First Timer Off-Road - Berdoo Canyon Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

[Offroad Newb]

Took the Bronco out for her maiden voyage on a trail after a family vacation to Palm Springs, CA. Did the Berdoo Canyon Trail South to North then connected with the Geology Road Tour before exiting Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of great views and a good trail to learn on. Only saw one other Jeep the whole trip, which took about 3 hours total. Tons of open space and great scenery. We will be back for sure. Definitely need to get some friends to go with next time though.

https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/california/trails/1128-berdoo-canyon


First photo is from about a mile into the trail. The first portion of the trail starts in a wash that has a BLM free shooting range. Lots of graffiti and trash in this area. Waiting until we entered the canyon to get out for our first photo op. Still see some graffiti here, but it gets much better after.

At checkpoint 7 on the trail guide is a 3 foot waterfall obstacle. Definitely a bit nervous doing this one but the Bronco did it without any issue. My wife snapped a picture of my driving up it but it felt crazier than it looks. There were definitely more challenging sections ahead, but since I was a first timer my wife was a little nervous so we didn't get any photos during the rocky sections. Bronco handled it all like a champ though.

After climbing out of the Berdoo Canyon, you enter Joshua Tree National Park. It was really beautiful here and we stopped at a vantage point for some more quick pictures and a brief hike (105 degrees)

Then we stopped at what the trail guide said was "Joshua Tree Viewing point". A lone Joshua Tree with a turnout around it for a great photo op!

Final photo of the Bronco while we aired up to head back out of the park. Only aired down to about 25 PSI as it was my first time. Used the Morrflate Kit I won during their Reddit giveaway a few months back for the first time as well. Great setup!

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[brkdncr]

You’re more brave than I. Even an easy run can quickly turn sour in 100+ heat. JT usually takes a few souls every year.

 

[Offroad Newb]

You’re more brave than I. Even an easy run can quickly turn sour in 100+ heat. JT usually takes a few souls every year.

Agreed. Will need to be more thoughtful of heading out solo in the future.

 

[KT_bronco]

Love that trail! always a little sketchy passing through the shooting range especially when active but a great way to get to Joshua Tree.

 

[ZapMflash]

I did a solo trip through Berdoo and JT a month or so ago...I came down the trail. I didn't see another soul until I got down to the shooting/trash dump area. I'd be up for a trail party if you head that way again.

 

[Offroad Newb]

I did a solo trip through Berdoo and JT a month or so ago...I came down the trail. I didn't see another soul until I got down to the shooting/trash dump area. I'd be up for a trail party if you head that way again.

That would be great! I’ve looked into some of the 4x4 clubs out this way but a lot for the dates don’t line up with my schedule. Would definitely be up to hit a few more trails out in Joshua Tree!

 

[Offroad Newb]

Love that trail! always a little sketchy passing through the shooting range especially when active but a great way to get to Joshua Tree.

The range and trash was pretty sad but Joshua Tree was amazing. I just saw your post from the same trail a while back. Your photos are much better than mine haha!

 

[Felix808]

Looks like you're off to a good start. Thanks for sharing

 

[Dusty]

Berdoo is a fun little trail! Yeah, go back in the fall or winter LOL. Take time to stop at Berdoo Camp, that's a prety interesting site.

 

[dadjoke]

I was in Joshua Tree this weekend too!

We did Trail 2N02, "Pioneertown to Big Bear via Burns Canyon"

 

[Offroad Newb]

I was in Joshua Tree this weekend too!

We did Trail 2N02, "Pioneertown to Big Bear via Burns Canyon"

Just looked that trail up. Looks like a good one with a lot of off shoots too. I am planning a longer road trip with the family for next year where we plan to camp and off road for a few days. Might be a good option! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Offroad Newb]

Berdoo is a fun little trail! Yeah, go back in the fall or winter LOL. Take time to stop at Berdoo Camp, that's a prety interesting site.

Yeah that’s the plan! I wanted to check out Berdoo Camp but our GPS was slightly off on its timing so we ended up missing it I think. I believe you have to hike to it right?

 

[Dusty]

Yeah that’s the plan! I wanted to check out Berdoo Camp but our GPS was slightly off on its timing so we ended up missing it I think. I believe you have to hike to it right?

No you can drive up to it. In your second photo you can see the level top of the tailings pile in the upper-left of your photo, so you were very close to the road up at that point. Check out my YouTube channel (link is in my sig below) and look for our Berdoo Canyon video, there's some drone footage of us driving around up there. I also have a thread about it somewhere around here on 6G.

 

[Cardboardbronco]

I’ve been wanting to do Berdoo, but this heat has scared me off so far lol. Check out Old Dale road next time, i did it in spring time and it’s a fun one.

 

[Red Sox 4Life]

I’ve been wanting to do Berdoo, but this heat has scared me off so far lol. Check out Old Dale road next time, i did it in spring time and it’s a fun one.

Yeah, we do the desert in winter and San Bernardino Mountains in the summer. I don’t want any issues in 110 plus heat.

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