Category: Destination4x4

Thorndike Campground

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Thorndike campground is located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains in Death Valley National Park. The campground is accessible to high clearance vehicles only and no longer than 25 feet in length.. Depending on road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary the reach the campground. The road becomes much steeper and rough once you pass the Wildrose Campground.

Thorndike Campground in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park

The campground is located within a Pinyon Pine and Juniper Forest. The campground is 1000 feet lower in elevation that Mahogany Flat campground and 4000 feet higher than Wildrose Campground. Due to its high elevation, this campground does close in the winter months.

This is the closest campground to the Death Valley Charcoal kilns. Thorndike has 6 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Thorndike is free of change campground, however, it does operate on a first come first serve basis.

Fires are allowed at NPS fire pits only. No firewood collecting is permitted; bring your own wood. Fires are prohibited June 15-September 15 and periods of high fire danger.

Campground Summary

NameThorndike Campground
LocationPanamint Mountains, Death Valley National Park, California
Latitude, Longitude36.236893, -117.071446
Elevation7400 feet
Site6
AmenitiesTables, Fireplaces, and vault toilets.

Thorndike Campground Map

References

Empire Wash

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Empire wash is a short cut from Cal Nev Ari to the Lake Mead Davis Powerline road through a narrow canyon. This offers great access to several of the wash roads which take you down to Lake Mojave by connecting to the southern end of the Lake Mead Power Line road.  A easy and fun trail which leads you to better destinations.

The kids go for a walk while we air down at Empire Wash
The kids go for a walk while we air down at Empire Wash

Just off the pavement, we opted to air down the jeeps to bring some comfort to this long road. We did not need any more traction, we just opted to float across the desert. Empire wash runs through the mountains in the distance.

Empire Wash - You know you are not lost when there is a sign.
Empire Wash – You know you are not lost when there is a sign.

Once you approach the mountains, a nice little sign reminds you that this can be rough county. From the looks of the sign, there is quite a bit of evidence of flooding from the level of sand piled around the base of the sign.

A narrow valley on the Empire Wash Trail near Lake Mojave
A narrow valley on the trail near Lake Mojave

The road and canyon twist and turn through the mountains. This was a lot of fun to drive. Although overcast on our trip, we looked forward to swimming in Lake Mojave at the end of the next trail. On this day, we chose Sandy Wash.

Empire Wash Trail Map

Burro Wash

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My one week old, Black Jeep on our first 4x4 trail to Burro Wash
My one week old, Black Jeep on our first 4×4 trail to Burro Wash

This scenic backcountry adventure takes you down Burro Wash into the depths of Black Canyon below Hoover Dam by the only route possible on the Nevada side of the Colorado River. The route offers a jeeper access to the Colorado River below the damn in the Lake Mead National Recreational area.

There is one steep section.
There is one steep section.

This is a legitimate and open 4×4 trail that will take you down some rocky descents, sandy washes and over a few minor but fun rock obstacles right before reaching the river. This trail should not be taken lightly but for the most part is stock friendly for 4 wheel drive vehicles equipped with low range gears and all-terrain tires. This is an out-and-back trail meaning you will head back the same way you came in. Down by the river would be an excellent spot to stop and have lunch so bring your lawn chairs and a camera and have some fun!

The low water left us a muddy beach.
The low water left us a muddy beach.

Burro Wash was the first 4×4 trail that I ran with the Black Jeep. My wife and I purchased it just a few weeks before and it seemed natural to exercise the 4×4 a bit. The 28 inch street tires left much to be desired and the lower ground clearance made this reasonable easy trail more challenging for a rookie driver.

Trail Summary

NameBurro Wash Trail
LocationLake Mead National Recreation Area, Clark County, Neada
Latitude, Longitude
Length12 miles
Elevation Gain– 1200 Feet
DifficultyEasy

Burro Wash Trail Map

Clarks Grade 1N54

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Clarks Grade 1N54 Trail Head dropping down into Barton Flats from Skyline Drive.
Clarks Grade 1N54 Trail Head dropping down into Barton Flats from Skyline Drive.

Clarks Grade 1N54 is a steep and scenic descent from the top of Skyline drive and Snow Summit down to Angeles Oaks from Big Bear. The trail is located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California.  This road is steep enough, that low range will be utilized on the trail and four wheel drive is recommend. The trail starts at about 7800 feet in elevation, and over the course of its 7.6 mile length, drop down to 4800 feet. This is 3000 feet of elevation drop from the top of the trail to the bottom.

Last reports from Clarks Grade indicate decent sized rocks and rutting which will be of concern for some stock vehicles.

The Forrest Service routinely closes this trail during the winter due to snow, mud and / or heavy rain, which could cause excessive erosion to the trail.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Trail Summary

NameClarks Grade
LocationBig Bear, Sand Bernardino, California
Length7.6 Miles
Elevation change3000 feet
Forest Service Road1N54

Clarks Grade Trailmap



Camp Osito Road - 2N17 - Trailhead from Knickerbocker Road near Big Bear, California

Camp Osito Road – 2N17

Camp Osito Road is a back country 4x4 trail which connects Knickerbocker Road to Skyline Drive in Big Bear, California. The seldom travelled road is…
Clarks Grade 1N54 Trail Head dropping down into Barton Flats from Skyline Drive.

Clarks Grade 1N54

Clarks Grade 1N54 Trail Head dropping down into Barton Flats from Skyline Drive. Clarks Grade 1N54 is a steep and scenic descent from the top…
Big Bear Lake viewed from Knickerbocker Road.

Knickerbocker Road – 2N08

Knickerbocker Road - 2N08 is a steep and beautiful drive from near the town of Big Bear, California to Skyline Drive. The route is a…
Skyline Drive 2N10 offers higher elevation views of Big Bear, California

Skyline Drive 2N10

Skyline Drive 2N10 offers higher elevation views of Big Bear, California Skyline Drive 2N10 is the unofficial name for USFS Road 2N10 that begins just…

Willow Creek Road 3N34

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Willow Creek road is an easy gentle ride located near Big Bear, California. The easy trail runs from Hooks Creek Road to Highway 173 and offers excellent opportunities to get out and commune with nature.

Willow Creek Road near Bear Bear Lake, California
Bear Bear Lake, California

Willow creek can get rather full after heavy rains, but for the most part this trail is suitable for most stock SUV’s and truck. The road is open to green sticker vehicles, so be cautious of oncoming traffic. Most of the route is dry and should not require four wheel drive. However higer ground clearance is a concern and four wheel is likely needed for one or two climbs.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Trail Summary

NameWillow Creek
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Length6.4 Miles
Elevation Gain950 Feet
Route TypeOut and Back
DifficultyModerate

Willow Creek Road Trailmap