Back Country BywaysBack Country Byways are scattered throughout our beautiful great states. You may hear them referred to as “Byways”, “American Byways”, or “Back Country Byways”. So WHAT IS A BYWAY and why are they so cool? Bways are stretches of “road” or “trails” where passenger vehicles gain access. Most byways are terrain over “less traveled” land and through less populated areas. They offer a chance to see what our country looked like before concrete and steel took over. >> Examples of Back Country Byways << A new interest in the great American Outdoors prompted a Presidential Commission in 1989 to promote the scenic beauty of roads and trails through public lands. Ultimately this provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the land in an almost “untouched” way. Environmental awareness of public land use has also been a byproduct of the Back Country Byways program. Back Country Byways are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and are found throughout California. This is your chance to get off the freeway and drive down back roads, to see what the scenic American beauty is all about.
If you notice the road is paved and turns into a gravel road, be prepared for a bumpy ride. However, a lot of byways are configured to handle a typical motorist’s vehicle. If a byway turns into gravel, expect sand or loose dirt to be next. If you don’t have a 4x4 vehicle it will be difficult to manage the terrain. Observe your surroundings and road conditions as you travel these roads. The Parker Dam Road Byway (“The Thread of Life”) is located on the border of California and Arizona, south of Lake Havasu.
An average of 1 hour travel time should be allotted for stops along this scenic back road and for picture taking.
Another example is the Bradshaw Trail. The Bradshaw Trail Byway is 70 miles long on a dirt road that is periodically graded. It is located approximately 26 miles south of Blythe or approximately 36 miles south of Indio. This byway traverses through rough and sometimes sandy terrain. A 4x4 vehicle is absolutely necessary for the Bradshaw trail. No first aid and no facilities are located throughout the length of this trail. You will be traveling through beautiful terrain in the middle of the desert near the Chuckwalla Bench and the Orocopia, Chuckwalla and Mule Mountains. You could call this an ultimate road trip! Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range touches parts of the southern Bradshaw Trail. This is a live bombing range, DO NOT ENTER THE BOMBING RANGE. Signs are posted, pay attention. |
You will have fun on your scenic road trip. There are so many options to choose from… pick a byway near or in the mountains, beaches, or the desert.
