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Afton Canyon
Barstow,
California
(San Bernardino County)
Last Updated:
08/10/2022
Trail Information
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.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Trail Navigation
Trail Reviews
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 05/14/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Easier
We did this trail May 14, 2023, a high of about 90-ish degrees F, and had the place to ourselves, never saw another vehicle, except the hi-rail truck running down the train tracks. The water crossings were about 16" high. Some trail areas had some loose sand. The silence in the spooky cave was deafening, definitely spooky. Can't wait to do this trail again when it's cooler. Great medium-easy day trip from Los Angeles.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Easier
My wife drove our Jeep through afton Canyon, parts of Mojave Road, through 4 water puddles and over to Razor Rd. She found spooky caverns at 194.65 (1928 train trellis) and parts of the Borax Mine cart tracks. Only once did she let me drive, and that was an easy downhill section. There were a few tight areas around Borax mine and a bit of desert painting; lots of sand sections; washboard areas and rocks of various sizes, shapes, and road settings. Take your time, and you may see desert foliage and native animals. My wife suggests hand-wipes and lots of water, as there was none in the lake - which you can't drink anyway. To her, it was mostly easy to moderate, but not difficult.
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Easier
Went with a group that included stock 4x4s, full size trucks, and Jeeps. The water crossings were no more than 18" deep. Great trial with lots to see and explore, the mine at way point 12 was the highlight for our group.
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Open
Visited: 04/10/2021
Really Beautiful place. The cave was fun. A few people but not many. You would pass a truck or two then have the place to your self for 10 to 15 min or longer before another truck comes along.
Easy trail. I had a friend go in his 2wd and with airing down I only had to pull him out once from some soft sand with my 4wd.
The second water crossing is deeper than the first. About 20" deep. Both have hard bottoms and 2wd is fine. You do go under the train bridge but any normal vehicle will fit.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 01/02/2021
Great trail, easy access for most 4x4 vehicles now that the water crossing is shallower. Should only need about 15" of water fording capability. Take the time to visit Spooky Cave!
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