The Mojave Desert has long been crossed by human transportation routes. The Mojave Road refers to a particular corridor used to traverse this dry expanse. Originally used by Native Americans, and later by Spanish and American explorers and travelers, the road was named by the U.S. Military when it established several outposts along the militarily protected road.
Water is the primary determinant of travel in the desert.
It is relatively plentiful along the California coast and at the Colorado River, so the trick is to find water in between. They used this corridor extensively to move goods from the Southwest, in exchange for goods from coastal Indians such as the Chumash. The Mojaves appear to have been extraordinary strong travelers, and were famous as desert traders. As you moved away from the Colorado River, you entered the territory of the Chemehuevi Indians who also used the route. In earlier times the Anasazi culture and economy, centered in New Mexico and Arizona, had an impact here.