Last Chance Canyon, Moderate 4x4 trail in Ridgecrest, CA
    Moderate
    Hidden Gem
    4.4

    Last Chance Canyon

    Ridgecrest, CAWest

    Last Chance Canyon is a moderate 35 miles off-road trail near Ridgecrest, CA. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires and is best run October - April. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    A colorful desert canyon in the El Paso Mountains north of the Mojave with eroded badlands, 19th-century mining ruins, and Red Rock Canyon State Park's photogenic multi-colored rock layers. Spring wildflower blooms after wet winters can carpet the desert floor in color.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Last Chance Canyon contains mining ruins from the 1890s gold rush.

    #2

    Burro Schmidt Tunnel nearby was hand-dug by one man over 38 years.

    #3

    Red Rock Canyon's colorful layers span 270 million years of geologic history.

    Length
    35 miles
    Elevation
    2,000 - 4,500 ft
    Best Season
    October - April
    Permit
    Not Required
    Colorful badlandsMining ruinsRed Rock Canyon SPDesert wildflowersPhotogenic layers

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    recommended
    4WD capability

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    35.4012, -117.9534

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    Map of Ridgecrest, CA

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