Travel Dirt Route Suggestions - San Diego to Las Vegas

[SALTY METHODS]

In about a month, I'm leaving from San Diego and driving to Las Vegas for a tradeshow. As I usually do, I plan on driving up the 15 North freeway but I want to switch it up a little bit. I want to put some dirt miles in.

My question to you all, where would be a good spot to get off the freeway and jump on some dirt roads to get in a couple hours of off roading? I was looking at maybe jumping off at Baker and going South on Kelbaker Road. Following that all the way Kelso Cima Road and drive North from there.

I've never been off road in that area so I don't know what to expect or what the best place to start.

Can anyone give me some options? Their opinions or other routes? My destination is Vegas and ideally it would be cool adding in another 2-3 hours to the normal 5 hour drive.

 

[sdnative]

Sounds like fun . Going straight through or taking your time and camping a night or two?

 

[Dzrtcrzr]

You could jump off at Jan and head northwest to good springs, stop at pioneer saloon have a drink then take cottonwood pass through to blue diamond. The pass isn't too crazy but there are a lot of branch off roads in that area that provide some fun off-roading.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

@sdnative I plan driving straight through. I thought I would make a small adventure out of the trip and explore that area some. I've heard there's some cool stuff to see out there but I dont know anyone personally that been through that way.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

@Dzrtcrzr That looks fun.. I might have to do that instead. Looks a bit shorter and more adventurous.

 

[Dzrtcrzr]

If your in town for a bit I know the area well that are good day trips

 

[SALTY METHODS]

Ill be driving up and through on a monday. If you're available to cruise with, let me know. I would love to have someone show me around out there.

 

[guardcompany]

Every year on the way to Shot Show I swear I'm gonna do this but never find the time to connect all the roads and put together a fun trip.
There are lots to see on the way out like Calico and Zzyzx but doing too many side adventures and you'd never make it to vegas. Excited to see what you come up with.

 

[Dzrtcrzr]

Ill be driving up and through on a monday. If you're available to cruise with, let me know. I would love to have someone show me around out there.

Yeah let me know when you head this way I may be able to break away from the daily grind

 

[Live to Ski]

Kelbaker Road: watch out as there are road closures around there (can't remember which road exactly). I know because I was planning to do the Mojave road a month ago, but recent rains had me look at the soda lake bypass route....closed due to construction. Forced us to do DV instead,

 

[SALTY METHODS]

@Dzrtcrzr For sure... I'm looking at coming through on 6/21. If you're able to escape away and cruise along with, it would be fun and much appreciated.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

@Live to Ski I'll keep that in mind. I'm always a little sketch when going off road by myself but I suspect the terrain isn't too, too gnarly out that way. Looks like Kelbaker Road is more in a flat area. I could be wrong though..

 

[reznunt]

A lot of motorcyclists and prerunner guys seem to like powerline road from Mineola at Barstow up to state line. It's a pretty straight shot up to Whiskey Petes. Maybe not super fun for a 100 as its mostly a graded access road with some washes but great for dirt bikes and race trucks because you can haul ass.

 

[Live to Ski]

From what I saw/experienced, all the roads are 2 wheel drive capable. Event the Mojave road itself only had 1 spot that may have required 4x. Note: I only made it 1/2 way east to west due to medical emergency (wife broke her leg). From what I read, the remaining 1/2 is a sand issue (possibly mud on the dry lake), thus 4x.