How to drive the Black Eagle Mine Road in California?
Black Eagle Mine Road is a challenging drive located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California. The trail runs through an old mining district. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park.
Where is Black Eagle Mine Road?
The road is located in the southeastern part of California, within the Joshua Tree National Park.
How long is Black Eagle Mine Road in California?
The road is totally unpaved. It’s 19.2 miles (31km) long running from the intersection of Pinto Basin Road and Old Dale Road to Eagle Mountain Mine. The first nine miles are in the park. Beyond that point, the overland trail is on Palm Springs South Coast Management area land with the Bureau of Land Management. It starts off as an easy drive on a sandy road, then gradually becomes increasingly rough. If you don't have four-wheel drive it will be difficult on the return trip. At the far end of the road you must have good clearance and four-wheel drive.
Is Black Eagle Mine Road in California blocked?
The road is blocked near the end (33.867026, -115.579008) with a giant stone. Although it is possible to squeeze around the “roadblock”, only 100 yards past the first roadblock is another, more difficult road-block.
Is Black Eagle Mine Road worth the drive?
The weather on this zone is harsh. If you take this trip it's best not to do it in the summer as it gets very hot. The trail is not particularly scenic, however there are a few abandoned mine claims along the way. The trail passes by Barry Storm's Jade Mine, the Black Eagle Gold Mine, and Kaiser's Eagle Mountain Mine, but may be too dangerous to approach. This remote dirt road skirts the side of Pinto Basin, crossing a number of dry washes, passing old wells and mine sites and then winds up through canyons in the Eagle Mountains.
Is Black Eagle Mine Road in Joshua Tree National Park challenging?
Two cars would be safer than one if any problems come up. Several old mines are located near the road but may be too dangerous to approach. This 4-wheel drive only, rocky road passes by many side roads to other old, abandoned gold mines as well. Remember there is no cell phone reception.