El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area, located on the western edge of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California, is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Encompassing over 27,000 acres of public and private land, the area is renowned for its unique terrain, including the expansive El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, the rugged Shadow Mountains, and the Twin Hills.
This OHV playground supports a diverse range of activities, from off-road vehicle adventures to land yachting, ultralight aviation, and even film production, making it a dynamic and versatile destination for all types of visitors.
Destination Details
Management
Bureau of Land Management (Barstow Field Office), Friend of El Mirage
Getting to El Mirage OHV Recreation Area
From Adelanto:
- Take US Highway 395 south and turn west onto Chamberlaine Way (formerly Crippen Avenue).
- Follow Chamberlaine Way to Koala Road, turn right, and follow signs toward El Mirage.
- Turn left on El Mirage Road, then take Mountain View Road north to the entrance.
From Palmdale:
- Head east on Palmdale Boulevard and turn left onto 240th Street.
- Turn right onto Avenue P, which becomes El Mirage Road after crossing the San Bernardino County line.
- Follow El Mirage Road to Mountain View Road and turn north to enter the recreation area.
Important Notes
Passes are required for all vehicles entering the area and can be purchased at the Visitor Center, on-site fee machines, or the Barstow Field Office. Exact change is required for fee machines, and federal passes are not accepted.
Destination Overview
El Mirage OHV Recreation Area offers a dynamic landscape perfect for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. The centerpiece of the area, the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, is an expansive, flat playa popular for high-speed OHV driving, land yachting, and even model rocket launches. Surrounding features, including the Shadow Mountains and Twin Hills, provide more rugged terrain for technical off-road challenges.
The area's versatility extends beyond recreation, as it serves as a filming location for major Hollywood productions and supports unique activities like gyrocopter flights and parasailing. Visitors can also take advantage of camping opportunities and the ATV technical course for skill building.
The climate is typical of the Mojave Desert, with mild winters and scorching summers, making cooler months the ideal time to visit. Whether you're an adrenaline seeker, aviation enthusiast, or simply someone looking for the unique tranquility of the desert, El Mirage offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
