Bradshaw Trail Back Country Byway is located in southeast California, west of Blythe, near the Arizona state line. The byway’s eastern terminus is at the intersection with CA 78, south of Blythe. It travels west to CA 111, ending just south of North Shore. The 70-mile route follows Bradshaw Trail Road, a county-maintained graded dirt road. A four-wheel drive vehicle, dirt bike, all-terrain vehicle, or a similar type is required to travel the byway. The byway is usually passable all year, but temporary closure is possible after heavy rain.
The original Bradshaw Trail was constructed in 1862 by William Bradshaw as an overland stage route from San Bernardino to La Paz, Arizona. It followed Indian trails connecting springs across the desert. The trail was used extensively from 1862 to 1877, but saw fewer users after the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad to Yuma.
Today the byway is a scenic jeep trail traveling across the Colorado Desert with views of Chuckwalla Mountains in the north and Chocolate Mountains in the south. The traveler may also see the distant mountains in Arizona. Wildlife observers want to be on the lookout for desert burro, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Other wildlife in the area includes coyotes, kit fox, and many other small mammals and birds.
Salton Sea, near the byway’s western end, is one of the largest saline lakes on earth. It offers excellent boating and fishing. The Salton Sea State Recreation Area has camping and picnicking facilities. Camping is also available in nearby Joshua Tree National Park.