King of the Hammers throttles up for the weekend; expect increased traffic on and off-road
The world famous King of the Hammers ramps up Thursday (January 29) and continues through February 7. The internationally recognized off-road rock crawl and race series draws thousands of participants and viewers from all over the United States
It takes place in the Johnson Valley OHV area, North of Joshua Tree and out near Landers.
Approximately 81,000 acres of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area will be closed during the event, while 46,000 acres remain open to the public. The BLM approved a five-year closure for 10 days annually through 2027. During closures, the area is reserved exclusively for registered race participants, spectators, and officials.
The Morongo Basin California Highway Patrol, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management, California State Parks and Morongo Basin Ambulance will be stepping up patrols to provide increased enforcement and assistance in our area.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said, “I would like to remind all race fans to behave responsibly, fireworks are prohibited, and most importantly have fun and enjoy the sport of off-road racing with your family.”
The Sheriff’s Department also wants to remind attendees that DUI still applies to off-road vehicles. They remind everyone to pack it in and pack it out.
The CHP asks anyone who will be attending the races or just passing through, make sure you keep your eyes open for slowing/stopping large trucks with trailers and off-road vehicles.
As a reminder, the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area will be temporarily closed to the public on February 12 to the 26 for Marine Corps Training.
