El Mirage 4653 (EM4653) climbs the eastern side of the Shadow Mountains to reach the once-bustling Princess Pat Mine site and its many remaining artifacts. High above the desert floor, this trail treats you to expansive views to the northeast and provides one of the best camping sites in the area.
The El Mirage Subregion is a Limited Use Area requiring vehicles to stay on designated trails. The trails are well marked with frequent BLM signs to recognize if you are on the trail.
A two-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance and a beginning offroader will do fine on this particular trail, but venturing further into the Shadow Mountains trail network will require an experienced driver in a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle with a low gear range and all-terrain light truck tires.
Many tortoises are in the area, and a vigilant eye is needed to avoid them as they slowly cross the trail.
Several campsites around the mine provide beautiful locations for a campfire with views out to 20 or more miles.