| El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Area | |
 Rules and Regulations: Vehicles operated on bladed dirt roads and paved highways (publicly maintained roads) must be registered for highway use. These roads may be crossed at a 90-degree angle by Off-Highway vehicles, but are not to be used for travel. (38025 CVC) All required safety equipment must be installed on such vehicles. Off-Highway Vehicles owned by California residents must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and must display a valid "Green Sticker" registration plate properly on the vehicle. (38010 CVC and 38170 CVC) If you are not a resident of California and your Off-Highway vehicle is not registered in your home state, you are required to have a Non-Resident "Green Sticker" OHV permit, issued by California Department of Parks and Recreation, to operate your vehicle in the state of California. (38020 CVC) The display locations on the vehicle are the same as those specified for California Green Stickers. (38170 CVC) It is illegal for anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to operate an OHV. In addition, operating or riding an OHV with an open container of alcohol is prohibited. (23152(a) CVC) Possession or use of any glass container, empty or not, used for carrying any liquid for drinking purposes is prohibited. (43 CFR 8365.1-6) OHVs must be equipped with an approved muffler, brakes, and spark arrestor. (38365,38355, and 38366 CVC) Seat belts are to be worn if your vehicle is equipped with them. The OHV operator must be able to reach and operate all controls on the vehicle. Headlights and taillights are required when driving between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. (38335 CVC) OHVs are not to be operated faster than what is safe for the conditions of the area. (38305 CVC) When riding within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals, speeds cannot exceed 15 mph. (38310 CVC) It is unlawful for any person to drive any motor vehicle in any manner with a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of other persons. (38316 CVC) The El Mirage OHV Area is a No Shooting Area. (43 CFR 8365.1-6) It is illegal to possess and/or discharge fireworks. (43 CFR 8365.2-5(a)) On the ground, motorized vehicles should yield to non-motorized craft and aircraft. All persons, regardless of age, who operate an ATV on public lands must wear an approved safety helmet. (38505 CVC) Persons less than 14 years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian. (38504 CVC) Carrying passengers is prohibited on ATVs. (38506 CVC) The lakebed is closed to all users where wet or muddy. Any actions that result in surface disturbance or destruction are illegal. (43 CFR 8365.1-6) No person will operate an Off-Highway vehicle in a manner likely to cause unnecessary damage to land, wildlife, wildlife habitat, or vegetative resources. (38319 CVC) Joshua Trees are protected. It is prohibited to dig up, remove, or destroy any tree or shrub. Bring your own nail-free firewood. The desert tortoise is listed as a threatened species. Do not handle tortoises. They may lose water when frightened, risking death through dehydration. (CA F&G 5000) Camping on BLM lands is limited to 14 days. Camping is not allowed "in the open" on the lakebed, more than 100 feet away from the shore. It is unlawful to leave a campfire without extinguishing it. Campfire permits are required during periods of high fire danger. (43 CFR 9212.1) It is illegal to leave litter on public land. (43 CFR 4140.1 (b(6)) |
Location: Mojave Desert. Access: The El Mirage OHV riding area is located west of Adelanto, California, between US Highway 395 and the Los Angeles County line. Most visitors enter from US Highway 395 near Adelanto by taking Chamberlaine Way (formerly Crippen Avenue) west to Kiowa Road. Turn right on Kiowa Road and follow the signs toward the town of El Mirage. At El Mirage Road, turn left. Just east of the town of El Mirage, take Mountain View Road (gravel) north to enter the El Mirage OHV Recreation Area. A sign located at this intersection will direct you to the recreation area. Activities: Most visitors ride motorcycles, ATVs, or tour in four-wheel drive vehicles. There is a road network in place so visitors may camp in most sections of El Mirage. This area is also used extensively for competitive racing events and commercial filming by permit. El Mirage's unique flat lakebed is a destination for many visitors. There is ultra-light and other aircraft activity that would not usually be found in other riding areas. There are several opportunities for hiking, rock scrambling, rock hounding, and wildlife watching. El Mirage has desert tortoises, a state and federally-listed threatened species. Comments: The El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is located in the Mojave Desert on the western edge of San Bernardino County near the Los Angeles County Line. This Off-Highway vehicle riding area attracts a variety of activities. The areas of interest include El Mirage Dry Lakebed, the Shadow Mountains, El Mirage Basin, and the Twin Hills area. This make up a 24,000 acre project area of public and private land. Elevations range from about 2,800 feet at the El Mirage Dry Lake to more than 3,800 feet in the Shadow Mountains. During summer months, temperatures can reach a high of 120 degrees F. Summer thunderstorms can come with spectacular force, although most of the minimal precipitation falls during winter months. Winter lows can fall to 5 degrees F. at night, with highs in the 60 to 70 degree F. range during the day. Spring and Fall temperatures are moderate and fall between these extremes. Managing Agency: US Bureau of Land Management Fees: No fees collected at this time (January 2004) |
|
The information on this page is generally reliable but not guaranteed, so use this guide for reference only. Since road and trail conditions are subject to constant change, use this information at your own risk. Be sure your insurance is up to date and carry all necessary supplies. |