California South Backcountry Discovery Route

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The long awaited Southern-California BDR (CABDR-South) is the ninth route developed by the BDR organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.

Take a spectacular, yet challenging 840-mile ride across the south-eastern region of California. Rugged two-track and remote dirt roads lead riders through majestic canyons, rocky riverbeds, and sandy washes of California’s famous deserts and national preserves, including a dream ride in the Mojave Preserve and Death Valley National Park. This is the first BDR designed for winter-season riding.

The Butler Motorcycle Map and the film dvd are now available for sale in the BDR Store HERE

In the links on the right, you will also find an interactive map with section descriptions and the FAQ for the route.

WATCH THE FILM

WATCH THE TRAILER WATCH THE FILM

PURCHASE THE MAP

BDR Online Store

The latest version of the CABDR-South map is dated: 2019

SECTION-BY-SECTION

Yuma, AZ
to Blythe, CA Blythe, CA
to Desert Oasis, CA Desert Oasis, CA
to Primm, NV Primm, NV
to Shoshone, CA Shoshone, CA
to Beatty, NV Beatty, NV
to Lone Pine, CA Lone Pine, CA
to Benton, CA

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Yuma, AZ to Blythe, CA – 120 Miles

The CABDR-S starts in Yuma, AZ along the Colorado River. Spend a little extra time to visit the Territorial Prison State Historic Park and Museum, and old downtown has some great places to eat and stay.

The route heads north and can be very sandy near Picacho State Rec Area depending on the season. There is an optional bypass available which remains on pavement to skip this area if you’re not up for sand right out of the gate. Continuing on, beautiful primitive dirt roads take you north, including a portion of the historic Bradshaw Trail and into Blythe.

LODGING

Historic Mining Town of Julian, CA
South of Oceanside, head east to the historic mining town of Julian for a break off the bike and enjoy some of the best apple pie in the state. A quaint Main St. and B&B’s if you need to spend the night.

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FOOD

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FUEL

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DISCOVERY POINTS

Anza Borrego State Park
Ok, you could spend days riding amazing dirt roads or just stop here for a scenic overlook on your way, the Carrizo Badlands Overlook.

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Imperial Sand Dunes
So, you want to brush up on your sand skills before riding the CABDR, or make like Ricky Brabec or Andrew Short and get skills for the Dakar? Well this is the place and it’s right on the way.
And check out what’s left of the “Wood Planked Road”, early road builders’ efforts to tame the drifting desert sand.

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Felicity, CA – Center of the World?
Could be, but then again since the world is a sphere, just about any place could warrant this claim. If you are into funky, interesting places, this is worth the time.

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Yuma Territorial Prison
Make the stop, even if it’s not 3:10. You will be rewarded with a peek into the life of interesting desperados, living out their days in sweltering summer heat or freezing winter nights with nothing but steel bars to quell the elements.

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Ocean to Ocean Bridge
Finally! You are on the route and it begins with a jaunt over the one lane Ocean to Ocean Bridge that separates Yuma from Winterhaven, CA. and the start of the CABDR-South.

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Picacho State Park and the Colorado River
If you choose to camp after traveling south to Yuma, this historic state park is just up the road and well worth the fee to camp.

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The Bradshaw Trail
Created in 1862 this was the first trail that crossed the Riverside County desert all the way to the Colorado River to allow gold seekers to get to La Paz AZ. There is camping (Wiley’s Well 33°29’36.8″N 114°53’20.8″W or 33.49356 , -114.8891) just north of where we pick up the Trail heading east, but no potable water.

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Blythe, CA to Desert Oasis, CA – 122 miles

Parallel the Colorado River as you make your way north from Blythe, and take a stop at the fascinating Blythe Intaglios which were discovered in 1931. These giant pieces of art are similar to the Nazca Lines in Peru and the shapes are believed to have been formed prior to 900 AD. There is an optional Harder section here that takes you into a short, but technical and remote portion of the rugged California desert.

After traveling through this desolate wilderness area, Highway 62 passes structures of times long since past including the “Shoe Tree” before joining Cadiz Road which connects to the “Mother Road”, better known as Historic Route 66.

The end of this section is at the “Desert Oasis” gas station. However, this isn’t your typical gas station . . . you’ll just have to see it to believe it. Be warned, the gas isn’t cheap but it’s necessary.

LODGING

Wiley’s Well, Blythe, CA
In 1985, the Bureau of Land Management drilled a new well 965 feet (294 m) in depth to support the new Wiley’s Well Campground, one of only two developed campgrounds in the Mule Mountains Long-Term Visitor Area. The water is both hot at 90 °F/32 °C and heavily mineralized; it is pumped into a cistern to help cool it to a temperature suitable for drinking.

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FOOD

Aha Quin Resort or Water Wheel Resort, Blythe, CA

Aha Quin Resort or Water Wheel Resort ( 29630 US-95 just up the road from Aha Quin). Not much more there than mobile home parks situated on the banks of the Colorado River, but if you didn’t get supplies in Blythe, the general store is your last opportunity for a while.

Hi Sahara Oasis, Essex, CA

Not so much of a desert Oasis as it is a place for food and fuel. Gas will probably be the most expensive on this route but grin, bear it, and be thankful you are not filling up a Winnebago, as there’s no other option.

Address: 31251 Goffs Rd, Essex, CA 92332
Phone: (760) 694-0181

FUEL

Hi Sahara Oasis, Essex, CA

Address: 31251 Goffs Rd, Essex, CA 92332
Phone: (760) 694-0181

DISCOVERY POINTS

The Blythe Intaglios (Geoglyphs)
Not to be missed. Step back in time, way back in time. Experience Native American ground art believed to be over 800 years old and similar to the famed Nazca Lines found in Peru, although on a smaller scale.

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The Mother Road or Historic Route 66
Established on November 11, 1926, the highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally ran from Chicago to Santa Monica covering a total of 2,448 miles. Get your kicks here; oh wait, we all have electric starts now.

Desert Oasis, CA to Primm, NV – 94 Miles

When entering the Mojave Preserve, take a stop at the Goffs Schoolhouse and Cultural Center. This unique place at one point housed 16,000 troops during WWII and has preserved old railroad and mining artifacts for you to visit.

Further on, you will enter the Granite Mountains. These granitic rocks have eroded into unusual rounded shapes that include spires, perched boulders and curved cliff faces.

Some of the sites along the route include the Government Holes, which were wells dug so people traveling across the Mojave would have access to water. The Death Valley Mine, Evening Star Mine and WWI Memorial will all be places you’ll want to stop and explore.

Riding the two tracks in the midst of the Joshua Trees will keep you on your toes and is an experience you can only get in the Mojave Desert. This section ends in the small gambling town of Primm, NV, which is also one of the touch points of the NVBDR.

LODGING

FOOD

FUEL

DISCOVERY POINTS

The Mojave Desert Heritage Assoc. Museum and the Mojave Preserve, Goffs, CA
A lot here in the middle of nowhere. If you have time check out the Museum before entering the Mojave Preserve. You could spend a week just riding the Preserve alone, exploring everything from Afton Canyon to ZZYZX. Now’s the time to extend the vacation, if you have cell coverage.

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Rock Spring
After WWI, returning veterans who had been exposed to poison gas found the deserts of California provided health benefits. This cabin constructed in 1929 is an example of the homesteads built primarily of native materials.

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Remnants of the Original Mojave Road
A glance down and right will reward you with a view of the original wagon wheel tracks of the infamous Mojave Road. This trail once connected Fort Mojave to Camp Cady and was previously used by the Chumash as a trade route due to the existence of what little water is to be found in the Mojave.

Death Valley Mine
Death Valley Mine (though not in Death Valley) is an example of mines found throughout California. Established in 1906 as a mine and a community for miners from surrounding claims.

Evening Star Mine
As the only tin ore mine in the Mojave, it was also one of the few with a crusher on top of the head frame. As this mine ceased operation in 1944 it is still relatively well preserved.

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Riley’s Camp
A medic and an explosives trainer (kinda makes sense) during WWI, this camp is yet another example of a harsh life carved out of the Mojave Desert. Be thankful you have heating, air conditioning and a flush toilet awaiting the return to your homestead.

Primm, NV to Shoshone, CA – 76 Miles

Fueled and full of supplies, you leave Primm and pass through the middle of the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. This monstrosity is a 377 megawatt solar complex using mirrors to focus the power of the sun atop power towers. The first big technical climb comes just after Ivanpah up to the Colosseum Mine. This rocky steep climb has gradually gotten less technical over the years but is still somewhat challenging.Travel along the Powerline Road to Excelsior Mine Road, which leads you into the Kingston Range. You can find several BLM camping areas along the road.

Take the optional track for Mesquite Valley for yet another advanced option. Nearing Tecopa, don’t miss the opportunity to stop at the China Ranch for one of their famous date shakes. The small town of Tecopa is the home to many unique hot springs to stay at, and food, fuel and basic lodging can be found in the town of Shoshone with more options in nearby Pahrump, NV.

LODGING

Delights Hot Springs, Tecopa, CA

Half way through this BDR and you may be ready for rustic lodging or a soak in a hot spring, particularly if you are riding in the middle of winter. Tecopa Brewing Company is just down the road too.

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FOOD

The China Ranch

Date Shakes! You have earned it, don’t pass up chance to hydrate and carbo load before entering Death Valley. Dates are 75% Carbohydrates, 21% water and the perfect desert snack. Savoring all the varietals here will leave you feeling like King Tut.

Address: China Ranch Rd, Tecopa, CA 92389
Phone: (760) 852-4415
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FUEL

DISCOVERY POINTS

Ivanpah Solar Thermal Electric Generating System
Producing an amazing 377 megawatts of energy, but not nearly the 1.21 gigawatts needed for your Flux Capacitor to get you back to the Future. Oh well, plenty of history yet to be explored on the CABDR-South.

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Colosseum Mine
Everything you could ever want to know about this big hole in the ground, right here. Ride down to the bottom at your own risk if you must, but resist the urge to take a dip in the multi-colored waters of the lake. Word on the trail is that the residual chemicals left over from mining operations would leave your skin looking like something from the Apocalypse.

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Harry Wade Exit, Saratoga Springs Road
Trying to find a quick way through Death Valley to the Gold of California almost proved disastrous for the wagon train guided by Harry. Fortunately, he found a southern exit from Death Valley before they ran out of water. We use this route as our Southern Entrance to this place of storied heat and wonder.

Shoshone, CA to Beatty, NV – 141 Miles

The Ibex dunes will be your first taste of dirt as you enter Death Valley. You will find a short stretch of dune-type sand to get your heart racing. Harry Wade Road crosses the heart of Death Valley, connecting to Westside Road. You can take a few detours and ride the Artists Palette Loop, 20 Mule Team Road, and Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in the USA at 282 feet below sea level.

Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells offer camping, lodging, food and fuel. If you plan to stay here, reservations ahead of time are suggested. From here, take the optional Advanced track over Chloride Cliffs for a series of challenging climbs with rewarding views or remain on pavement to Beatty, NV.

LODGING

Spicer Ranch, Beatty, NV

Spicer Ranch boasts sprawling green pastures with lush green grass and several freshwater pools, which provide habitat for a handful of endemic creatures found here, and only here, like the Amargosa Toad. In addition to the hiking and mountain biking trails system found throughout the property Spicer Ranch invites anyone visiting to spend the night at the on-site, donation-based campground, complete with shady campsites, picnic tables, hot showers, and restrooms.

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FOOD

FUEL

DISCOVERY POINTS

Devils Golf Course
No, your GPS has not gone on the fritz. You are now well below sea level. In fact, at 282 Feet below Sea level Badwater Basin (36°13’47.3″N 116°46’01.2″W or 36.22981, -116.767) is not just the lowest point in the US, but the 8th lowest elevation on earth.

Beatty, NV to Lone Pine, CA – 153 Miles

The start of this section takes you into Titus Canyon, a deep limestone-walled slot canyon and a must see. This road travels in a one-way direction past the ghost town of Leadfield, which boomed for less than a year in 1926.

Stop at Ubehebe Crater before starting the road to the famous Teakettle Junction. At the junction you can travel six more miles to the Racetrack to see the ‘moving’ rocks on the Playa, then backtrack on the main route over Hunter Mountain.

The optional advanced section down Lippincott Pass and is not for the faint of heart. This steep, rocky and off-camber descent will get your attention and the views down into the Saline Valley floor are incredible.

The next optional advanced section is a steady climb through a deep rock wash and two-track up to 8,000 ft at Cerro Gordo Mine. Riders on the main route can take an out-and-back ride up to the mine; it’s worth the effort to see before reaching Lone Pine.

LODGING

FOOD

FUEL

DISCOVERY POINTS

Titus Canyon
This canyon offers up sweeping views, steep canyon walls, remnants of a boom town that lasted less than a year (Leadville) and represents classic Death Valley Adventure riding.

Scotty’s Castle
Damaged in a massive flashflood that roared through Death Valley in Oct. 2015 restoration is not yet complete, but when it is, it’s not to be missed.

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Ubehebe Crater
Your friends will think you had one too many when you tell of your visit to Ubehebe. Pronunciation aside, this massive crater is just one of the amazing things Death Valley offers on this route.

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The Race Track
An amazing set of atmospheric events combine to make rocks mysteriously slide across this desert playa leaving tracks etched in mud. For decades this mystery went unsolved, many believing they were moved by the hand of God.

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Cerro Gordo
Here’s your chance to experience a living, breathing ghost and mining town. Step inside the American Hotel, built in 1867, saunter up to the bar or sit at the poker table in the parlor where many a game ended in a gun fight (bullet holes still visible in the walls).

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Museum of Western Film History
If you are a fan of Western films, hitch your Adventure bike to a post out front and learn about the hundreds of films shot in and around Lone Pine California. Make sure you pick up a map of the Alabama Hills with GPS coordinates to place yourself and your bike in your favorite film, from movies shot before sound, to recent blockbusters.

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Lone Pine, CA to Benton, CA – 138 Miles

Traveling through the Alabama Hills is a highlight of the CABDR-S. These unique rock formations were chosen for the set of many old western movies along the base of Mt. Whitney.

Manzanar National Historic Site features an incredible museum at the site where in 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 people of Japanese descent to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps.

The main route remains on the valley floor crisscrossing the valley and the foothills up to Bishop, with two consecutive advanced tracks. First up Mazourka Canyon to Papoose Flats, with a short descent into Wyman Canyon where you cross a creek several times to a lookout of the entire valley. The Silver Canyon descent will test your steep downhill skills, so make sure you take it easy and don’t cook your brakes before stopping in Bishop, another great town to stay in.

The final stretch of the CABDR is an easy road passing by a massive collection of Petroglyphs at the Fish Slough site. Chidago Canyon appears and gives you a final taste of a slot canyon before coming to the final stretch. Plan to stay at the historic Benton Hot Springs.

LODGING

The Inn at Benton Hot Springs, Benton, CA

Reward your accomplishment for completing the CABDR-South with a stay at this Historic Bed and Breakfast. Soak in the natural fed hot springs tubs, have a wonderful breakfast after a night spend in a bed rather than sand and rocks from the previous evenings. Or, camp out behind the Inn. Even the campsites have their own private tubs. Reservations recommended.

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FOOD

FUEL

DISCOVERY POINTS

Manzanar National Historic Site
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the establishment of camps like Manzanar to intern American citizens just by virtue of their ancestry. This affront to the liberty we all hold dear has been thoughtfully preserved to give each visitor insight into the lives of those interned and reminds us how our government, complicit with Americans overcome with unfounded fear, responded with barbed wire and armed guards.

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The Reward Mine
Not for you if you suffer Nyctophobia or Claustrophobia but the rest of us will enjoy the opportunity to ride our Adventure bikes deep into depths of a Gold and Silver mine. Just have a flashlight handy if you decide to experience total darkness by shutting off your bike and can’t find your ignition key.

Laws Railroad Museum
Just North of Bishop and right on the route is a Railroad Museum that resembles the Main Street of any western town we have envisioned since our youth. Rekindle that youth with a stop here before continuing the last leg of the CABDR-South.

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Fish Slough Petroglyphs
Around 8,000 years ago this region was settled by the ancestors of the Bishop Paiute – Shoshone tribe. Over the course of thousands of years these earliest settlers left messages carved and painted on the three-quarter of a million-year-old volcanic rock across the region. Much of the messages carved in stone are unknown, however there is some consensus that they could be of celestial recordings or ceremonial in nature as opposed to many petroglyphs found in the West that record animals, hunters and tools of daily life.

Photos by Ely Woody.

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE

CABDR-SOUTH PACKING LIST

This packing list serves as an example and is not intended to be a complete list for your backcountry riding needs. Feel free to customize this list to work for you.

Riding

Helmet
Boots
Goggles
Gloves (2 sets)
Protective gear (pressure suit, Leatt brace, knee braces)
Jacket
Pants
Balaclava or neck gaitor
Water bladder or bottle
Hydration pack
Ear plugs

Gadgets

Clothing

Personal

Motorcycle

Camping Gear

Books & Maps

Tools & Misc

Food

CABDR-SOUTH MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

June 29, 2021

LONG BEACH BMW

Long Beach, CA

WEBSITE

The #1 selling BMW Motorrad dealer in the USA 9 out of the last 10 years, Long Beach BMW Motorcycles is home to a large inventory of new and used motorcycles and experienced service team of BMW Master Techs.

We also have a large inventory of BMW rider gear and accessories for your ride. Whether you are shopping for a bike, coming in for parts or service, or just passing through the area, all riders are welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee or to relax in the rider lounge. Conveniently located off the 405 freeway and adjacent to the Long Beach Airport.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the Southern California Backcountry Discovery Route.

What is the CABDR?

The Southern-California BDR (CABDR-South) is the ninth route developed by the BDR organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. This spectacular, yet challenging 840-mile ride across the south-eastern region of California consists of rugged two-track and remote dirt roads that lead riders through majestic canyons, rocky riverbeds, and sandy washes of California’s famous deserts and national preserves, including a dream ride in the Mojave Preserve. This is the first Wintertime BDR.

What time of year can I do the CABDR?

Most years you should be able to ride starting mid-October until mid-April. This is a wintertime route, so winter storms may hamper some times and high elevations may see some snow. You must check weather forecasts and check local conditions before heading out.

How difficult is the route?

The CABDR route is designed to be ridden on adventure and dual-sport motorcycles. There are no single-track style trails on this route. You can expect to cover sections of road with deep ruts, loose rocks, deep sand, rocky hill climbs/descents and other challenges. Road conditions change from week to week based on the recent weather. Depending on time of year and weather, there may be a few small deep water crossings. Flash floods can cause significant damage to roads. Don’t cross flooded washes. Wait until water subsides. Overall, the CABDR-South is one of the harder BDR routes, and is suited for riders with intermediate and above off-road skills.

What weather concerns should I have?

The California region can have strong thunder storms during the springs months. These storms can contain lightning and heavy downpours which can result in flash floods. Fast moving snowstorms can also come up quick and leave you stranded, so always keep an eye to the sky. You may also encounter high winds and sand storms on this route.

Can the Route be done North to South?

Yes the route can be done North to South. Lippicott Pass will be more of a challenge going North to South as you will be riding uphill.

Do I need any permits or Passes?

You will need to have a National Parks Pass or purchase a pass when entering Death Valley. There are kiosks at several of the entrances (but not on the route) so, purchase them in Furnace Creek at the Rangers Office. You do not need a pass for the Mojave Preserve.

Do I need a special permit for large groups?

The National Park system does require groups of 7 vehicles or more traveling together to obtain a permit. Visit this site for more information – https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

How long does it take to run the CABDR?

Most people average 150 miles a day on a backcountry motorcycle trip. Plan on doing this route in 6-7 days depending on how fast you want to travel and how early you want to roll out of camp. There is a lot of history to see and places to visit on the CABDR so planning a little extra time is suggested.

How far between gas stops?

The longest section without gas is 153 miles (Section 6 from Beatty, NV to Lone Pine). Carrying extra gas is strongly suggested. Never pass up the opportunity to get gas. This section has very little travel, so hoping someone will come by with gas might be just that… a wish.

Where do I camp?

There are a few campgrounds along the route. The Butler Motorcycle Map for the CABDR has a tent icon showing campgrounds on the route and many near the route. There is dispersed camping along the way. Visit the National Parks websites to find out about camping in the Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley. https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/camping.htm , https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

Established camping is available in:

Yuma, AZ
Blythe
Off Route: Needles
Primm, NV
Tecopa
Shoshone
Furnace Creek
Lone Pine
Big Pine
Bishop
Benton Hot Springs

Can I build a camp fire?

In most cases camp fires are allowed, but check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. In most cases, campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.

Do I have to camp?

The answer is no. The CABDR has some motel opportunities on the route and if you travel off route you will fine more motels in the bigger cities . If you do decide to camp, you will find official campgrounds on the front of this map with a small tent icon and some primitive backcountry camps can be found along the way. Because of the limited beds available in the small towns along the CABDR, it is recommended that riders make reservations ahead of their arrival.

Is there water on the route?

DANGER -There really no water sources along the route other than, you can find potable water in the towns along the way. It is suggested you carry twice as much water as you think you need. You can get extremely sick or die in the desert without water. Here is a video on water filtration filmed in the Backcountry: http://youtu.be/vqOFZAoZdTU

Why do I need paper maps when I have GPS tracks?

Always bring a complete set of maps for the area you plan to ride. They have good information about roads, water sources, and are an indispensable resource when the GPS doesn’t work, or is giving questionable advice. Unplanned events can occur and having paper/synthetic maps of the area can be a life saver. National Forest maps are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#U and local Ranger Stations. CABDR Butler Motorcycle Maps are available at www.touratech-usa.com or www.butlermaps.com.

Where can I find the GPS tracks for the CABDR?

The tracks for the route can be downloaded free of charge online at https://ridebdr.com/download-tracks/.

What GPS should I use?

Any GPS unit capable of handling 15 track logs with a minimum of 1500 points each is suitable for use on the CABDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo 590/595/395/396, Montana, and 276Cx. Many other GPS units are compatible with the GPX file format, check the owner’s manual of your device for more information.

What is the ideal bike to use?

Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires, is set-up to carry the gear you plan to bring, and has the fuel range to make the distance between gas stops. Most adventure or dual-sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip. Choose the bike that you are the most comfortable riding off-road.

What tires should I use for the CABDR?

DOT approved knobby tires are strongly recommended.

Can you do the route two-up?

Segments of this route can be ridden two-up if you are skilled in riding off-road two-up. But we do not recommend it be ridden two up.

Are there any gates on the route?

There are a few gates along the route. Please leave the gate as you find it.

How do I get information on current road conditions?

We do our best to post the most up-to-date information on our Route Updates Page. We depend on the BDR community to inform us about route and road conditions, so if you encounter any road closures or severe conditions that are worth reporting, please contact us with the information.

There is also a dedicated CABDR-S Facebook Group Page. We recommend that you join the group prior to your trip to read trip reports and comments from other riders about their experience on the route.

Don’t forget to use our Interactive Map to get route conditions in real time. Read this Article to a quick tutorial on how to use the Interactive Map.

To find out information about Death Valley Road closures visit this LINK.

Is there cell phone coverage on the route?

Much of this route is remote and out of reach for cell phone towers. There will be long sections with no coverage. Your best bet is to talk or text in the towns or on top of mountains. You will be surprised where you get coverage and where you don’t. A satellite communication device is a good idea in the backcountry.

What about the Wild Animals?

The CABDR is a habitat to Deer, Mountain Lions, Badgers and Coyotes. Safe food practices while camping are an absolute for your safety and the animals safety. Rattlesnakes are also found throughout the route.

Rating the Routes by Difficulty

We are often asked if we rate BDRs by difficulty. We don’t officially rate the difficulty level of our routes as it varies daily due to current weather, road conditions, and other unpredictable factors. Difficulty also depends on individual skill and fitness level, bike and tire selection and load carried.

Some riders find sand to be most challenging, some find mountain passes difficult. Each rider’s perception is unique.

While we can’t provide a standardized rating like ski resorts, we can provide some basic guidance of difficulty level from most to least. This order does not include optional harder sections and implies favorable road and weather conditions:

BDR Routes: CABDR-South, ORBDR, AZBDR, WYBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, NVBDR, NEBDR, WABDR, NMBDR, CABDR-North, IDBDR, SEBDR, MABDR.

BDR-X Routes: Big Bend, TX; Red Desert, WY; Steens/Alvord, OR; Chattahoochee, GA; Black Hills, SD; PA Wilds, PA.

Review the FAQs for each route before your trip.

California South Backcountry Discovery Route

The long awaited Southern-California BDR (CABDR-South) is the ninth route developed by the BDR organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.

WATCH THE FILM

PURCHASE THE MAP

SECTION-BY-SECTION

Yuma, AZ to Blythe, CA – 120 Miles

Blythe, CA to Desert Oasis, CA – 122 miles

Desert Oasis, CA to Primm, NV – 94 Miles

Primm, NV to Shoshone, CA – 76 Miles

Shoshone, CA to Beatty, NV – 141 Miles

Beatty, NV to Lone Pine, CA – 153 Miles

Lone Pine, CA to Benton, CA – 138 Miles

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE

CABDR-SOUTH PACKING LIST

CABDR-SOUTH MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

LONG BEACH BMW

Long Beach, CA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Rating the Routes by Difficulty

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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