top of page

How to Plan and Execute Your First Mojave Road Overlanding Trip (Expert-Level Tips)

  • Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
    Muddy Ruttzz
  • Aug 13, 2024
  • 10 min read

Updated: Nov 16

A Overland Journey Leads to A Youtube Channel

I ignored the detour sign and headed west over the washed out Piute Mountain Trail and soon found my adrenaline pumping. Driving our Jeep Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel towing our Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer, this was our first Overlanding trip and I made a bad decision at the very start. I soon realized why there was a detour. This road was washed out, unmaintained, and extremely rocky. I stayed cool not letting on to my wife how nervous I was. With the Jeep in 4 low and the torque of that 3.0 liter diesel motor we scraped some skid plates and cleared the obstacles (but hey that’s why you have skid plates.) Soon we were driving the sandy sections of Lanfair Valley starting the rest of our journey on the historic Mojave Road. 


White Jeep Wrangler towing off-road trailer on sandy Mojave Road. Desert landscape, mountains in the background. Text overlays describe scene.
High Point On Trail - Great Spot For A Photo - Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer and 2020 Wrangler Ecodiesel

Our off-road vehicle is a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel. We towed our awesome Exventure XV-3 military spec trailer.

Muddy Ruttzz Outdoor Adventure Youtube Channel

My Blog Posts are unsponsored and gear you see I use in my outdoor adventures

Support Us! Muddy Ruttzz earns a commission from ✅ affiliate links in this article. Learn More


Our Mojave Road Overlanding Adventure Commenced on Needles Highway (Route 95)


East to west, west to east it does not matter. Any starting point or direction you will find awesome overland travel. The desert landscape through Lanfair Valley is populated with a amazing quantity of Joshua Trees. Have you visited Joshua Tree National Park?


We started on the Needles Highway (Highway 95) camped at Mid Hills Campground, another stop at Travelers Monument and finished the trip at Afton Canyon Campground.


A Strange and Beautiful Place: Navigating Joshua Trees and Deep Sand

After our baptism by rock, we drove through fields of Joshua Trees, deep sand, and desert terrain. We navigated myriad trails relying on the guidance of our Garmin GPS Maps Satellite device and a copy of “The Mojave Road Guide,” eventually reaching the apex of the Mojave Road, marked by a USGS marker.


Desert landscape with Joshua trees under a blue sky. Text at bottom reads: "You will see many Joshua trees and desert plants along sections of the Old Mojave Road."
Desert Foliage Including Mysterious Joshua Trees

Overlanding The Mojave Desert And Marvelling At The Changing Terrain Along The Road

Mojave Road Overlanding will not get boring. Every few miles your be amazed at the varying terrain. Prepare for rocky trails, deep sand and hard packed trails.

Large heart-shaped rock in a desert landscape with mountains in the background. A logo at the bottom right reads "Outdoor Adventure Muddy Ruttzz."
A strange rock formation on the Mojave Road
Man wearing fedora walks on the Mojave Road at the top of Watson Wash. Rocky hills are rising behind him and he is surrounded by scrub desert foliage.
A Challenging Downhill -

Found a Campsite Last Minute: Mid Hills Campground Comfort

It turned into a long day on the trail. Our trip was around Christmas of 2021, and the days are short and the nights are cold in the desert. Our trusty Garmin GPS Maps Satellite device found us a very nice camp: the secluded Mid Hills Campground, which we had entirely to ourselves.


Jeep parked beside a camper with rooftop tent near large boulders, a clear sky above, camp setup with chairs and grill visible.
Ancient rocks providing shelter from the wind. I wish they could tell their stories. Desert camping does not get much better - Mid Hills Campground in the Mojave National Preserve

Trusty Gear: Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel and Xventure XV-3 Performance

Nestled in the rocks, the first thing I did was crank up our Maggiolina Roof Top Tent. This was a game-changer for quick setup and guaranteed comfort off the ground. With the tent open and a warm sleeping bag inside, the Maggiolina RTT provided the first of my four non-negotiable rules for a successful trip with my wife: a comfortable place to sleep.


Camping setup with tables, portable stoves, and chairs. Rock backdrop and desert vegetation. Green and purple accents. Mellow outdoor vibe.
Years later we are still using this same basic camp setup that you see here at Mid Hills Campground with a couple exceptions. Why change something that works?

Next came dinner. We cooked using a dual setup. I used our dependable Coleman stove and cast iron pans to prepare a hearty vegetarian chili for myself. Simultaneously, I fired up the small Weber BBQ grill to cook a separate portion of meat for my wife. The roaring campfire added ambiance and warmth to the cold desert evening. The next morning, the magic continued with hot, fresh coffee brewed on the Coleman stove, the perfect way to shake off the desert chill.


Person in hooded jacket gazes at sunset over desert landscape. "Outdoor Adventure Muddy Ruttzz" logo in corner. Quiet, contemplative mood.
Winter Sunrise at Mid Hills Campground is amazing in the desert and very cold. I like to get up a dawn and get the coffee going. It seems to always taste better when your out camping and it warms you up on a cold winter morning.
Person wearing a coat and scarf stands on a dirt path in a desert landscape at sunrise. Mountains in the background, calm mood.
Sunrise at Mid Hills Campground

The Four Rules for a Great Overlanding Trip (Wife Approved!)


  1. Make sure she has a comfortable place to sleep (The Maggiolina and a warm sleeping bag).

  2. Cook some great food out on the trail.

  3. Provide a awesome privacy shelter and toilet.

  4. Let her get behind the wheel, because she loves driving Jeeps!


Don't Take On The Mojave Road Overlanding Trip Without This Guidebook


Front cover of the Road Guide Book and Back cover of the Mojave Road Guide book.
The Only Guide You Should Have For The Mojave Road Overlanding Trip

White Jeep with a rooftop tent parked by large boulders. Camping gear is visible. Logo: Muddy Ruttzz Outdoor Adventure. Rocky, serene setting.
3 years later I'm still loving my Wrangler Ecodiesel and Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer


First Overlanding Adventure But Not Nearly The Last For Our Xventure XV-3 And Jeep Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel


We tested the capability of our trailer and Jeep and our off-road skills on this trip. It was a little nerve racking leaving the safety of campgrounds on our first Overlanding trip. We skipped a lot of the sights being anxious to get the trip over with. With many trips in remote areas under our belts now our confidence has grown. Eventually I would like to return to the Mojave Road and spend more days seeing all the sights we skipped on this first trip.


Off-road Xventure XV-3 Trailer with camping gear, boxes, and jugs in a desert setting. Blue sky, rocky terrain, and "Muddy Ruttzz" logo visible.
I did months of research before deciding to purchase the Schutt Industries Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer. Not a single time have I regretted my decision.

Why Tow A American Made Exventure XV-3 Off-Road Adventure Trailer?

The GVWR of a Jeep Wrangler is relatively low, especially when equipped with a Diesel engine. That adds 350lbs. The issue is bringing sufficient overland gear to ensure my wife's comfort without exceeding the Jeep's weight limit. The answer? Attach an additional axle in the shape of an impressive off-road trailer that will trail the Jeep wherever it ventures. Schutt Industries makes military and Exventure civilian trailers.

Related Content From Muddy Ruttzz

Garmin GPS Maps 66i Satellite Communicator Mounted On Dash

Interior of a car on a desert trail, driving through a landscape with Joshua trees. Dashboard shows a navigation GPS and radio.
In the desert you will find trails going all over the place. Our Garmin GPS Maps 66i kept us on the true path. There is a updated version of this device now. With the SOS button I can call help when we there is no cell coverage. I take it everywhere. I can call a chopper if I need one or a towtruck if I'm locked out of my vehicle.

Heading West From Mid Hills Campground: Keslo Cima Road


We had a fantastic evening at a wonderful campsite, followed by a stunning sunrise. Our Overland Expedition continues as we travel westward on Cedar Canyon Road. In the Mojave, there are several roads that cross the desert. Kelso Cima is one of them.

Intersection of Cedar Canyon rd and Kelso Cima rd. Desert road intersection with stop sign, directional sign to Kelso Depot and Dunes. Cloudy sky, mountains, brushy landscape. Mood is calm.
Just West of Mid Hills Campground the Mojave Road crosses Kelso Cima Road. Their are many interesting roads (many are unpaved) criss crossing the desert all throughout the Mojave Preserve. Lots of shortcuts if you have the vehicle for driving them know about them.

Mojave Road Historical Marker is near the intersection of Cedar Canyon Road and Kelso Cima Road


Man in striped shirt and black hat stands by a large stone marker with historical text about the Mojave Road in a desert setting.
The Monument on Kelso Cima Road shows exactly where the Mojave Road continues West. From here you can make a exit off the trail if you want too. Heading north on Kelso Cima there is great camping at Kelso Dunes.

Location is the Mojave Road Mailbox. Person in green jacket stands by a sign on a desert trail with shrubs and a Jeep. Another person stands by a US flag. Cloudy sky.
Stop and sign the register at the Mojave Road Mailbox. Little known is that there are several mailboxes along trails in other parts of the Mojave.


Left by travelers at the Mojave Road Mailbox. Rubber ducks and frog figurines arranged on desert ground, surrounded by dry shrubs. A yellow "Frog Crossing" sign is visible.
I heard the Park Service comes through and cleans all these trinkets out occasionally.
The Mojave Road Mailbox: Stop, Sign the Register, and Leave a Frog

It felt good to reach the famous Mojave Road Mailbox. A well-preserved flag and a collection of rubber ducks, frogs, and other oddities reside there, left by those passing through. It was a perfect chance for a photo with Old Glory before we moved on. (More info on the mailbox)



Passing the Cinder Cone Lava Beds on the way to Soda Lake. Route also crosses Kelbaker Road.

Soda Lake Crossing: My Biggest Worry Of The Trip

Desert trail with cloudy skies, mountains in the distance. Text reads "The Trail Across Soda Lake Mojave Road." Muddy Rutzzz logo visible.
Your Overlanding Rig Can Sink To The Axles Here

Flat, salt-crusted Soda Lake landscape with mountains in distance. Vehicle mirror visible. Text: "Crossing Soda Lake, Mojave Road."
Stay On The Trail On Soda Lake
Soda Springs: Anxious Crossing, Essential Success

We packed up and headed out with rain in the forecast. This isn't usually a problem, but if the water table at Soda Springs gets too high, the well-worn trail can get you bogged down. Passing the Cinder Cones of ancient Volcanoes, we kept moving West, anxious about the crossing. We could make out the white salt flats in the distance. No trip on the Mojave Road can be considered a success without getting across the Soda Springs, though there is a bypass if it's impassable.


My wife was behind the wheel and just went for it. Soda Lake Crossing can be very hazardous. If the trail across is to wet it is possible to become severely stuck by sinking into the wet mud. It is important to stay on the trail and leave the Lake on either side pristine without tire tracks. Make sure to wash the minerals off when you get home.


Person in a green jacket and cap stands beside a white jeep, looking at a vast desert landscape with mountains. Logo: Muddy Ruttzz Adventure.
My wife loves Jeeps and can handle driving off-road. She proved herself to be a capable off-road drive at the Ouray Jeep Jamboree. Her evolution as a off-road driver is documented in this article and video.

Man on a rock pile in a desert, wearing a black hat, examines stones. Another person in green stands on a rock mound under cloudy skies.

I felt a big relief when we made it safely across Soda Lake and reached the Travelers Monument. The tradition when crossing the Mojave road is to leave your own rock on this pile that has been growing for years.


Travelers Monument: Marking the Soda Springs Crossing 

I can’t tell you what the secret message is that is written on a rock on Travelers Monument; you have to go see it for yourself. We placed our rocks—my wife always manages to pick up a few on every trail we go on—got our photos, and had a big sigh of relief that we made it across Soda Springs.



Jeep driving through sandy desert with cloudy sky and mountains in the background. Bushes line the trail. "Outdoor Adventure Muddy Ruttzz" logo visible.
There are trails going all over but our Garmin kept us on the path to Afton Canyon
Terrain Change After Travelers Monument

Traveling west towards Afton Canyon will lead you through sandy paths and amazing Overland Trails. While journeying through the desert, you'll come across numerous trails branching out in different directions. To stay on course towards Afton Canyon, I relied on my Garmin device and the fence posts that had been buried long ago.


Rocky desert landscape with layered brown and red hills under a cloudy sky. Sparse vegetation. "Outdoor Adventure" logo at bottom left.
Another terrain change as the walls of Afton Canyon climb around us.
The Grand Canyon of the East Mojave: Afton Canyon

We eventually found ourselves surrounded by massive rock walls in Afton Canyon. It is known for huge floods and is one of the places where the Mojave River flows above ground year-round.


Jeep with a trailer on a rocky road beside train tracks in a desert canyon. Nearby, a bridge crosses a puddle. Overcast sky. Logo: Muddy Rutzzz.
The water was way deeper than I had seen in any of my research.

Off-road vehicle crosses a muddy water path in a desolate, brown landscape. Light rain on windshield. Logo: "Outdoor Adventure Muddy Ruttzz."
BLM filled the second water crossing in with rock and it did not sit well with folks who regularly use this trail.

A white off-road vehicle with a trailer on a rocky path near a small river. Overcast sky, sparse vegetation, "Outdoor Adventure Muddy Ruttzz" logo.
Made it across and it was a big relief. The Jeep was awesome and the trailer did great following us.
Mission Accomplished: The Famous Afton Canyon Water Crossing

We had made it all the way. I knew there were two water crossings before the campground. All my research suggested the water was maybe a foot deep, but when we pulled up, I was shocked—it was way deeper than expected! My wife looked in the guide book and declared, "This is the only way, so let's go." Jeeps are built to ford water, and the crossing was up to our doors with the Jeep pushing a large wave in front of us. We made it! The Park Service had filled in the second crossing with rocks, giving us a final clear path. We had crossed the Mojave Road!


Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel and Exventure Trailer with Roof Top Tent raised at campground. Weather is wet and campground is surrounded by fog.
Afton Canyon Campground In The Rain
Afton Canyon Campground - The Western Side Of The Mojave Road

We successfully crossed the Mojave Desert. Our night at Afton Canyon Campground was rainy, but fortunately, they had shelters available. These shelters allowed us to cook dinner comfortably, which was greatly appreciated.


Rear of Jeep Wrangler with rainbow and partly sunny sky.
A Rainbow Was A Pleasant Surprise

As we were leaving, we were treated to a lovely rainbow sending us off. What an amazing adventure!


3 days on the Mojave Road We transitioned from van camping to a Jeep and off-road trailer setup. Following a couple of trial camping trips to test our Jeep/trailer/gear combination, we felt prepared for a genuine off-road adventure. Although our first Overlanding experience on the Mojave Road made me quite anxious at times, our Jeep and trailer performed flawlessly. We pushed ourselves by disregarding the detour sign at Piute, enjoyed picturesque camping spots, and even encountered an unexpectedly deep water crossing. My wife took on most of the driving duties. Since that journey, we've embarked on numerous adventures and are looking forward to many more, hopefully as fantastic as our iconic Mojave Road expedition.


Call To Action

Thanks for checking out my story on The Muddy Ruttzz Gazette. Don’t forget to watch the video above and my other adventures on Muddy Ruttzz Youtube and all the companion articles here on Muddyruttzz.com


Merch Section

Support Me in Producing Quality Content. Use My Links to Buy These Amazing Products. I will get a small commission when you do. (No extra cost to you.)

Amazon Shopping

✅ - Amazon Purchases - Use This Link To Shop For Anything On Amazon

Ebay Shopping


Smiling man sitting in car holding on to steering wheel. Car is yellow color and door is open. Grass is visible on the other side of the car. There is also add for ebay Motors.
Click Here To Find Parts On Ebay Motors!

Muddy Ruttzz Website Merch Page Click Here! 

✅ - Zarges Aluminum Cases - Best Made Overlanding Storage Cases. When you require the best protection for you gear. Bear Resitant available. (Zarges)


Stacked Zarges Aluminum Cases sitting next to a Jeep Gladiator.
Zarges Aluminum Cases

✅ - MERCH - Great Muddy Ruttzz Clothing.

Click Here to See my Zarges Blogpost.

Affiliate Disclosure

As a Amazon Affiliate and Ebay Partner I receive a commission if you use my links to make a qualifying purchase. It does not raise the price you pay.





bottom of page