Driving the Mojave Safely: Heat, Water, Cell Gaps, and the Old Road
by C. V. Wooster · October 5, 2026 · 4 min read
The Mojave is beautiful, and it is not forgiving. Every year, travelers on the desert stretches of Route 66 and Interstate 40 get into trouble that a little planning would have prevented: a breakdown in July heat, a phone with no signal, a wash that floods after a distant storm. With the Route 66 centennial bringing more drivers to the old road in 2026, this guide covers the basics for a safe trip through the Newberry Springs area and beyond.
This is general advice for travelers, not a substitute for official warnings. Always check current conditions with the National Weather Service and road authorities before you go.
Heat is the main danger
Summer in the Mojave is extreme. Daytime temperatures in the low desert regularly climb well above 100°F from June through September, and pavement and car interiors get far hotter than the air. Heat illness can come on quickly, especially if you are not used to it.
A few rules make a big difference:
- Drive the desert stretches early or late. Plan to cross the open desert in the morning or evening in summer, and spend midday in a town with shade and air conditioning.
- Carry water, and more than you think. A common rule of thumb from park agencies is at least a gallon per person per day in hot weather, plus extra for the car and for emergencies. Keep some in the cabin, not just the trunk.
- Know the signs of heat illness. Heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion are warnings. Get out of the sun, cool down, and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Our weather page shows current conditions and a seven-day forecast for Newberry Springs.
Prepare the car
A breakdown that would be an inconvenience in a city can be dangerous in the desert. Before you leave:
- Check tire pressure and condition, including the spare. Heat and long distances are hard on tires.
- Check coolant, oil, and belts. Overheating is a common desert breakdown.
- Fill up whenever you can. Gas stations can be far apart on the old road, and some that appear on old maps are long closed.
- Carry a basic kit: jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, sun protection, and a way to signal for help.
If your car breaks down, stay with it unless help is clearly close. A car is far easier for rescuers to spot than a person walking, and it provides shade.
Cell coverage is patchy
Along Interstate 40, coverage is generally decent. On the old road, especially east of Ludlow, it can disappear for long stretches. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
- Download offline maps before you leave Barstow or Needles.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
- Consider a satellite messenger if you plan to explore side roads.
Flash floods and washes
The desert does not get much rain, but when it does, water moves fast. A storm miles away can send a flash flood down a dry wash across the road with little warning. The old Route 66 alignment crosses many washes on low bridges and dips.
- If water is flowing across the road, do not drive into it. It can be deeper and faster than it looks.
- Watch the sky and the forecast, especially during the late summer monsoon season.
- Respect road closures. Parts of the old road in the eastern Mojave have been closed for long periods after flood damage to bridges.
Check road status before you go
The old highway through San Bernardino County is signed as the National Trails Highway. It is maintained by the county, and some sections have been closed for repairs for long stretches of time. Before you plan a drive along the full old road, check current status with San Bernardino County and with Caltrans for the interstate.
Caltrans offers a QuickMap service with live information about closures, construction, and chain controls on state highways and interstates.
Wind, dust, and night driving
Desert wind can kick up dust storms that cut visibility to almost nothing. If you are caught in one, slow down, turn on your lights, and if visibility drops badly, pull well off the road, turn off your lights so others do not follow you, and wait.
At night, the desert is very dark, and animals cross the road. Drive slower than you would in daylight and watch for eyes in your headlights.
Respect private land
Much of the land along the old road is private. Abandoned-looking buildings often have owners. Fences and gates mean what they say. Stick to public roads, public pullouts, and businesses that welcome visitors.
That applies with special force near Newberry Springs. Bonnie Orcutt's house is not a tourist stop, and its location is not pinned on our map for that reason. Enjoy the story in the book and the scenery from the road.
Leave no trace
The desert recovers slowly. Tire tracks across fragile soil can last for decades. Stay on established roads, pack out your trash, and leave rocks, plants, and artifacts where you find them. Take pictures and memories, and leave the rest for the next traveler.
A safe, good trip
None of this should keep you from going. The Mojave stretch of Route 66 is one of the most striking drives in the country, and the centennial year is a fine time to see it. Plan for heat, carry water, tell someone your route, and give yourself time to stop and look around.
Newberry Springs weather · Mojave road trip · Map · Car games for the drive