The first road through Riverside County was blazed by William Bradshaw in 1862, as an overland stage route beginning at San Bernardino and ending at La Paz, AZ (now Ehrenberg, AZ). The trail was used extensively between 1862 and 1877 to haul miners and other passengers to the gold fields at La Paz. The trail is a 70 mile graded road that traverses mostly public land between the Chuckwalla Mountains and the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range. The trail offers spectacular views of the Chuckwalla Bench, Orocopia Mountains, Chuckwalla Mountains and the Palo Verde Valley.
Location:
The Bradshaw Trail is located in southeastern Riverside County and also a small segment in Imperial County. It is an east-west trail beginning approximately three miles north of the community of North Shore near the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. The western end of the trail is two miles southwest of the community of Ripley near the Colorado River. From Indio, the trail is about 25 miles to the south east. From Blythe, the trail is about 18 miles to the southwest.
The Gold Road to La Paz - The Bradshaw Trail A must read book for anyone interested in this area.
For more on the trail Trails Part 11 Bradshaw's Desert Trail To Gold
Directions:
From Indio, take Interstate 10 east for about eight miles to the State Highway 111 exit. Then proceed about 18 miles on State Highway 111 to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. Across from Park Headquarters is Parkview Drive. Go left on Parkview Drive for about 1.7 miles then left on Desert Aire for about 0.5 miles to the Canal Road. Follow Canal Road for about 10 miles to Drop 24 and the beginning of the Bradshaw Road (SR 301).
From Blythe, take Interstate 10 west for about 17 miles to the Wiley's Well exit. Go south (left) on Wiley's Well Road for about 9 miles to its intersection with the Bradshaw Trail, just past Wiley's Well Campground. Turn right and proceed west towards Indio. Starting at the Bradshaw Trail's end near Ripley is not recommended due to its rerouting through and around agricultural fields on private land.
Visitor Activities:
Four-wheel-drive vehicle touring and hiking. The trail is a dirt road graded two or three times per year by the Riverside County Transportation Department. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended due to stretches of soft sand and dry wash conditions. Also see Hauser Geode Beds and the Opal Hill Mine
Permits, Fees, Limitations:
All commercial events require a land use or special recreation permit from the BLM. Primitive vehicular camping is allowed within 300 feet of the trail except in designated wilderness areas. Wilderness Boundaries are posted and closed to all motorized vehicles. Fourteen-day camping restrictions apply.
Accessibility:
The Wiley's Well Campground is located next to the trail at the intersection of the Bradshaw Trail and Wiley's Well Road. The campground provides 15 campsites with picnic tables, shade ramadas and grills. Handicapped accessible restrooms are available in the campground. Also in the area is The Coon Hollow Campground, located not quite a half mile west of Wiley’s Well Road.
Camping and Lodging:
The cities of Indio and Blythe offer complete accommodations. Campgrounds are available at Lake Cahuilla (City of La Quinta), Joshua Tree National Park and Corn Springs (near Desert Center).
Food and Supplies:
Food, supplies, and gasoline are available at Indio, Chiriaco Summit, Desert Center and Blythe.
First Aid:
There is no first aid available located along the Bradshaw Trail. John F. Kennedy Hospital is located in the Indio, and the Palo Verde Community Hospital is located in Blythe.
Additional Information:
The Chocolate Mountain Naval Gunnery Range is located immediately south of the trail. This is a live bombing range and closed to all public entry. DO NOT ENTER THE BOMBING RANGE.
Summers can be extremely hot. Carry plenty of water. Always tell someone your plans, and stick to your itinerary. The trail can be very sandy in places.
The Gold Road to La Paz
