The Lakebed is closed when wet to protect its surface from being damaged.
Please help preserve the playa’s surface by staying off the Lakebed when closed!
FOEM is now Hiring!
Love working outside? Love off-roading?
Come be a part of the team that maintains the 27,000-acre El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area!
Take a look at our job openings HERE.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Friends of El Mirage News
BLM Issues OHV Route Closures in West Mojave Desert
In response to a federal court order it receive in January 2026, the BLM has closed approximately 2,200 miles of OHV routes in designated Desert
G26 California OHV Grant Applications – Public Review and Comment
2026 California OHV Grant Application – G26 Public Review The Friends of El Mirage is inviting the public to comment on its preliminary grant applications
BLM Issues OHV Route Closures in West Mojave Desert
In response to a federal court order it receive in January 2026, the BLM has closed approximately 2,200 miles of OHV routes in designated Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat in the western Mojave Desert for OHV Recreation. In the greater Jawbone region OHV routes to be closed are in the Rand Mountains, Red Mountain area, Cuddeback Lake, and Kramer Hills. In the Barstow region, OHV routes to be closed…
General Information
You can reach the Friends of El Mirage by calling (760) 678-0808 for information about lakebed conditions and cost of entry. Our hours are from 8:00am – 4:30pm, 7 days a week. Closed for lunch: 12:00pm – 12:30pm.
You can visit the El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Area at 20471 Mountain View Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301, by turning in from El Mirage Road
Download the current El Mirage OHV Area Visitor Map:
English – PDF
Español – PDF
The nearest BLM Law Enforcement Ranger can be contacted by calling the Federal Interagency Communication Center (FICC) (909) 383-5651 or (888) 233-6518.
For day-to-day information, follow Friends of El Mirage on Facebook for more information, updates, and lakebed closures.
Permit kiosks are available to the public but DO NOT give change.
Our Visitor Center staff members are available to sell passes during business hours.
Se habla Español.
The Friends of El Mirage hosts monthly stakeholder meetings on the second Tuesday of every month. See our meetings page for more information.
Due to the nature of recreational activities in the area, El Mirage does not accept Veterans, Senior, Adventure or National Park Passes.
72°F
In response to a federal court order it receive in January 2026, the BLM has closed approximately 2,200 miles of OHV routes in designated Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat in the western Mojave Desert for OHV Recreation. In the greater Jawbone region OHV routes to be closed are in the Rand Mountains, Red Mountain area, Cuddeback Lake, and Kramer Hills. In the Barstow region, OHV routes to be closed…
Buy Passes at Recreation.gov or the Visitor Center
Vehicle Entry Permits
Each vehicle driven into the area will be required to have a Daily, Weekly, or Season pass (valid from Oct. 1st to Sep. 30th).
Daily passes are valid from the day of purchase until NOON the following day. You can purchase a pass at recreation.gov, or from the staff at the Visitor Center, or from the kiosk when the Visitor Center is closed.
El Mirage does not accept Veterans, Senior, Adventure, or National Park Passes due to the recreational activities that are operated in this area.
A separate permit is NOT required for any vehicles towed into the area. However, if a towed vehicle is later driven in or out of the area, a permit will be required. More information can be found here.
NO Drifting or Donuts on the Lakebed!
Drifting and donuts are PROHIBITED on the El Mirage Dry Lakebed.
You can be fined if you are caught drifting or doing donuts. When vehicles drift or perform donuts on the lakebed, it damages the surface, creating dangerous conditions for those traveling at high speeds, or operating vehicles that depend on smooth surfaces.
Other Permits
Commercial Filming and Photography Permit
For Commercial Filming and Photography permits, please contact Dan Taylor by phone at: (909) 300-5648, Mobile: (951) 415-9600 or using www.IEfilmpermits.com – with the San Bernardino County Film Commission.
Please allow 7-10 days for permit approval.
If you do not have a permit or permission from Dan Taylor you will not be allowed to film in the El Mirage OHV Recreation Area and will be considered a trespasser on Federal property.
Friends of El Mirage
Support/Develop Projects to Protect/Maintain Trails and the Lakebed For All Users.
