Stoddard Valley OHV Area: Mojave Miles of Open Desert

February 17, 2026

The First Run

Stoddard Valley smacks you with pure Mojave energy the second you drop off the pavement. Out here, the desert just keeps going— desert flats, rocky ridges, and sandy washes twisting through the wild. This is open-range riding, no groomed trails, no easy outs. You pick your line and send it. Riders show up for the freedom, the speed, and the wild terrain that changes every time the wind blows. Dirt bikes rip the washes, SxS crews blast long loops, and 4x4s crawl up the rocky climbs toward the Stoddard Mountains. It’s 53,000 acres of no fences, no gates, and no one holding your hand—just you, your crew, and the kind of desert that doesn’t care if you’re a rookie or a pro. Stoddard’s got a reputation for being tough, wide open, and real, and it lives up to every bit of it.

The Dirt: Why We Rip Here

The east side is where Stoddard really tests you—steep, rocky climbs and loose shale that’ll make you work for every foot. The Stoddard Mountains don’t give out easy wins.
Most folks chase the sandy washes running through the middle—dirt bikes and SxS crews love to rip those long, winding lines. Every storm, every season, the washes shift and keep you guessing.
The southern flats are a surprise—wide open and forgiving, perfect for new riders to get their feet wet and still feel like they’re deep in the desert.
Riders talk about the intermediate hills west of the Slash X entrance—rolling terrain with mixed sand and rock that keeps you thinking without beating you up.
Wide-open valleys are made for high-speed runs, especially early before the wind picks up. With those long sightlines, it feels like you could ride forever.
Weather rules your ride out here. Summer heat bakes the ground solid, winter storms cut new ruts, and the wind can turn a perfect line into a sand-blasted mess in no time.
What catches people off guard is the mine shafts scattered across the area. They’re deep, unmarked, and absolutely not something you want to stumble into at speed.

Basecamp: Facilities & Camping

Primitive camping sits anywhere you decide to drop your gear, as long as you’re not blocking a road. It’s true dispersed camping—no pads, no hookups, no amenities.
RVs roll in and set up wherever it’s flat, but you’re on your own for water, power, and shade. Bring everything you need to stay comfortable.
The staging area tends to be wherever riders choose to meet up—open desert means you can prep your machine almost anywhere. Most folks stage near the main access roads for convenience.
Showers and bathrooms No showers, no bathrooms—this is BLM land, so you’re on your own for water, trash, toilets, the whole deal. the whole feel of the desert, but Stoddard doesn’t have official lighting or patrols. Most riders wrap up before dark unless they’re fully prepared for nighttime desert navigation.
You’ll only see concessions during big events or races. Most weekends, it’s just you, your cooler, and whatever you brought from home.
What sets Stoddard apart? Total freedom. No campsites, no reservations, no noise rules except don’t be a jerk. This is as open as desert camping gets.

The Damage

Stoddard is wide-open BLM land—no gates, no staff, no backup. You’ve got to bring everything for a self-supported desert run.
Here’s what you need to have on hand:

Water—lots of it. The Mojave heat drains you fast, and there’s no potable water anywhere in the riding area.
Fuel and extra fuel. Long loops and soft sand burn more gas than you expect.
Shade and sun protection. There are no trees, no structures, and no natural cover.
Navigation tools. No marked trails, no maps on‑site, and cell service can be spotty.
Recovery gear. Sand, rock, and wind mean getting stuck is part of the deal.
Tools and spare parts. Flats are common, and sharp rock doesn’t care how new your tires are.
Trash bags. Pack out everything—there’s no trash service.

This is the real deal—open-access desert riding with no fees, no gates, no amenities, and zero safety net.

Trail Rules & Safety

Helmets are a must for ATVs and just plain smart for everyone. This terrain doesn’t forgive, and one mistake can mean a long, hot walk back.
Spark arrestors are required on every machine, and BLM checks hard when it’s dry. Fire danger is real out here.
Keep the beers in camp. The desert needs your full focus, especially with the speed and wild visibility shifts.
Let loose on the trails, but keep your head on a swivel. Washes, ridges, and flats all mix riders and machines at every speed.
Pets are allowed, Pets are welcome, but the desert is brutal. Keep them leashed and watch out for heat, cactus, and critters.in the riding area, and pallets or firewood with nails are prohibited. Sharp debris destroys tires and wildlife habitat.
Heat and dehydration are your biggest enemies. Pack more water than you think you’ll need, and don’t let the wind fool you—it’ll dry you out fast.
Mine shafts are scattered across the area and can be deadly. Stay clear of any depressions, fenced zones, or suspicious openings.

Final Throttle

Stoddard Valley is what open BLM land is all about. No marked loops, no fences—just miles of raw Mojave waiting for you to carve your own line. Rocky climbs, sandy washes, wide-open valleys—there’s a spot for every rider, whether you’re chasing speed or picking through the tough stuff. The crew out here knows how to respect the land and watch each other’s backs, because this place doesn’t hand out easy days. You’ll leave feeling like you wrung every last drop out of the desert, and that’s what makes Stoddard stick with you.

The Specs

Official Park Website:
Official Park Facebook
Phone: BLM Barstow Field Office – (760) 252‑6000
Location: Stoddard Wells Rd, Barstow, CA -

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.

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