Cuddeback Dry Lake – Western Mojave Desert

Cuddeback Dry Lake, located in the western Mojave Desert, is a striking desert landscape featuring a vast, dry lakebed and surrounding rugged mountains and volcanic features.

Situated between the southern Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains, the lake is an expansive, low-relief depression that serves as a key geological feature of the region. Cuddeback Dry Lake is known for its unique geomorphology, which includes active fault zones, volcanic domes, and tectonic influences that shape the area.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the site’s desolate beauty through activities like off-road driving, photography, and stargazing. The area is also “historically” significant, having filmed Madonna’s “Frozen” music video and scenes from Holes. Which makes me feel old.

Destination Details

Season	Year-round (best during cooler months, avoid summer due to high temperatures)
Location	Western Mojave Desert, California (north-northeast of Los Angeles)
General GPS Coordinates	35.295689, -117.471994
Management	Public land, includes areas near Cuddeback Lake Air Force Gunnery Range
Size	Approx. 6 mi (10 km) long by 2 mi (4 km) wide
State	California
Nearest Major City	Los Angeles, CA (about 100 miles away)

Getting Oriented

The Cuddeback Dry Lake is located in the western Mojave Desert, a region known for its arid climate and dramatic desert scenery. This area is influenced by active tectonic forces, with features like the Garlock Fault Zone and numerous smaller fault lines that affect the region’s drainage patterns and topography.

The dry lakebed itself is surrounded by volcanic hills, small mountains, and rugged terrain. Visitors to this site will experience a truly remote desert landscape, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure in a geological wonderland.

How to Get to Cuddeback Dry Lake

To reach Cuddeback Dry Lake from Los Angeles, take the I-15 North toward Barstow. Exit onto Route 395 North and continue for approximately 50 miles.

Take a right turn off 395 toward Cuddeback Lake via a local desert road (junction at GPS: 35.2535554, -117.6118923), which depending on conditions may require a high-clearance vehicle.

Destination Overview

Cuddeback Dry Lake offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the western Mojave Desert’s most intriguing landscapes.

With its dry lakebed, volcanic features, and tectonically active terrain, the area is an ideal location for geology enthusiasts, photographers, and off-road adventurers.

The region’s sparse vegetation and expansive views provide a dramatic setting for camping and stargazing away from more crowded desert destinations. That said, large groups occasionally camp on the dry lake, but you can always move away to find more solitude.

Be mindful of the harsh desert climate, especially in summer when temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C). Visitors bring sufficient water, wear appropriate clothing, and ensure their vehicles are prepared for desert conditions.

Here is some footage of Jeeps driving on the dry lake: