Afton Canyon

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Status:	Open
Typically Open:	Year Round
Length:	10.99 miles
Highest Elevation:	3000 feet
Duration:	About 2 hours
Shape of Trail:	Connector
Best Direction to Travel:	N/A
Nearest Town:	Barstow
Nearest Town w/ Services:	Barstow
Official Road Name:	Afton Canyon
Management Agency:	Bureau of Land Management
District:	Barstow Field Office

Highlights

Afton Canyon is often thought of as one of the last amazing landscapes of California. With majestic views and one of the only places the Mojave River flows above ground, Afton is not just a wheeling destination; it's a must-see in one's lifetime. When traveling through Afton Canyon, you will find sandstone canyons, slot canyons, natural sandstone caves, abandoned mines, a deep water crossing, and even the Mojave River flowing above ground year-round. So pack up the 4x4 and experience some of the best camping and scenic off-roading of your life.

Video

Route Information

Technical Rating

( MODERATE - DIFFICULT )

Waypoints

1. Trailhead at Highway 15 (0 mi)

Exit Highway 15 at Afton and go east.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Yermo, California

Exit Highway 15 at Afton Canyon 35.069484, -116.411238 and go east.

Camping

Dispersed

Improved

Trail Reviews (12)

Questions & Answers (2)

Q: How tall of a vehicle will fit under the train bridge? Would a 13 foot tall 5 ton over-landing rig fit?

–Ben (04/23/2021)

–Josh Noesser (04/24/2021)

Q: What is the best way to top of mine ? #9606?

–Randall Burke (12/07/2017)

–Josh Noesser (12/07/2017)

Writer Information

Josh Noesser

Mapping Crew - California

Joshua Noesser grew up in Southern California but has lived in different parts of the country during his young adult life. Josh was first turned to four wheeling when he road with one of his friends dad up Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Valley at age14. After nearly 3 different roll overs later and a half dozen intense waterfalls, Josh was hooked. At 16 he purchased his first Jeep a CJ 7 and by 17 was putting his first locker in it. Currently, Josh is the owner and CEO of Nybble, an IT Solutions Company based in Orange County, California. Nybble isn't your normal IT company where everyone stays in and plays video games. Nybble's average company trip is out on the trails since a good amount of his staff enjoy wheeling too. As Josh likes to say, he offers the only IT Company with the ability to provide services in extreme locations. "If you want a server at the top of The Hammers, we will take care of that for you." Today you can find Josh out on the trail behind the wheel in one of his three different off-road vehicles. See the vehicles below for more information. If you ever run into Josh, please say high, he is a very friendly person and is always happy to have a new person join the group.

Barstow, California (San Bernardino County)