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Volcanic Wheeling in the Mojave: Aiken Mine Trail Review

One of the most interesting areas of the Mojave National Preserve is Cinder Cones National Natural Landmark Area. The 25,600-acre area has 40 dramatic red volcanic cinder cones and extensive black basalt lava flows throughout the Cima Volcanic Field, and one of the best ways to experience it is by taking a ride on the Aiken Mine Trail.

Jeep Wrangler on Aiken Mine Trail

Getting to Aiken Mine Trail

There are two ways to access Aiken Mine Road from Cima Road on the northern side of the park. Aiken Mine Road actually splits and forks off into two separate trails on the northern end, both named Aiken Mine Road. The most common way to go is via Valley View Ranch Road, but we prefer the northern-most entrance, a half-mile south of Interstate 15. There is a gas station here at the exit where you can fill up your tank and stock up on any needed supplies.

Aiken Mine Trail entrance

In the beginning, the trail is very deep with loose sand – you will need 4WD.

Jeep Wrangler driving over loose sand on Aiken Mine Trail

Valley View Ranch Undergoing Restoration

At roughly four miles you will reach the abandoned Rock Tank Camp, part of the old Valley View Ranch. The large camp is undergoing restoration efforts by volunteers and will be amazing when it is finished. The hope is that the ranch will provide a staging area and camp for equestrians, as well as other adventurers. As always, please be respectful of the restoration efforts, and don’t cause any damage if you explore (a.k.a. tread lightly and leave no trace).

windmill at Valley View Ranch on Aiken Mine Trail

Exploring Rock Tank Cattle Camp

The Rock Springs Land & Cattle Company ranch divided into three separate ranches between 1928 and 1931 – the Kessler Springs Ranch, the OX Ranch and Valley View Ranch. Rock Tank Cattle Camp at Valley View Ranch is named for the two rock water tanks. There are extensive corrals and numerous outbuildings.

old house on Aiken Mine Trail

It’s fascinating to see how they built a root cellar in the middle of the desert.

old root cellar on Aiken Mine Trail at Rock Tank Cattle Camp

This is the old kitchen. There is information posted on the door about the restoration efforts.

old kitchen at Rock Tank Cattle Camp on Aiken Mine Trail

Geological Wonders: Cinder Cones and Volcanic Rock

Past the ranch, you’ll see the distinctive cinder cones off in the distance. Cinder cones are symmetrical cone-shaped volcanoes. When lava shoots straight up in the air, blobs of it fall back to earth close to the vent and cool quickly, capturing the bubbles inside the rock. It is light and porous. As the cinders pile up, they eventually create a steep cone shape around the vent.

cinder cones seen from Aiken Mine Trail

Cinders are also called scoria.

scoria on Aiken Mine Trail

As you follow the trail, you’ll begin to notice cinders strewn across the trail. It may appear harmless, but volcanic rock can be extremely sharp and has a reputation for being a tire killer. A friend once got two flat tires out here.

Jeep Wrangler with Nitto Trail Grapplers driving over scoria/cinders on Aiken Mine Trail

The cinders eventually get so thick that the trail is comprised mainly of the volcanic rock. This region of the Mojave is one reason why we are so particular about what tires we'll put on our Jeep, and Nitto Trail Grapplers let us drive across the sharp rocks with little worry.

Nitto Trail Grapplers on Aiken Mine Trail

Venturing Off-Road: Cima Cinder Mine and Aiken Mine

If you have time to explore, you can bear right at the fork in the trail 2.5 miles past the ranch and take a 4.5 mile spur to visit the extensive remains of the Cima Cinder Mine. The mine is huge; there is so much to see here that you could easily spend several hours checking it all out. Driving on top of the cinder cone feels like being on an alien planet. The ground beneath your feet is red, the hills are red streaked with black and the plant life is stark.

Cima Cinder Mine on Aiken Mine Trail

Back on the main trail, it begins to get rough as you get closer to the Aiken Mine. There are some steep and loose climbs, and the descents can be a bit hairy; you will definitely want to use 4WD through here. (See tips for navigating difficult off-road terrain.)

Jeep Wrangler navigating tricky terrain on Aiken Mine Trail

When you get near the mine, follow the left fork to go the top, or remain to the right if you’ve had enough mine exploring and want to stay on the trail. Despite decades of vandalism, you could spend several more hours exploring the extensive remains of this mine. We'll typically visit one mine or the other when doing this trail.

Aiken Mine

Volcanic Action in the Mojave Desert

Alongside the trail you will see thick black basalt flows.

Jeep Wrangler and black basalt flows on side of Aiken Mine Trail

When a volcanic eruption ends and the pressure is decreased, basalt can slowly ooze across the landscape for miles. These flows can be seen throughout the cinder cones and are typically 10 to 13 feet thick.

black basalt flow throught cinder cones on Aiken Mine Trail

The volcanoes here began erupting 7.6 million years ago, and lava last flowed 10,000 years ago.

cinder cone on Aiken Mine Trail

The trail provides a great view of many of the cinder cones. When you realize how many there are, you might not want to dwell on the fact that they are small volcanoes!

Jeep Wrangler and view of cinder cones from Aiken Mine Trail

Tackling Lava Tube Trail

When you reach a reverse-Y intersection, look for the sign that marks the Lava Tube Trail and make the sharp turn.

Lava Tube Trail sign

The short half-mile spur leads to a lava tube that you can explore. Lava tubes are created when the surface of a lava flow cools, but the lava beneath the surface continues to flow, creating a tunnel. A collapsed hole in the roof of the tunnel permits people to venture inside. There is a sturdy ladder in place to allow access to the first level, but you’ll have to climb over some rocks to reach the lower chamber. The lava tube is not maintained by the park, so you enter at your own risk.

ladder at entrance of lava tubes in Mojave National Preserve

Off-Road Navigation and Necessities for Aiken Mine Trail

Past the lava tube, the trail is once again sand. You’ll pass by an old corral and cross over the Mojave Road Trail before reaching Kelbaker Road, one of the main roads through the park. A right turn will take you to Interstate 15 and the town of Baker, about 16 miles west. Turning east on Kelbaker Road will take you deeper into the park.

Aiken Mine Trail map

This trail is rough and remote, and we're not kidding about the strong possibility of a flat tire (or two). Do not attempt it if your tires are not in top condition; high clearance and 4WD is required, and a spare tire is an absolute must. Pack your desert survival kit and plenty of water just in case you have trouble. The trail is around 25 miles long without the side trip to the Cima Cinder Mine.

Jeep Wrangler on rocky Aiken Mine Trail

Adventure doesn't stop at Aiken Mine Trail! Plan your next off-road outing by reading our other Mojave Desert trail reviews.

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