Johnson Valley OHV Network

This is where Ultra4 racing was born, and one lap through Johnson Valley’s 240,000 acres explains why. The Mojave Desert sprawl offers everything from wide-open hammer trails perfect for triple-digit runs to technical rock gardens that’ll humble any rig. Soggy Dry Lake serves as base camp for the annual King of the Hammers, but year-round this remains California’s premier open OHV area. The Chocolate Thunder section tests rock crawling skills, while the outer loops let you stretch your legs across classic desert terrain dotted with Joshua trees and granite boulder piles.

Stock vehicles are welcome on the easier trails, but the technical sections demand serious modifications — lockers, long travel, and armor are standard fare. Spring offers perfect weather and wildflower blooms, though any time outside summer works. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is encouraged throughout. Bring plenty of water, spare parts, and recovery gear — cell service is spotty and help is far away. This is raw desert wheeling at its finest, where you can push your rig’s limits without artificial constraints.