Indian Wells Canyon

Located northwest of the junction of Highway 14 and Highway 178, this canyon contains scenic hiking trail and is a favorite spot for wildflower viewing in the spring. Five established campsites are available here for picnicking and overnight camping. Small, high-clearance vehicles are recommended for travel. Located at the mouth of the canyon is the historic Indian Wells Lodge. Originally a watering hole on the J.R. Walker trail of 1834, the Manly-Jawhawker parties of 1849 found water here after five days of travel on their journey from Death Valley. During the 1860s, it was the site of a stage and freight station from Los Angeles to Cost and Cerro Gordo mines. Today, the Indian Wells Lodge is known for great steaks, seafood, and spirits. The Indian Wells Brewing Company is next door and serves up their Mojave Gold and a variety of other craft beers.

You can find this discovery point via GPS at N35.6671, W117.8723, or in section L-9 with the Jawbone Canyon OHV Map.

Dedicated to Ed Waldheim

Man standing next to dirt bike

Founder of the Friends of Jawbone (FOJ)

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Jawbone Canyon, CA
Jawbone Canyon, CA
7:05 PM, Apr 22, 2025
temperature icon 71°F
broken clouds
Humidity 29 %
Pressure 1011 mb
Wind 14 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 26 mph
Clouds Clouds: 67%
Visibility Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise Sunrise: 6:11 AM
Sunset Sunset: 7:30 PM