Phillips Loop
Location: Northeast of Barstow, north of Yermo.
Difficulty: Moderate. Steep rocky climbs. Stretches of badly eroded pavement. Stock SUVs need skid plates and high ground clearance.
Features: Short but interesting trip. See Kramer Arch and various mines. Add some interest by entering via Mule Canyon Cut-Across. (If you see a Desert Tortoise. do not pick up or harass.)
Time & Distance: Takes less than an hour for this 2.7-mile loop.
To Get There: Follow directions to Mule Canyon Road trail. Phillips Loop goes left 1.6 miles north on Mule Canyon Road. To reach Phillips Loop via Mule Canyon Cut-Across, follow directions for Odessa Canyon Trail. Tun right 0.4 miles (06) north of the paved road. This fun, roller-coaster ride is for short wheel-based vehicles only. Once on the cut-across road, make a right at 0.4, a left at 0.5, a right at 0.7 before reaching Phillips Loop at 0.8 miles (02).
Trail Description: Reset odometer at the start as you turn left off Mille Canyon Road (01). Bear right at 0.4 (02) where the cut-across road joins on the left. Bear right at 0.5 and 0.7 as the dirt road changes to a reddish color. Climb a badly eroded section of pavement to a flat area where the road forks at 0.9 miles (03). Right shortcuts Phillips Loop and goes past interesting Kramer Arch. Phillips Loop continues straight uphill on a tough, rocky shelf road then enters a sandy wash. Stay right in the wash at 1.5. After more bad pavement, turn right at 1.6 miles (04) and head downhill along Odessa Ridge. Bear right downhill at 1.9 miles. Continue straight at 2.3 miles where the previously mentioned shortcut joins on the right. Reconnect with Mule Canyon Road at 2.7 miles (05). Continue south down Mule Canyon Road to paved Calico Road.
Return Trip: Right on Calico Road takes you back to Calico Ghost Town. About a mile to the left is Interstate 15.
Source: Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails; see also Trails.com