Conquering the Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road

The Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road is a very scenic drive located in the Joshua Tree National Park, in southern California, USA. This 20-mile tour leads through one of Joshua Tree National Park's most fascinating landscapes. It’s a good idea (especially when traveling alone) to check in at the visitor center and get an update on the condition of the roads and weather conditions.

It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park. This track can get very muddy and slippery after rain making it challenging to get through. During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Sections of the road run through soft sand and rocky flood plains. Drivers should be prepared and should not attempt travel on these roads without a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle and emergency supplies. 

This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. This route is not suitable for normal cars. If you dare to take the risk and travel along this dusty and bumpy route, then make sure to be driven by someone who has experience of the road. This challenging 20-mile (32.4-km) road begins just south of Cottonwood Visitor Center, travels along Smoke Tree Wash, then cuts down Pinkham Canyon, exiting onto a service road that connects to I10. Or you can pass Pinkham Canyon and continue on to Thermal Canyon Road. The Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon 4-wheel-drive road passes through the remote backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park; drivers should be experienced and prepared. 

 

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