Where to Ride Around Barstow
Barstow is a handy base for desert riding, but the wide-open landscape can make it hard to tell where you may ride and where a route crosses a road, private property, or a closed area. This guide explains the main OHV options near Barstow, how to choose a ride, and what to check before unloading your ATV or UTV.
OHV riding areas near Barstow
Stoddard Valley OHV Area
Stoddard Valley is one of the main places to look when planning an OHV ride near Barstow. The BLM-managed area offers desert terrain for different kinds of riding, but it is not a prepared trail park with every route marked and maintained like a city street. Expect open desert, established routes, washes, and changing ground conditions. A beginner and an experienced rider may have very different days here depending on which terrain they choose.
Before heading out, identify the legal access point and the area’s boundaries on an official map. A track that appears to connect two routes on a phone screen might cross a closed area or leave public land. Use an agency map as your primary reference, and treat apps such as onX Offroad as a planning aid rather than proof that every visible track is open.
Stoddard Valley can work well for a group that wants room to explore, but that freedom comes with responsibility. Agree on a meeting point before the ride, keep the group together at trail junctions, and avoid following unfamiliar tracks simply because they look well used. For more general guidance on choosing riding destinations, see Where to Ride an OHV in California.
Calico Mountains and the Yermo area
The Calico Mountains and the desert near Yermo can look tempting when you are staying in Barstow, especially if you are already visiting the historic Calico area. Keep the distinction clear: a nearby attraction, scenic road, or visible track is not automatically an OHV riding route. Use current land-manager maps to confirm which roads are designated for your vehicle and which places are off limits.
This is a good area to plan as a route-following ride rather than an improvised wander. Check where your proposed route begins and ends, note any road crossings, and confirm whether the route is open to your ATV or UTV. If a map shows a route but its status is unclear, check with the responsible land agency before you unload.
Barstow-area desert routes can change in feel quickly. A broad track may narrow, become rocky, or lead into a wash where soft sand has collected. If your group includes new riders, choose a conservative route and make sure everyone knows how to stop, regroup, and turn around safely.
Hodge Road and other open-desert areas
Hodge Road and the surrounding desert are often mentioned by riders looking for places to explore between Barstow and the Mojave. The important part is not the name of a road or the presence of tire tracks; it is whether the exact place you intend to ride is open to OHVs and whether your route stays on land where riding is allowed.
Do not assume that a pullout, informal campsite, or existing track is an approved staging area. Before traveling, verify access, boundaries, closures, and any site-specific rules with the land manager. This is especially important where routes approach highways, rail corridors, private land, or other restricted areas.
If the route information you find is incomplete, choose a better-documented riding area instead of trying to figure it out after arrival. A little checking beforehand can prevent a frustrating trip back to the trailer, or a much more serious problem if a group rides into a closed or unsafe area.
Longer day trips from Barstow
If you have more time, you can consider riding areas farther from town, including Dumont Dunes or Johnson Valley. These are not substitutes for a quick local ride: travel time, riding conditions, access rules, and any required permits all need to be part of the plan. Check land-manager information before setting out, particularly if you are traveling for a weekend or an organized event.
Dumont Dunes is a designated dune-riding destination, so it calls for a different approach from a route ride near Barstow. Dune visibility, changing sand, traffic, and permit requirements all matter. Review California Dune Riding Areas and Dumont Dunes on a Holiday Weekend when comparing a dune trip with riding closer to town.
Johnson Valley is another distinct destination, known for varied terrain and high-profile off-road events. Check current access and closure information before you go, and avoid planning around an event weekend without confirming what areas are available. For a closer look at the timing considerations, read Riding Johnson Valley Outside Race Week.
How to choose a Barstow-area ride
Match the terrain to your group
Start with the least experienced rider, not the most confident one. A route that feels easy to a seasoned desert rider may be stressful for someone new to an ATV, unfamiliar with sand, or riding a machine that handles differently from what they are used to. Choose terrain that allows the group to travel at a comfortable pace and stop safely without blocking other riders.
Think about the vehicle, too. A compact ATV may manage narrow routes differently from a wide side-by-side, and a route that looks passable on a map may not offer enough room to turn around. Check the machine’s width against the route and any applicable restrictions. If you are taking a UTV, make sure its registration and identification requirements are in order; California OHV Registration for a UTV covers that part of trip preparation.
Be honest about the day’s goal. If the group wants an easy outing with frequent breaks, choose a shorter route near a known staging area. If you are aiming for a longer exploration, carry enough water, fuel, tools, and navigation backup to handle delays. A desert ride should not depend on everyone keeping perfect pace or every machine running without a hitch.
Compare the main options
| Riding option | Best fit | What to confirm before going |
|---|---|---|
| Stoddard Valley OHV Area | Riders looking for a major riding area near Barstow | Legal access, open boundaries, route conditions, and staging |
| Calico Mountains and Yermo area | Riders planning a route-based desert outing | Which roads are designated and whether access is open |
| Hodge Road surroundings | Riders considering dispersed desert routes | Exact land status, legal riding access, and safe staging |
| Dumont Dunes | Riders specifically seeking dune terrain | Permit requirements, access conditions, and dune safety |
| Johnson Valley | Riders planning a longer trip with varied terrain | Closures, event activity, route access, and current restrictions |
Use the table to narrow down your plans, then verify the details for your specific trip. “Near Barstow” can mean very different things in the desert: a short ride from a staging point, a long route across exposed terrain, or a drive to a separate riding destination.
Check maps and route status carefully
Use a current map from the agency that manages the land. Depending on the location, that may mean checking BLM route information or another land manager’s published map. California Trail Maps and Where to Get Them is a useful starting point for understanding what to look for.
A GPS app can help you see your position, follow a saved route, or find your way back to camp. onX Offroad can be useful for planning and navigation, but compare its information with agency maps and posted signs. Download maps before leaving reliable service, and carry a backup navigation option. Cell coverage should never be the only way your group can find its way back.
At the start of the ride, pay attention to posted signs and barriers. A digital map cannot tell you that a route has just been closed, that a gate is locked, or that conditions have changed since you planned the trip. If signs and your planned route do not agree, stop and reassess instead of riding around a barrier.
Prepare for desert conditions and local rules
Plan for heat, wind, and changing ground
Desert weather can turn a pleasant ride into a tiring one surprisingly quickly. Carry more water than you expect to need, and set a pace that gives riders time to rest. Plan regular check-ins, especially if someone is new to the group or riding alone within sight of the others. If heat, wind, dust, or visibility begins to affect safe riding, shorten the trip or return to camp.
The ground can be just as demanding. Loose sand, rocks, ruts, and wash crossings may slow the group or require a change of route. Avoid riding into a wash or over a rise if you cannot see what is ahead. Leave extra space between vehicles so that dust does not hide hazards, and stop in a safe place if the group becomes separated.
After rain, do not assume that a familiar route is in its usual condition. Mud, erosion, debris, and damage to roads can make a route difficult or unsafe. Check for closures before leaving and be willing to change plans. California OHV Areas After a Storm offers more guidance on making that call.
Bring the right equipment and documents
Before departure, check the machine, not just the trailer. Inspect tires, brakes, throttle, steering, lights, belts where applicable, and fuel. Carry basic tools and supplies suited to your vehicle, along with a first-aid kit, drinking water, and a way to communicate when phone service is unavailable. Tell someone who is not riding with you where you plan to go and when you expect to return.
Make sure your ATV or UTV has the required identification and registration for the place where you will ride. Keep required paperwork accessible, and secure any loose items before driving across rough terrain. If you are bringing a dirt bike rather than a quad or UTV, review California OHV Registration for a Dirt Bike so you can check the relevant requirements for that machine.
Some public-land riding also requires specific equipment. California has rules concerning spark arresters in applicable areas, so check the requirements for your location and machine before leaving. California Spark Arrester Rules explains why this equipment matters and what riders should verify.
Ride considerately and protect the area
Stay on routes and within areas that are open to your vehicle. Riding off designated routes can damage vegetation and soil, disturb wildlife, and create new tracks that other riders may mistakenly treat as legal. Avoid private property, closed routes, and places where a sign or barrier says access is prohibited.
Keep speed under control around other riders, camps, and road crossings. Slow down when approaching a blind rise or intersection, and do not assume that another driver can see you through a cloud of dust. If you are riding in a group, designate a lead rider and a sweep rider, and decide how you will handle a breakdown or separation before it happens.
Good preparation is what makes a Barstow desert ride feel like an adventure rather than a string of avoidable problems. Choose a suitable area, confirm the route and access, bring what you need, and be ready to turn around when conditions are not right.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
