Cuddyback Road

Scout Route
3.5/5 (2 reviews)

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Cuddyback Road, numbered RM 34, starts at US 395, travels east through Cuddyback Dry Lake, and continues to the boundary of the China Lake Naval Air Station. The road is primarily flat and hard-packed, with sandy areas interspersed along the way. Two-wheel drive is all that is required. There are several crossing trails and routes providing opportunities to explore the area. There are great views of Red Mountain to the north and Fremont Peak to the south. Once on the east side of the dry lake, the trail narrows considerably and appears to be lightly traveled. Cuddyback Road continues east from the dry lake for 16 more miles but makes a 90-degree turn to avoid a fenced property. Follow the RM 34 road markers. The trail ends at the fenced China Lake Naval Air Station.

A couple of large flat places to camp, including Tortoise Crest Camp, are suitable for RVs and trailers. RVs and trailers should not go beyond the dry lake bed. There is no shade and no services, so it is dry camping.