How to drive the Black Eagle Mine Road in CA?
Black Eagle Mine Road is a challenging drive located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California. The trail runs through an old mining district. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park.
How long is Black Eagle Mine Road in CA?
Tucked away in the Joshua Tree National Park, in the southeastern part of California, the road is totally unpaved. It’s 19.2 miles (31km) long running from the intersection of Pinto Basin Road and Old Dale Road to Eagle Mountain Mine. The first nine miles are in the park. Beyond that point, the overland trail is on Palm Springs South Coast Management area land with the Bureau of Land Management. The road is blocked near the end (33.867026, -115.579008) with a giant stone. Although it is possible to squeeze around the “road block”, only 100 yards past the first roadblock is another, more difficult road-block. The trail is not particularly scenic, however there are a few abandoned mine claims along the way. The trail passes by Barry Storm's Jade Mine, the Black Eagle Gold Mine, and Kaiser's Eagle Mountain Mine, but may be too dangerous to approach.
Is Black Eagle Mine Road in Joshua Tree National Park dangerous?
The weather on this zone is harsh. If you take this trip it's best not to do it in the summer as it gets very hot. Two cars would be safer than one if any problems come up. Several old mines are located near the road but may be too dangerous to approach. This 4-wheel drive only, rocky road passes by many side roads to other old, abandoned gold mines as well. This remote dirt road skirts the side of Pinto Basin, crossing a number of dry washes, passing old wells and mine sites and then winds up through canyons in the Eagle Mountains. It starts off as an easy drive on a sandy road, on a slight downgrade and the road becomes increasingly rough. If you don't have 4 wheel drive it will be difficult on the return trip. At the far end of the road you must have good clearance and 4 wheel drive. Remember there is no cell phone reception.