The Prospector's 4x4 Crawl March 21, 2026

The Prospector's 4x4 Crawl 2026 is an annual event that raises money to keep OHV trails open. Over the past couple of years, we have raised over $140,000 to keep public lands open. The Bakersfield Trailblazers are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that donates the money raised to organizations like The Rubicon Trail Foundation, Stewards of the Sequoias, Cal4wheel, Friends of Oceano Dunes, CORVA, and others.

Some of the money raised this year will be used to rebuild/restore a cabin that our club has adopted. This cabin will be available for everyone to use.

Registration is for one vehicle for the 2026 Prospector's 4x4 Crawl at Calico Ghost Town on March 21st. Registration includes one Boardies BBQ dinner at the Saturday night (6pm) event and your choice of one Saturday 4x4 run. The Raffle is Saturday night at 7pm. Save $10 by registering before March 6th. Please review run descriptions before selecting a run.

The registration table will open on Friday, March 20th, at 7am

Registration and shirts must be picked up at Calico Ghost Town Campground space A23. No shipping

Camping is not included in registration. Please reserve your camping space ASAP. Full-hookup spaces will sell out; overflow is always available.

Please note: There are no refunds after March 6th. 

All of the runs stage in the Calico Ghost Town's main parking lot on Saturday, March 21st. Please arrive  No More Than 15 minutes before your run leaves. 

If your run is local, please be aired down to no more than 20psi.

If you are not camping at Calico Ghost Town, THEY MAY CHARGE YOU AN ENTRY FEE (They open at 9am).

Run descriptions (provided by TRAILS OFFROAD)

Odessa: Rated 6

(up Odessa Down Doran) Odessa Canyon is the flagship of off-road trails in the Calico area near Barstow, California. Comprised of many challenging obstacles with no bypasses, this extreme 4x4 jeep trail makes you earn your trip to the top. Odessa also provides great views of the area. But be ready. This trail has a 7-foot waterfall, an extremely narrow rollover spot you must see to believe, and a super tight off-camber canyon. With all these challenges, don't be surprised if the trail wreaks havoc on your vehicle. Required: 4x4, 35-inch tires, and one locker. Limited to 25 rigs. Led by: Point Mugu 4x4

Doran: Rated 7

(up Doran Down Odessa) Doran Canyon of the Odessa / Doran Loop of the Mojave Desert is one of the most difficult off-road rock crawling trails near Barstow, California, next to the Calico Ghost Town. When traveling this area, you will notice that the mostly desert landscape is very different than its counterpart, Odessa Canyon. Even though these two off-road trails are near the same in difficulty throughout the main body of the trail. Doran Canyon will test your driving skills and vehicle to its limits. Required: 4x4, 35-inch tires, and one locker. Limited to 20 rigs

Led by: Bakersfield Trailblazers.

Doran Extreme: Rated 8+

Adds optional challenges that will test the limits of your driving ability and your rigs build. Required: 4x4, 37-inch tires and two lockers. Limited to 20 rigs. Led by: American Offroad

Afton Canyon and the Cady Mountains: Rated 3

Afton Canyon is often thought of as one of the last amazing landscapes of California. With majestic views and one of the only places the Mojave River flows above ground, Afton is not just a wheeling destination; it's a must-see in one's lifetime. When traveling through Afton Canyon, you will find sandstone canyons, slot canyons, natural sandstone caves, abandoned mines, a deep water crossing, and even the Mojave River flowing above ground year-round. So pack up the 4x4 and experience some of the best camping and scenic off-roading of your life.  Then southeast through Baxter Wash, view Afton Canyon from the south rim, and cross the Cady Mountains into the Mojave River bed at the Triangles.  Several short off-camber downhills and a significant sand hill require lower tire pressures.  Low range may be required but can be done without lockers. There is about a 30-minute drive to trail trailhead.  Pin striping is Possible. Required: 4x4. Limited to 25 rigs. Led by the Bakersfield Trailblazers 4x4 Club. 

Mojave Road: Rated 3 

Filled with oddities, scenic beauty, history, and a sense of adventure, it is no wonder that the Mojave Road has such an iconic stature. Formed as an early Native American trade route and then an east-west passage for settlers, the road has a long and storied history. Today it is one of the more famous overland routes in the southwest. Although the road is not at all technical, the sense of adventure you get by being so deep in the desert is what makes it worth the trip.  Soft sand and small rock gardens require lower tire pressures.  There is about a 30-minute drive to trail trailhead.  Required: 4x4.

Limited to 25 rigs. Led by The Bakersfield Trailblazers.

Mule Cyn/ Philips Loop: Rated 3

A drive down Mule Canyon Road provides a visual feast of interesting shapes and colorful landscapes. Wonderful dispersed camping locations are abundant along the trail for a great evening getaway to enjoy the sunrise and sunsets that light up the Calico Mountains. Camping here serves as a staging point to explore the many BLM trails of the Calico Mountains and view the extensive silver mining that once drove the area's economy. The trail was used in the 2004 "Kill Bill 2" movie. Moving 1.3 miles east into the trail, a flat, dusty box canyon off to the west was the location for Budd's (Michael Madsen) trailer. Required: 4x4.

Limited to 25 rigs.Led by: Wrench Mike/ SoCal Bronco Club

Kramer Arch: Rated 4

Kramer Arch, located near the abandoned ghost town of Calico, is a stone arch just large enough for a vehicle to squeeze through. Because of this, people come from far away to experience this unique site for its interesting challenges and photogenic qualities. Simply said, a photo of your vehicle crossing the event horizon of Kramer Arch is a spectacular moment for both vehicle and driver. A moment that can live forever on the wall of your living room or office.

Whether heading to the SoCal Desert for the Famous Mojave Road or Calico for its legendary silver mining history and off-roading, a stop at Kramer Arch is a life-changing and must-do event. Required: 4x4 & 33-inch tires.

Limited to 20 rigs. Led by: Bakersfield Trailblazers

Vodkaberry Reverse: Rated 4

Deep in the mountains near Calico lies a trail rarely taken. Vodkaberry is a short, but fun trail that will kick off the adventure. You will  continue on through Bismark's Hairpiece, the easy portion of Doran, and head towards Philips Loop, visiting the fun Kramer Arch. Required: 4x4 & 33-inch tires.

Limited to 20 rigs. Led by: Bakersfield Trailblazers

SXS Sit down, buckle up, go. Led by: TBD