Johnson Valley OHV Area Open Desert

Johnson Valley spreads 188,000 acres of wide-open Mojave Desert where the only rules are basic desert courtesy and not getting stuck alone. This is where King of the Hammers ultra4 racing happens every February, leaving behind gnarly rock sections like Aftershock, Chocolate Thunder, and Back Door that separate pretenders from contenders. The terrain ranges from smooth high-speed washes perfect for overlanding to technical granite boulder gardens that’ll test every inch of suspension travel.

Difficulty varies wildly depending on which trails you choose—families cruise the main washes while hardcore rock crawlers tackle the competition courses. Any high-clearance vehicle works for basic exploring, but serious technical sections demand built rigs with lockers and armor. Open year-round but brutally hot May through September. No permits needed, but bring everything including water, fuel, and recovery gear. Cell service exists near the main camping areas but fades fast in the backcountry. This is raw desert freedom at its finest.