Easy Off Roading in Southern California: Old Dale Road - Full Trail Review

This is a complete guided trail review for "Old Dale Road" near Twentynine Palms, California. Old Dale Rd runs from Highway 62 in 29Palms through the Pinto Mountains and ends at Pinto Basin Road in Joshua Tree National Park.
In this fully-guided review of Old Dale Road we show you all the interesting areas and difficult sections so you know what to expect if you plan on driving this trail.
You can download the free .GPX GPS file at our website, here:
www.notarubicon.com/old-dale-...

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Download the FREE .GPX file for your GPS at our website, here: www.notarubicon.com/old-dale-road-full-trail-review-free-gps-file-download/ No signup required - just click and download!

[@laytonhaese7888]

My dad took us through in a '59 Plymouth Suburban station wagon back in '59 or '60 most of the old timers in town didn't use 4x4's then ...they would go to some really interesting places without... it explained where those car's in the desert got there ...(you see them occasionally while 4x4ing and say how the hell did they get that back in here?). I haven't been back there since the 70's .. Carl Shopal's mine. It is at the end just before you go into the park flatlands area of the Pinto basin. I believe it was the Golden Egg Mine (the bottom tunnel overlooks the canyon and wash, the upper tunnel is behind the work sheds partway down from the cabins on top. at that time it was a path not a road to the tunnels, as it appears now on map) Carl would give the kids, like me, visiting, a tour and a gold ore sample for a souvenir. His one room cabin burned down in the middle 50's and the townspeople (29 Palms) got together and rebuilt his cabin and bought him a new PU truck... I believe that was in the late 50's as I recall PU could have been in the early 60's. Carl and 2 buddies, also local miners, came to work the are in the 1880's or 90's. Carl died in his middle 90's as I recall still working the claim! in the later 60's... this is from my recollection so my dates could be off! In the 70's the Old timer that had the next mine on the left, the Sunset Mine, (as I believe again) just down the road toward Pinto Basin, was working the Golden Egg Mine and I had a great conversation with him because I knew Carl and he turned out to be one of the 3 miners including Carl that came out from back east in the late 1800's.. This pissed off the older people in 29 Palms ( 60's and 70's) that were part of the group that rebuilt Carl's cabin in the late 50's, because "This Squatter is now living in Carl's cabin and I just don't think that is right!" LOL... I'm sure Carl would have been good with it! He never got a lot out of it. and why would he care they were friends. The Golden Egg mine ( I think that was the name) as mentioned previously, (If your name coincides with my memory... it sounds correct as I recall) overlooks the canyon on the right side of the Old Dale Road. You pointed it out "on the left" before you came around the sharp curve after "the bad section" Also the roads as I saw from Google Map aerial view have grown and are like freeways in width compared to those old days of the 60's. Back then they were more of a two track! "Those were the days my friend I thought they'd never end"... sorry I got caught up in the moment! ...

[@sonyghost4613]

love hearing these stories. I always did wonder where those cars came from or how the ended there..

[@iPig]

Just did this trail a couple days ago. 10 minutes in, a girl by herself in a little Subaru Impreza came by in the opposite direction. She was fairly nervous and was happy to hear that she was almost out. She came all the way through from the park! I can't believe she made it through some of the high clearance rutted sections. Clearly she knows how to pick a good line.

[@ronsweet7390]

I wholeheartedly agree with the positive sentiments expressed below. You do a great service to us nubee's. Thanks!

[@Joricano]

I like how your video is very noob friendly. Sometimes noobs like me just want to know how to get started

[@rickvenuto8944]

Thank you for this video. It brings back a lot of memories when I used to drive those roads back in the 1970s. Back then there was no GPS and there was no markers along the side of the road that I saw on the video. I think it would've been wonderful to have those tools but back then it was good old US geological survey, paper topographical maps that we bought at the mine store. It took a little bit of learning to figure out how to read those. We used to go to the old Los Angeles / Brooklyn, mine on the Pinto basin side of the mountain and the Carlyle, mine on the 29 palms side of the mountain. And several others that are along the way. I'm not sure those are spelled correctly. The Los Angeles / Brooklyn, mine when I would go had an intact five stamp stamp, mill. Unfortunately somebody hauled it away for scrap back in the 1980s such a shame. Both of those are outside the national park. We were stupid and young, and actually went inside the mines. Please keep making a Videos they're wonderful.

[@rogermolina1244]

We did this trail in our 08 4WD RAV-4 V-6 Limited this last February with very little difficulty but that was because it has larger/taller all-terrain tires and we took our time so we could enjoy the beautiful scenery out there 👍. You're definitely right when it comes to having decent ground clearance though, we ran into a family in a Mitsubishi outlander that was stuck/high centered on some rocks. Luckily for them we never go anywhere's without our recovery straps and other off-road equipment which came in handy to assist that family who were stuck for quite a while which was not a good thing because they were also quite thirsty as they took off on this trail without having any extra water to drink, fortunately will always carry extra water and snacks/food in our RAV just in case for situations like this. But overall our day on this trail was fun and was worth the time we took driving slowly and not in the rush like some people do like the person's you mentioned about in the Subaru. The funny thing now is I just recently bought me a fourth generation Toyota 4Runner and I figured if our RAV4 can do this trail and surely our 4 Runner should have no problem at all lol.

[@personalfunfest]

I just did this in a stock GX460 on all seasons.. great fun... thanks for the videos and the tips! Peace ✌🏿 from SoCal

[@atomictime9410]

Can a KLR 650 make it?

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Nice rig!🤘🏼

[@eduardoalvarado1376]

Lol nice got a stock 4runner I've done three trails on all seasons 🤣 I just can not throw away new tires

[@jessebutkus5746]

New to off-roading and over-landing so your easy off road videos are perfect!

[@MrLuigimassicotti]

I did that trail two years ago and your description is spot on. Also, I really enjoy the way you share your info and knowledge. Refreshing...

[@DarioBelit]

You and Joshua from trails offroad are by far the top dogs. Very Informative and fun videos, y’all never miss

[@blakjax21]

Great video, thank you for the detailedand informative step by step! I completed the trail up to the Sunset mine yesterday, and camped there last night!

[@LittleStinker471]

Thanks for putting this video up, just did the trail this past weekend. Awesome time.

[@tiny_truck_addict]

I just ordered a new Jeep Wrangler 2 door. Should be here in 2-3 months. I can’t wait to try this trail. Very informative video. Thanks!

[@ralphipili4693]

I live 15 mins away from the 29 palms entrance if I can tag along lol

[@kennethphillippe9239]

Have you done this road yet? I was thinking about doing it and wanted some feedback. Thanks!

[@mr2ti41]

Thank you and subbed! I've recently become interested in off-roading and need some easy trails to test the waters with. Thanks again!

[@LarryRichelli]

I have a older honda CRV all wheel drive, 5 speed manual, lifted and nice off road tires and this route is a piece of cake for me! Thanks for the video.

[@RebeccaTiffany1]

I love these review videos, wish you still did them!

[@jackojacko3545]

Loved it I put it up on the BIG screen and it's like having a day out, when I can't get out .Thanks from a jeep brother from downunder 🇦🇺🤠👍

[@joshyyposhyy4287]

Definitely miss your trail review videos. They are the most thorough and detailed. Great content nonetheless. 🤙

[@FLCLnaota]

Awesome vid! Thanks for all the info and detail! Added to my drive list. And thanks for not bombing down the trail. I've had to many close calls recently.

[@bennyh384]

Quite few ignorant trying to show off their suspension by zipping through trails instead of doing it in open desert field. My dashcam runs full time off/on road for that reason.

[@adamshartley]

Thanks for the tour. Thinking about running it this weekend.

[@chrischambless]

This video is incredibly well done. Inspired me to head out Old Dale in my Lexus GX 460. We made it with no problems. Thanks for all the detail.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

is too! one of the first places we took our stock GX460 😃

[@gregraith7621]

Excellent video! I'll add this trail to the list

[@b.pearson4910]

Hi, I'm Robby, i really like your videos, i started watching you on Prime Video, N4LO. I wished they had more videos of you people. I just started following here on youtube. I have owned 3 fullsize Blazers in my lifetime, my 1st blazer, i learned a hard lesson bout being alone & no other vehicles. I highsided my blazer, i was new, inexperienced, in a ditch so no cell service and alone. I finally figured it out & got out. Actually have thought bout getting a jeep, but i'm 6ft 9in tall, legroom becomes an issue, 😀. Anyway, thank you for your videos, please keep 'em coming. I'm from Las Vegas, NV.

[@serjkeshish8093]

I’m my opinion you guys are awesome and every video I watched it was just grate thank you for all the info you’ve been sheeting cheers be safe

[@geo-bon]

Great vid. Really appreciate the commentary about 4 high and low with a manual transmission. An entire vid, or compilation, with tips on driving with a manual would be great!

[@patrickjia723]

Great video, good narration regarding difficult spot. That's really helpful.. We drive Forester/Crosstrek.. Really appreciate the GPX file.. that come in very handy.. .Please do more trails up in the Sequoia Forest area soon!

[@leavesthe9984]

Never realized how easy that trail is, definitely have to go out and check it out now.

[@lexusgxlife6328]

I had a great time when I ran this trail with you the last time. Would love to get out there with you guys again.

[@leciaelzig799]

Noob here. Really appreciate these vids for beginners!

[@btxix2906]

Beatuful tour. This area of California is amazing.

[@3T33TH]

thanks for the free GPX file. You guys rule !

[@jennla]

Thank you so much for the vid and the file!

[@almamdani6564]

Very informative video. Thanks for making it!

[@josegaspar6371]

Really appreciate and enjoy your videos

[@hellhoundohvoffroad4616]

Nice I have to try this spot, I am fairly new to off roading so I am always looking for new trails to take on. Great video too 👍

[@beverlysoto9476]

Thanks for the vid. I completed this trail today in my lifted Subaru Forester.

[@personalfunfest]

nooice...!! did you do Brooklyn mine trail yet?

[@reverenddak]

thank you for posting, see you on the trail.

[@mohammadbinbishr5167]

That's cool trip Keep up the great work 👍

[@drewesquivias]

Thank you once again for a detailed route ! Literally look forward to these videos not only for a good review, but for directions and piece of mind. #trdoffroad

[@petervergel]

Nice! Thanks for this video. Hitting this trail this coming weekend 🤙👍👋

[@LittleStinker471]

I think I saw you on Sunday with your 6 other rigs, I was in the Red Rubicon.

[@TOPGUN73538]

This was great I was looking at doing this run last year but got side tracked to something else so now that things are opening up I can take a run out there. Thanks

[@cwdadvan7875]

Love your videos. Your contents help us newbies out :)

[@rhysrhys7437]

Very helpful video, I am heading out there this week and have heard about that difficult section and was a little skeptical, I have the only 2x in the group but have ground clearance, a diff locker and will likely air down. Thanks for the well made detailed video.

[@dustykatz2744]

Have a 07 FJ that I never wanted to scratch up, but after renting a Razr in Moab and West Yellowstone I'm wanting to find a few newbie trails to explore in the FJ. Thanks for these informative videos.

[@junmervintiongco9975]

Thank you for this Video, great content!!

[@traxfan32]

Great informative video! Thanks!

[@Wheres_Bobby]

Nice trail guide.

[@mikemontoya8723]

Great detail in this video

[@Allhisranch]

You do nice videos. Thanks

[@davidleanos8978]

Thanks for the video!

[@JoshuaBeneda]

I love your trail videos. Wish you would do more. A person can only consume so much Baofeng uv5r info....

[@soulsurfer8797]

Nice video. But did you have to post the Subites like that. Lol. 😅🤣🤣. In all seriousness glad to know when things get rough on any “trail” we all help each other. Toyota loyalist and fanboy just checked into your comments box. lol. Safe travels and thanks for sharing.

[@HN-oq3gf]

Wow thanks for the VID going to do this trail soon so this helps

[@bdbsab]

Awesome video.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

excellent video ❤️

[@vvogt4252]

Awesome Video, Thanks Brother!!!!!!!!

[@mitchellhennings493]

Great road been on it a lot to see

[@keithrichards4513]

Great Video!

[@johnlo3736]

very informative!!!

[@mrpayad]

Awesome vid!

[@dahoneyguy9155]

love this trail

[@SteveSmith-mg4vp]

great video

[@briann2704]

Did this 2 days ago from the 62. 14 Xterra pro4x. 2 in leveling kit and replaced the stock 265's with 285 STT pro's. Watched your vid before and after. The last few miles of rocky spots are worse now when compared to your vid a year ago. A couple of them we had to get out and and pick a line. All in all a good ride. Thank you for the GPX file. We used it the whole way. Love your vids........and don't be a dickhead!!

[@ajcorrado1]

Did this on a 2018 audi Q7 with offroad mode ground clearance of 9.7 inches. There were multiple points in the trail where we needed to get out to very carefully pick a line. A few spots even required us to fill in large gaps with rocks from the side of the trail. I wouldn't consider this a road so much as a trail and, while the difficulty may be easy for an experienced rider, it was certainly very treacherous feeling for us.

[@milesb4231]

Nice video and review. Too many funny quotes to mention. Hoping some Suburu guys do a “prove you wrong“ video.

[@diazgates2307]

Thank You !

[@hafizmasoud]

Great Video ... I subscribed ... & gave you a Like

[@Dimitri2883]

Nice video

[@WeaselBurrito]

Very informative video. Funny to hear another offroader that shares my dislike of shelf roads.

[@christinadelacruz8138]

Cool trail

[@brianflynn6421]

Love how you talked about, you don’t see those Subaru going through there lol

[@steigj]

Great video. Your narration seems so natural and really helps the video come alive. I have a question: Do you guys use radios to communicate? If so, CB or 2 meter? I have a license and have both. I explore a lot in this area and wonder if there is a freq. I could monitor (or use if in trouble).

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thanks! We did a full write-up on the radios we use: www.notarubicon.com/the-best-radios-for-off-road-use/

[@ARCharlesHull]

You guys make great videos - really helpful for out of state guys like me who don’t know the local trails well. I would like to drive Old Dale Road and Berdoo Canyon Rd in the next week but don’t want to do it alone - are there any local clubs or groups I could contact to find a trail companion or two? Thanks!

[@DJAllex231]

Thanks

[@battleground_media]

great video! Me and the wife just went past this yesterday. Just curious if a 4x4 Tundra with 31" All Terrain tires would be enough clearance for this trail?

[@MjolnirVIII]

Hi I just subscribed cuz your channel is very informative and very fun to watch. Beginner off-roaders here driving a stock 2011 Lariat F-150. I did Geology Tour Rd yesterday with no hiccups and a lot of fun, but I'm currently looking at going back and doing Old Dale Rd. I keep hearing and reading "high clearance" and I could never find a proper definition of what the minimum clearance is for high clearance. Can you clarify on that? Do you think my truck can handle the road? Should I invest in A/T tires now considering that I'm still using All season Goodyear Eagle LS tires? Also for airing down, how do I know how much to air down to?

[@randycarter4529]

Thanks for what you do. Can’t wait to get out there.

[@letfireescape]

Thanks for posting! Just subbed. We’re thinking of going the other way, starting in JTNP, with a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 10-11in clearance using the air suspension lift. Based on your comment, seems like we should be good. Is it harder going the other way or about the same? Also, do you have a suggestion on the best place to camp on BLM? We read the flag building has some good spots and you mentioned the muddy area... anywhere else you suggest? Thanks! Looking forward to your videos.

[@K5benjaminp]

Could you do one on Racetrack Playa and Titus Canyon in Death Valley? When this smoldering heat wave passes over there. Haha. Would love to see a well thought out video like this on trails like that. My buddies and I will be out on this Old Dale Road this weekend, so thank you for this as well.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You probably wont see review videos from us for either of those roads - in addition to being 4 hours away from us, we only do review videos of trails we have done many times and are familiar with so that we can provide real information based on our experience.. although we have been to Racetrack Playa once - the road in, although horribly washboarded, any 2wd truck could do..

[@K5benjaminp]

@@TheNotaRubicon I understand. We're about the same distance away (I'm local to Orange County) and loved being out there in DV. Those trails are next on the list and wanted to get a head start to prepare for them. Thank you for the response and thank you for the highly informative videos as well!

[@theFlyingTrumpet]

Great video, you've earned a subscriber! Would you recommend running this north to south as in the video vs backwards? Going to be in Joshua Tree next month with the family and we will be in our 4wd Expedition on all terrain tires. I'm usually driving a more capable rig on mud terrains, gotta be more cautious in the family truckster.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

we've done it both ways many times - its fun either way!

[@craiggallup2096]

@craiggallup2096 0 seconds ago I took a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme on the Old Dale Rd. with some friends back in high school. The park was just a monument back then. We thought we had it made until we heard the engine knocking about 15 minutes east of 29 Palms. Turns out we poked a hole in the oil pan somewhere along the road. I still can't believe we made it into town without destroying the engine.

[@NickDangerThirdGuy]

Used to run that road back in the 80s in a 62 VW van

[@datafinder]

Could you add whether or not a larger vehicle could make it in the trails you are driving. I have a Power Wagon that I want to take off road.

[@dannydahh]

I think i saw your Jeep on Saturday 06/20 on the 210 in Highland, CA lol

[@steve515]

Just did this with my 2021 ZR2 bison with a level kit and 33" tires. at the worst of it i had no issues!

[@juliehernandez1914]

Hi Randy, I just subscribed. I have a stock 2020 4runner 4wd would I have enough clearance for the tough parts of this trail? Great video by the way!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We've seen lesser vehicles with less clearance make it through, but it really depends on the driver's experience.

[@timsmethurst3508]

What do you consider " high clearance " ? Would a stock Tacoma Trd Off Road be good through most of the Joshua Tree trails?

[@WFORacer]

Excellent video as always, any idea if you can shoot in the BLM portion?

[@rocketmonkey90]

I was thinking the same thing

[@jackcollender8098]

Looks pretty rugged. The mines look interesting.

[@Silvrwind1]

Curious as to what gears you are running? I have a manual 6 speed JL Sahara ( 272:1 transfer case ) with 4.88 gears and can crawl in 4H pretty well although i would use 4L in some of those areas. I ask because you mentioned a couple times that you needed it in 4L because you have a manual. Love the content and attention to detail in the guide!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

The NotARubicon is 6000LB+ 4-door with 5:38 gears on 37" tires.. also has the 4.1:1 transfercase for when in 4WD.. but in 2WD I would have needed to be moving just a little faster than i would like to get up some of those bumpy hills, so i used 4LO 2nd and 3rd for them

[@Silvrwind1]

@@TheNotaRubicon Gotcha. Also running 37" tires, mine is weighing in just under 5900LB but will push up a little more when i add the rack and RTT. I've driven a friends rubicon with the 4.1:1 transfercase and can definitely tell a difference in 4L verses mine. Probably going to add that to the list at some point. Thanks again for the great content!

[@ScramBaLamb]

So if i understand this correctly the Flag Building is really easy to get to with a 4WD coming from inside the park vs. outside. I finally got me a 4X4 and wanting to take it out. It's an FJ Cruiser with 2inch lift and looking for trails to learn from.

[@Trailcon81]

Was just there last week

[@stephanolson6344]

Can you do or have you done a video for 2wd trucks/suvs? Lols like fun but can’t get a 4x4 yet. Thanks.

[@leonardgastelum3577]

Can you get through with stock clearance on 4wd Wranglers, 4runners, etc.?

[@Yopops215]

Im watching...

[@blakejohnathon3271]

Lol, i got stuck on that same spot in my subaru as the other subaru.. I should have watched this video first haha.

[@Scoutnoproblemo]

Just did this with a stock 04 4runner with some minor problems. Definitely a little more washed out than in the video. Great trail though!

[@9663mu]

Thank you for the video and for the detailed stuff. You really make decision making on weather to go or not much easier. 2 questions for you. When you say stick vehicle , would an F150 with a back 2 in lift and AT tires do okay on the tough area ? Also thinking about camping there at the spot you pointed out. Any rattlesnakes you run into ? Sorry for dumb question. Thanks again

[@TheNotaRubicon]

if the truck has high clearance (higher than a street-car) then it's probably OK.. and yes, many rattlesnakes in the area!

[@9663mu]

NotaRubicon Productions thank you! Just checked weather and yikes 100 for the foreseeable future. Again appreciate your time and help. This is a great channel

[@MagnumMike_Panda]

I believe I have the clearance, using a 2019 Colorado. But its 2wd, yes I know. This trail looks safe enough that I wont get stuck.

[@senosamlampangas5855]

You shouldnt have any issues.