be found 3 miles from the eastern end of the road, next to an old corral.