Nightmare Gulch

Nightmare Gulch is a highly scenic and challenging canyon in Red Rock Canyon State Park. This area attracts many nesting raptor birds during early spring, therefore, the area is CLOSED to all entry from February 1st to July 1st. Otherwise, the road is open to hiking and equestrian use only on the 1st – 15th of each month, and then open to vehicular traffic the last half of each month. Short wheel- base vehicles with high clearance are recommended; full- size vehicles are not recommended, and drivers can expect damage due to tight or even impassible sections.

Please Note: As of this article’s writing, Nightmare Gulch is temporarily CLOSED to motorized vehicles. Visit parks.ca.gov for current status updates.

You can find this route via GPS at N35.3775, W117.9654, or in section G-9 with the Jawbone Canyon and BLM Ridgecrest Area Map, Ed. 14.1.

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
8:09 AM, May 17, 2025
temperature icon 58°F
overcast clouds
Humidity 76 %
Pressure 1012 mb
Wind 15 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 18 mph
Clouds Clouds: 100%
Visibility Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise Sunrise: 5:47 AM
Sunset Sunset: 7:51 PM