Elevation Gain: Climbs 1553 ft, then drops 2714 ft.
Comments: Bring your GPS, a good topographic map and a full tank of gas for this trip. Take Take I-10 East, past Chiraco Summit. Exit south at Summit Road (may be marked Eagle Mountain road on some maps, the freeway exit is at 33°40'35", 115°34'09"). Continue south 10.72 miles following the railroad grade. At 33°33'45", 115°35'12", turn left onto the Bradshaw Trail. Dating back to 1862, the Bradshaw trail was the first road across Riverside County, carrying freight from the Colorado River and the gold mines at what is now Ehrenberg, AZ. The trail runs mostly eastward following the 'Chuckawalla Bench' for 56.4 miles through variable terrain. South of the road is the Chocolate Mountain Gunnery Range, a restricted area. Do not enter! Finally, at 33°29'28" 114°44'33" you will exit the mountains, cross a canal and find yourself in Palo Verde Valley, south of Blythe near the shores of the Colorado River.
This guide is for reference only. Always use a real topographic map, compass and GPS.
