How to Travel the Black Canyon Road in Mojave Desert
Black Canyon Road is a very scenic drive with desert views, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
Where is Black Canyon Road?
The road is located in the Mojave Desert, in the southeastern part of California, near the Nevada border. It runs parallel to the challenging Wild Horse Road.
How long is Black Canyon Road?
The road is 31.06km (19.3 miles) long, running north-south from Cedar Canyon Road to Essex Road.
Is Black Canyon Road unpaved?
The northern 9.1 miles (14.6km) are graded dirt, and the remaining miles are paved. The dirt portion is generally fine for sedans, but it can be badly washboarded. The road is easy in a 2WD-HC vehicle, and it should be passable in a carefully driven sedan. If driving a sedan, inquire locally about current conditions and use your own good judgment about the road, as it is subject to washouts. Much of the dirt road can be driven at 45 mph, but if driving that fast, pay attention to unsigned curves. The drive is steep in parts, and the road tops out at 1,629m (5,344ft) above sea level.
Is Black Canyon Road worth the drive?
Tucked away in the Black Mountain Wilderness, the road offers excellent views of the Providence Mountains. Watch for wildlife on the road.