The Ultimate Off-Road Guide for El Mirage

You’ll find El Mirage OHV area in the Mojave Desert on the western edge of San Bernardino County near the LA County Line. It welcomes all off-road vehicles and other amenities that will make your trip more enjoyable. Riders typically spend their whole day here because of how many different trails you can find yourself at. Points of interest that are common here are the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, the Shadow Mountains, the El Mirage Basin, and the Twin Hills. We’ll give you the rundown on El Mirage!

About:

How to get to El Mirage?

Leaving from Bert’s Mega Mall:

Head North up Azusa Ave. Get on I-210 E from N Azusa Ave.
Merge on I-210 E
Take Exit 64A towards Barstow
Merge onto I-15 N
Take Exit 131 for CA-138 toward Palmdale/Silverwood Lake
Continue on CA-138 W. Take Sheep Creek Rd and El Mirage Rd to Verano Dr

The trip is roughly about 77 miles (1 hr. 30 min.) There are other routes to arrive but are 20-30 miles more. Be sure to stay on marked roads.

Where to camp?

Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area as long as it does not block travel on a road and within 100 feet from the edge of the El Mirage Dry Lake. There is a 14-day stay limit. There is no fee to camp here and hundreds of miles to camp in. Camping can be made easy with a tent or also a trailer. Campfires are allowed during fire season but permits are required.

Rules and regulations:

Alike other state-regulated parks there are rules you must follow, failure to obey rules and laws may result in unwanted consequences that can ruin your trip. If you are an active outdoor power sports enthusiast then these will be very familiar to you. You must carry your registration at all times and have current green stickers and red stickers from Oct. 1st to Apr. 30th. Stay on posted routes, you do not want to cross into private property and be cited. Off-road vehicles must have spark arrestors and mufflers. There is no shooting allowed here. ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, dirt bikes, and motorcycles are all allowed here. If you encounter a desert tortoise, do not touch, it is a federally protected species.

Terrain:

The terrain in this area is mostly hard-packed dirt and is perfect for dirt bike riders. You can find some sand areas, and you will most likely be covered in dust all day. Plants and bushes are all over the place in some areas and you will encounter Joshua Trees. Temperatures will range throughout the seasons, they can reach 120 degrees in the summer and as low as 5 degrees at night in the winter. The lake bed can become closed when it is wet or muddy. Elevation will also range from 2,800 feet at the El Mirage Dry Lake to over 3,800 feet in the Shadow Mountains.

What to do:

El Mirage Dry Lake:

The El Mirage Dry Lakebed is a very popular spot for riders. Silt and clay are deposited into this basin during periods of heavy rain the once it dries, a hardpan dry lakebed is left. Leaving a hard-packed, but smooth surface perfect for many different activities. This open space is ideal for those who want to go fast. There is no speed limit at this dry lakebed however, drivers are still responsible for their own safety, OHV rules and regulations, and knowing what is going on around them. The maximum speed limit is 15 miles per hour within 50 feet of camps and staging areas. It is a great spot to spend the day and ride around with friends and family.

Shadow Mountains:

Shadow Mountains are a group of uniquely eroded igneous peaks that border the northern edge of the riding area. The terrain you can find here will be for more advanced riders as it is hard riding terrain and could be a challenge for a more experienced rider. The canyons in these mountains make excellent camping areas, offering seclusion for the four-wheel-drive camper.

El Mirage Basin:

The El Mirage Basin is in-between the El Mirage Dry Lakebed and Shadow Mountains. It is a creosote brush-covered area crossed by deep dry washes. The Basin in a more popular area where off-road riders come to play. Many riders and motorcycle clubs stage participate in competitive races. The terrain here is great for beginners or someone who is looking for easy terrain. Visibility might be a little challenge due to the six to ten-foot-tall creosote brush. There are secluded areas perfect for camping. Also, watch for open mine shafts in these areas.

Twin Hills:

You can find the Twin Hills area on the east side of the riding area between the Shadow Mountains and the U.S 395. Another great flat basin is good for some light riding activities. Camping in this area might be a little more difficult because the road is tough for a motorhome or trailer to try and get through. There is unmarked access from U.S. 395, which is used occasionally by those familiar with the area.

SCTA El Mirage Races:

For over 50 years, El Mirage has been the location for Land Speed Racing. Their events are wonderful for families and friends to join together for fun and the excitement that always follows Land Speed Racing. There are four (4) one day races per year, June/July/Sep/Oct and two (2) two-day races in May/November. Spectators are required to stay behind the barricades, where they will have an excellent, but the safe view of the operational area. This is a great reason to be out at El Mirage. You could do a riding trip and race watching trip all in one!

Trike Buggy:

The Trike Buggy is a Powered Paragliding Trike. They’re very popular and the company Trike Buggy has two trikes to offer. TrikeBuggy is quite simply a microlight aircraft made for solo use utilizing a PPG motor attached to a Stainless Steel Kite Buggy with our unique frame design and a paraglider wing to achieve flight. It is extremely comfortable and easy to use personal aircraft that is just plain fun to fly!

Ready to Ride?

As you can tell El Mirage welcomes all off-road vehicles and other amenities that will make your trip more enjoyable. Riders can spend their whole day here because of how many different trails you can find yourself at. You can choose to ride or be a spectator and have equal amounts of fun. You can also spend the day trying out the unique Trike Buggy. Make sure to put El Mirage down on your trips for the upcoming year.

-The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Jawbone Canyon, CA

-The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Miller Canyon

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