Oh Look, Joshua Trees

Trail Overview

This is a fun loop through the hills featuring sandy washes, a steep rocky hill climb or descent (depending on the direction you travel), lots of terrain changes, and of course, Joshua trees. As you crest the hills, you will have killer views, and you might see a desert fox and birds of prey. There are lots of sharp rocks, too. You'll find two bars of LTE on the higher ground spots, but no service in the sandy washes. Temperatures could exceed 100 degrees in the summertime; be sure to plan accordingly.

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Difficulty

Deep sandy washes and sharp rocks could cause tire damage, and there is one very steep and technical climb or descent depending on the direction taken by the rider.

History

From the BLM website: Located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, Stoddard Valley OHV Recreation Area offers a diverse landscape for off-highway vehicle recreation. It is characterized by steep rocky mountains, rolling hills, open valleys, and winding sandy washes. Most area visitors ride motorcycles or ATV/UTVs or tour the area in four-wheel-drive vehicles. The eastern portions of the area and the Stoddard Mountains are considered the most challenging places in the park to ride. The broad expanse of the central valley and southern portions are for the novice and are used to improve the skill of the rider. There are areas to the west of the Slash X entrance that become a challenge for the intermediate rider. This 53,000-acre open riding area will offer a challenge to every degree of expertise and type of vehicle from the motocross racers to the beginning Quad rider. Four-wheel drive clubs offer events in this area because it has a diverse landscape and a riding experience for everyone. Know before you go: The desert tortoise, a state and federally-listed threatened species, is found within the riding area. Deep mine shafts exist in the riding area! Please avoid these areas and stay away from mine shafts! Out-of-State Vehicles: OHV users must comply with all California rules and regulations governing Off-Highway vehicles. Please see below for a partial list of key regulations and visit the California OHV Page for more information. Weather: The area is hot and arid, with summer high temperatures ranging from 100 to 120 degrees F. Winter low temperatures may drop below freezing with highs in the 70s. Typical of the desert, winds are frequent and strong, and humidity is generally low. Off-Highway Vehicle Use: The following partial list of regulations and tips should help OHV users and other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of these public lands. OHVs owned by California residents must be registered with the California DMV and must display a valid "Green Sticker" or "Red Sticker". If you are not a resident of California and your OHV is not registered in your home state, you are required to have a non-resident Green Sticker OHV permit. On the ground, motorized vehicles should yield to non-motorized craft and aircraft. OHVs must be equipped with an approved muffler, brakes, and spark arrester. It is illegal for anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to operate an OHV. It is illegal to bring, dispose of, or possess any glass container, empty or not, within the open area. It is illegal to bring, dispose of, or possess any firewood containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware within the open area. No pallets! It is illegal to possess and/or discharge fireworks. Persons on an ATV under 14 years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian. All persons regardless of age, who operate an ATV on Public Lands must wear an approved safety helmet; carrying passengers is prohibited on ATVs; remember--safety first, every ride, every time! Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area that does not block travel on a road but is limited to a maximum of a 14-day stay. Enjoy your stay! Burning of tires, magnesium, wires, petroleum products, or any other hazardous or explosive material is prohibited. Pack it in, pack it out. There is no trash collection provided at Stoddard OHV Recreation Area. Draining of holding tanks, littering, and trash dumping is prohibited. Please take your trash with you.

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