Directions
The triangular-shaped riding area is formed by Interstate 15 and California Highway 247 (Barstow Road), immediately south of Barstow. Most visitors access the area to the east, off Interstate 15 at the Outlet Center Drive Exit (Sidewinder Road) or at the Hodge Road Exit, to the south on I-15. From Barstow, take California Highway 247 (Barstow Road Exit from I-15) and go south 10 miles, turn either on Stoddard Wells Road or on to the access road behind the Slash-X Cafe. All entrances are dirt roads.
Phone
760-252-6000
Activities
AUTO TOURING, BIKING, CAMPING, HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, HUNTING, OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE, RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, WILDLIFE VIEWING, PHOTOGRAPHY
Camping Reservations
Reserve your campsite at these camping areas:
Hiking Trails
Looking for nice hiking areas to take a hike? Choose from these scenic hiking trails:
Related Link(s)
More California Recreation Areas
Overview
Most area visitors ride motorcycles or ATV/UTVs, or tour the area in four-wheel drive vehicles.
This area is used extensively for competition racing event by permit. There are many occasions for hiking, rock scrambling, rock hounding, plant viewing, bird and wildlife watching.
Know Before You Go
- The desert tortoise, a state and federally listed threatened species, are 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 regulation 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 70’s. 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
Camping is allowed anywhere with in 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. Thank you.
- NOTE: DEEP MINE SHAFTS EXIST IN THE RIDING AREA! PLEASE AVOID THESE AREAS AND STAY AWAY FROM MINE SHAFTS!
