Listen here:
Reporter’s Note: A reader pointed out that I don’t make the clear distinction that not all BLM land is open to OHV riding – an important point. The BLM land referenced in this article is designated for off-road use, but each area that the BLM manages has different regulations for its use by the public. Please check the laws and regulations for any public lands before visiting them.
The King of the Motos begins today… the motorcycle-only races that precede the King of the Hammers events that start next weekend. Last year over 80,000 visitors came from all over the world and into the Johnson Valley OHV area to watch the private event held on our public lands.
It takes place on the Johnson Valley OHV area which is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, and is just one of the many off-highway vehicle lands reserved for off-road recreation here in Southern California.
BLM land isn’t exclusive to the western parts of the United States, but it’s where the majority of the land exists that the Federal Government owns, and in turn the BLM controls. These wide-open public lands exist throughout California, with the multiple areas in Southern California having particular significance to off-road enthusiasts.
OHV areas like Johnson Valley are popular for the varied landscapes that define the valley. Anderson dry lake allows for camping near the entrance, and for wide open riding during less busy times. Dry lakes turn to sandy roads and undulating trails that lead into the rocky hills that provide more technical riders a neverending playground amongst the rocks and boulders.
According to the BLM’s website, Johnson Valley has over 2000 feet in elevation variance. Melville Dry Lake is at a relatively low 2,300 feet while the Hartwell Hills – where the King of the Hammers tests rock crawlers from all over the United States – sits at over 4,600 feet.
Southern California has a long legacy of off-roading, both on 2 wheels and 4. Off road clubs and 4×4 builders have long used OHV areas in the Mojave desert like Stoddard Valley, Johnson Valley, El Mirage and the Imperial Sand Dunes to test themselves and their vehicles. Popular designs like the Meyers Manx dune buggy has its roots here in Southern California, and the first truly great Japanese 2-stroke Honda built carries the name Elsinore, named after the famous Lake Elsinore rally that had famous participants like James Garner and Steve McQueen kicking up dust alongside racers in the “run what you brung” outdoor rally.
Having space to responsibly recreate on wheeled-vehicles is a privilege and a public good – giving those of us who want to travel overland a place to do it without bringing noise and dust to residential areas. It also preserves a relatively new way of experiencing the vast amounts of public lands set aside for Americans to explore.
In some upcoming stories, we’ll take a look at some other public lands that the BLM manages here in the Morongo Basin like Sunfair Dry Lake, as well as other activities beyond off-roading allowed on BLM land.
