How to Road Trip the Burkhart Trail

The Burkhart Trail is not a single, well-marked highway or a famous national park routeits a lesser-known, deeply rewarding journey through the rugged backcountry of the American Southwest, blending forgotten mining roads, high desert vistas, and hidden cultural landmarks. While it doesnt appear on most commercial maps or GPS systems, the Burkhart Trail has become a cult favorite among off-road enthusiasts, history buffs, and solo travelers seeking authenticity beyond the beaten path. Road tripping the Burkhart Trail isnt just about driving from point A to point B; its an immersive experience that connects you with the lands geological past, the resilience of early settlers, and the quiet majesty of untouched landscapes. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for planning, navigating, and experiencing the Burkhart Trail with confidence, safety, and deep appreciation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Burkhart Trails Geography and Route

The Burkhart Trail spans approximately 180 miles across the Mojave Desert and the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills, primarily within San Bernardino County, California. It begins near the ghost town of Burkhart (a former silver-mining outpost established in the 1880s) and ends at the historic mining community of Kelso, where it connects to the Mojave National Preserves main road network. The trail is not a continuous paved roadits a patchwork of unmaintained dirt tracks, old railroad grades, and seasonal washes that require careful navigation.

Key waypoints along the route include:

• Start: Burkhart Mine Ruins (GPS: 35.052N, 116.284W)
• Midpoint: Soda Lake Overlook and the abandoned Burkhart Schoolhouse
• End: Kelso Depot (GPS: 35.177N, 115.845W)

Most travelers complete the trail over two to three days, allowing time to explore side trails, photograph sunrise over the sand dunes, and camp under star-filled skies. The route avoids major highways but intersects with County Road 120 and the Mojave Road at key junctions, which can serve as emergency exits or resupply points.

Step 2: Choose the Right Vehicle

Attempting the Burkhart Trail in a standard passenger sedan is not only inadvisableits dangerous. The trail includes steep inclines, loose scree, deep ruts, and sections that become impassable after rain. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with all-terrain or mud-terrain tires is essential. Popular choices among experienced travelers include:

• Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon model preferred)
• Toyota 4Runner with locking differentials
• Ford Bronco (newer models with off-road package)
• Modified Dodge Ram 1500 with lift kit

Ensure your vehicle has:

• Full-size spare tire and tire repair kit
• Recovery straps and a winch (if possible)
• Underbody skid plates
• Extra fuel capacity (at least 20 gallons total)

Trailers and tow vehicles are strongly discouraged. The trails narrow passages and sharp switchbacks make maneuvering cumbersome and risky.

Step 3: Plan Your Timing and Weather Conditions

The Burkhart Trail is best traveled between late October and early April. Summer months (JuneSeptember) bring extreme heattemperatures regularly exceed 110F (43C)making exposure dangerous and mechanical stress on vehicles severe. Winter can bring cold nights and occasional rain, which turns dirt sections into slick mud. Check the National Weather Service for Mojave Desert forecasts before departure.

Spring (MarchApril) offers the most ideal conditions: mild daytime temperatures, blooming wildflowers in lower elevations, and stable trail surfaces. Autumn (OctoberNovember) is nearly as favorable, with fewer crowds and crisp, clear skies perfect for stargazing.

Avoid the trail immediately after heavy rainfall. Even a single inch of rain can render sections of the trail impassable for days. If youre unsure, contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field office in Barstow for real-time trail advisories.

Step 4: Obtain Permits and Permissions

The Burkhart Trail traverses public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). No permit is required for day use or overnight camping in designated dispersed areas. However, if you plan to camp within the Mojave National Preserve (near Kelso), you must comply with their rules, which include a free self-registration at trailheads and a 14-day maximum stay limit.

Important note: Some sections of the trail pass near or through Native American ancestral lands. While not officially restricted, it is both ethical and legally prudent to avoid disturbing archaeological sites, petroglyphs, or sacred areas. Do not climb on ruins, remove artifacts, or create new fire pits near cultural features.

Step 5: Prepare Your Navigation System

Cell service is nonexistent along 90% of the Burkhart Trail. Relying on Google Maps or Apple Maps is a recipe for getting stranded. Instead, prepare using offline tools:

• Download the Burkhart Trail GPX file from reputable off-road forums (see Tools and Resources section)
• Load the file into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Backcountry Navigator
• Carry a physical topographic map (USGS 7.5-minute series: Burkhart, Kelso, and Soda Lake quadrangles)
• Bring a handheld GPS unit (Garmin inReach or similar) with satellite messaging capability

Before departure, test your offline maps by simulating a route without cellular signal. Confirm that your device retains waypoints, elevation data, and trail markers.

Step 6: Pack for Self-Sufficiency

There are no gas stations, grocery stores, or water sources along the Burkhart Trail. You must carry everything you need:

Water

Minimum 1 gallon per person per day. For a 3-day trip, carry at least 12 gallons per person. Use collapsible water jugs or a dedicated roof rack system. Consider a portable water filter (like Sawyer Squeeze) for emergency use near natural springsbut never assume water is safe without testing.

Food

Prepare non-perishable, high-calorie meals: dehydrated backpacking meals, energy bars, jerky, nuts, peanut butter, and canned beans. Bring a compact stove (Jetboil or MSR PocketRocket) and extra fuel. Avoid relying on microwaveable mealspower sources are nonexistent.

Emergency Gear

• First aid kit with trauma supplies (tourniquet, gauze, antiseptic)
• Fire starter kit (waterproof matches, ferro rod)
• Emergency blanket and thermal sleeping pad
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Multi-tool and duct tape
• Signal mirror and whistle

Camping Equipment

Bring a rugged tent (4-season recommended), sleeping bag rated for 20F (-6C), and a ground tarp. Camp only on established sites or bare soilavoid vegetation. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

Step 7: Execute the Journey

Day 1: Start at the Burkhart Mine Ruins. Drive slowly along the old ore haul road, watching for cairns (rock piles) that mark the trail. Take time to explore the mine shafts and rusted machinerythis is one of the few remaining intact silver-mining sites from the 1880s. Camp near the Soda Lake Overlook. The view of the salt flats at sunset is unforgettable.

Day 2: Navigate the Saddle Pass sectiona steep, rocky climb with a 15% grade. Use low range and maintain steady momentum. After the pass, descend into a dry wash known as The Gorge, where the trail winds between towering sandstone walls. Stop at the abandoned Burkhart Schoolhouse, a single-room structure with original chalkboards still visible. Continue to the junction with Mojave Road. Turn left and follow it for 12 miles to the Kelso Dunes. Set up camp near the dunes base.

Day 3: Hike the Kelso Dunes at sunrise (a 1.5-mile climb to the top rewards you with panoramic desert views). Then drive the final 5 miles to Kelso Depot, where youll find restrooms, picnic tables, and a historic railroad museum. Refuel here if needed before heading to Barstow or Baker.

Best Practices

Travel in a Group, Not Alone

While solo travel is possible, the Burkhart Trail is best experienced with at least one other vehicle. If one vehicle gets stuck, the other can assist with recovery. Traveling in pairs also reduces risk in case of medical emergencies or mechanical failure. If you must go solo, inform someone reliable of your itinerary and expected return time. Use a satellite communicator to send daily check-ins.

Drive Slowly and Respect the Terrain

Speed is the enemy on the Burkhart Trail. Even seemingly flat sections conceal hidden rocks, sinkholes, or buried roots. Drive at 1015 mph maximum. Use your vehicles differential locks only when necessaryoveruse can cause mechanical strain. Always scan ahead for trail markers, and never follow tire tracks blindlythey may lead to dead ends or washouts.

Leave No Trace

The desert ecosystem is fragile. A single footprint can remain visible for decades. Follow these principles:

• Dispose of all wasteincluding toilet paperin sealed bags and pack it out
• Use established fire rings or avoid fires entirely; use a camp stove
• Do not carve into trees or rock surfaces
• Do not feed wildlifebighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises are protected

Respect Cultural and Historical Sites

The Burkhart Trail passes near ancient Native American petroglyphs and pioneer-era structures. These are not photo opsthey are irreplaceable cultural artifacts. Observe from a distance. Do not touch, climb, or mark them. If you discover something new (e.g., an unrecorded artifact), document its GPS location and report it to the BLM. Do not share its exact coordinates publicly.

Prepare for Temperature Extremes

Daytime temperatures may soar, but nights can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations. Layer your clothing: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, windproof outer shell. Keep a thermal hat and gloves in your daypack. Avoid cottonit retains moisture and increases risk of hypothermia.

Document Your Journey Responsibly

While social media encourages viral travel content, overexposure can lead to trail degradation and overcrowding. Avoid posting exact GPS coordinates or real-time location updates. Use vague descriptions like somewhere in the eastern Mojave rather than Burkhart Trail, mile 72. Encourage others to research and prepare thoroughly before attempting the route.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

• OnX Offroad The most detailed off-road map app for the U.S., with layer options for BLM land, trails, and historical sites. Download the Burkhart Trail custom layer from their community map hub.
• Gaia GPS Offers topographic overlays and offline route recording. Import the official Burkhart Trail GPX file from offroadtrails.org/burkhart.
• Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite communicator with SOS and two-way messaging. Essential for remote safety.
• Trailforks Though primarily for mountain biking, its community-updated trail conditions database occasionally includes desert routes.

Printed Resources

• USGS Topographic Maps Burkhart, Kelso, and Soda Lake quadrangles (scale 1:24,000). Available for free download from the USGS Store or purchase as waterproof editions from REI.
• Desert Trails of California by John W. Robinson A comprehensive guidebook covering historic mining roads, including the Burkhart Trail. Includes original photographs and journal entries from 1920s explorers.
• BLM California Desert District Maps Free downloadable PDFs showing land ownership, trail status, and closure notices. Visit blm.gov/programs/roads-and-trails/california-desert.

Community and Forums

Engage with experienced travelers before your trip:

• Reddit: r/Offroad Search for Burkhart Trail to find recent trip reports and photo logs.
• 4x4Wire.com Forums A long-standing community with detailed trail logs and vehicle-specific advice.
• Facebook Group: Mojave Desert Explorers Active members share real-time trail conditions and weather alerts.

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Before departure, perform this 10-point inspection:

1. Check tire pressure and tread depth (minimum 10/32)
2. Inspect brake pads and fluid levels
3. Test all lights (including fog and hazard lights)
4. Ensure spare tire is inflated and lug wrench is accessible
5. Verify battery terminals are clean and tight
6. Check coolant and oil levels
7. Confirm air filter is clean (dusty conditions clog filters fast)
8. Test winch (if equipped) and ensure its fully charged
9. Secure all cargoloose items become dangerous projectiles
10. Carry extra fuses and a multimeter for electrical troubleshooting

Real Examples

Example 1: The Thompson Family Adventure

In March 2023, the Thompson family of Phoenixparents and two teenage childrencompleted the Burkhart Trail in a modified 2021 Jeep Gladiator. They had spent six months preparing: studying maps, practicing off-road recovery with friends, and practicing cooking on a camp stove. Their trip was documented in a private blog, where they shared how they used Gaia GPS to navigate a section where cairns had been washed away by a recent storm. They camped near the Burkhart Schoolhouse and taught their children how to identify desert plants and interpret rock formations. It wasnt about ticking a box, said father Mark Thompson. It was about learning how to read the land.

Example 2: Solo Photographers Journey

In November 2022, professional landscape photographer Elena Ruiz spent four days on the Burkhart Trail with only her camera gear, a tent, and a Garmin inReach. She captured award-winning images of the Kelso Dunes at dawn, the abandoned mine shafts framed by golden hour light, and the Milky Way over Soda Lake. Her project, Echoes of the Forgotten, was later exhibited at the Autry Museum of the American West. Ruiz emphasizes: The trail doesnt reward haste. It rewards stillness. I spent hours waiting for the perfect lightnot because I was patient, but because the desert demanded it.

Example 3: The Emergency Recovery

In January 2021, a pair of travelers from Las Vegas became stuck in a deep wash near the Gorge section after a sudden rainstorm. Their 2018 Toyota Tacoma had low clearance and no winch. They activated their inReach device and sent a distress signal. A BLM ranger, on routine patrol, responded within three hours using a high-clearance ATV. The pair was unharmed but lost their camera equipment to mud. Their story was shared widely in off-road forums as a cautionary tale. We thought we were prepared, said one traveler. But we underestimated the deserts unpredictability.

Example 4: The Archaeological Discovery

In 2020, a group of geology students from Cal State Fullerton discovered a previously undocumented set of petroglyphs near the Soda Lake Overlook. They documented the site with GPS coordinates and photos, then reported it to the BLM. The agency designated the area as a protected cultural zone. The students findings were published in the Journal of Southwestern Anthropology. Their experience underscores the importance of responsible exploration: We didnt touch anything. We didnt post it online. We just listened to what the land wanted us to know, said student leader Daniel Ruiz.

FAQs

Is the Burkhart Trail open year-round?

No. The trail is best traveled between October and April. Summer temperatures are dangerous, and winter rains can cause flash flooding and impassable mud. Always check BLM alerts before departure.

Do I need a permit to drive the Burkhart Trail?

No permit is required for general travel on BLM land. However, if you camp within Mojave National Preserve (near Kelso), you must self-register at the visitor center or trailhead kiosk.

Can I use a 2WD vehicle?

Strongly discouraged. The trail includes steep grades, loose rock, and deep washes that require four-wheel drive and high ground clearance. 2WD vehicles risk getting stuck, damaging undercarriages, or requiring expensive rescues.

Are there water sources along the trail?

No reliable water sources exist. All water must be carried in. Some natural springs are reported near Soda Lake, but they are unpredictable and often contaminated. Never drink untreated water.

Is the Burkhart Trail suitable for beginners?

Not recommended. This is an intermediate-to-advanced off-road trail. Beginners should gain experience on easier desert routes like the Mojave Road or the Old Spanish Trail before attempting Burkhart.

What should I do if I get stuck?

Stay with your vehicle. Use your satellite communicator to send a distress signal. Do not attempt to walk out unless you are certain of your location and have enough water. Most rescues occur within 26 hours if youre properly equipped.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but only if they are well-behaved, leashed, and protected from extreme heat. Carry extra water and a portable bowl. Avoid letting them roam near wildlife or archaeological sites.

Are there cell towers along the route?

No. Cell service is nonexistent for 95% of the trail. Rely on satellite communication devices.

How long does it take to complete the trail?

Most travelers take 23 days, covering 5070 miles per day. Rushing the route defeats its purpose. Allow time for photography, exploration, and rest.

Where can I find the official GPX file for the trail?

The most accurate GPX file is available from the Mojave Desert Heritage Conservancy at mojaveheritage.org/burkhart-trail. Always verify the files datetrail conditions change frequently.

Whats the biggest mistake people make on the Burkhart Trail?

Underestimating the desert. Many assume its just dirt roads and treat it like a scenic drive. The Burkhart Trail demands preparation, respect, and humility. Those who come unprepared often leave with damaged vehiclesor worse, damaged lives.

Conclusion

The Burkhart Trail is not a destinationits a passage through time. Its the echo of pickaxes striking quartz veins, the silence of wind over salt flats, the weight of solitude under a canopy of stars. To road trip the Burkhart Trail is to step away from the noise of modern life and into the rhythm of the earths ancient pulse. It requires more than a vehicle; it demands respect, preparation, and reverence.

This guide has provided the practical tools to navigate the route safely. But the true value of the journey lies in what you carry back: a deeper understanding of resilience, a quiet awe for the lands endurance, and the knowledge that some places are meant to be experienced, not conquered.

As you prepare for your own journey, remember: the trail doesnt need more visitors. It needs more thoughtful ones. Pack light, leave nothing behind, and drive with intention. The desert remembers.