Mojave River
The Mojave River could be called an "Upside-down and Backwards" river. "Upside-down", because the water flows below ground, under the sand. "Backwards", because instead of flowing toward the ocean as rivers do, the Mojave flows inland, terminating in the middle of the desert.
The ephemeral waters of the Mojave originate in the watershed of the San Bernardino Mountains. Water gathers from north of the ridgeline and flow down a series of creeks and washes, either underground, or combine in either Deep Creek or Miller Creek, the main above ground sources of the Mojave River before it slips beneath the surface.
The Mojave waters do come above ground. Usually, the river flow can be seen at the upper narrows between Victorville and Apple Valley, then downstream past Barstow at the lower narrows as the river begins its way through Afton Canyon. The river winds down the canyon and seeps into the sand disappearing before it reaches Soda Lake near Baker.
The Mojave Road followed along the river from Soda dry lake to the Cajon Pass. Desert indians used this as a trade route where water could easily be found on the way to and from the coast. Later, the Old Spanish Trail and Salt Lake Trail (Mormon Road/Trail) joined up with the river near where Daggett is today.
Mojave River photo tours
Deep Creek Canyon
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Hesperia
Hesperia Lake
Apple Valley
Jess Ranch Lakes
Mojave Narrows
Helendale Bluffs
Helendale/Silver Lakes
Helendale Bluffs
Barstow
Mojave River Petroglyphs
Casa Del Desierto
Afton Canyon
A lush desert riparian habitat can be found at the upper narrows lying between present day Victorville and Apple Valley. An underground geologic formation forces the water above the surface here.
More about the:
>> Formation of the Mojave River