7 Awesome OHV Areas for Desert Riding in the US Southwest

Last Updated on December 17, 2023

Looking for an adrenaline fix? We’re spotlighting seven top-notch off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas in the US Southwest. These locations offer a mix of stunning landscapes, varied terrains, and challenges for all skill levels.

Experience the thrill of the ride in these OHV areas. Picture the sun setting over the desert, your engine’s roar echoing off the dunes. It’s more than a ride, it’s a journey into the wild.

The OHV community is all about shared experiences. From swapping stories around a campfire to challenging each other on the dunes, it’s these moments that make the ride worthwhile.

So, strap in, rev up, and prepare for an unforgettable desert adventure. Your next thrill ride is waiting.

Ready? Here’s seven of the best locations to go desert riding in the US southwest:

Spangler Hills OHV Area (California)

Located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, Spangler Hills OHV Area is a popular destination for riders who love cross country play, trail riding, and advanced technical routes. You can explore over 57,000 acres of open riding area, with trails ranging from easy to extreme. You’ll also find some open bowls and steep dunes to test your skills and speed.

Spangler Hills OHV Area is a great place to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the desert. You can see various plants and animals, such as Joshua trees, cacti, lizards, and rabbits. You can also spot some historic landmarks, such as old mines, cabins, and railroad tracks. You might even encounter some ghost towns, where you can learn about the history and culture of the area.

Spangler Hills OHV Area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to May, when the temperatures are cooler and the wildflowers are in bloom. You can camp for free at the designated staging areas, which have vault toilets and fire rings. Just make sure to bring enough water, food, and gas, as there are no services nearby.

Things to know

• Location: Spangler Hills OHV Area, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
• Riding Area: 57,000 acres
• Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, free camping
• Price: Free

Logandale Trails System (Nevada)

If you want to experience the quintessential Nevada desert, look no further than Logandale Trails System. This OHV area is adjacent to the Valley of Fire State Park, near Logandale and Overton, Nevada. You can ride right from town onto the trails, which cover over 200 miles of sandy washes, rocky hills, and red cliffs.

Logandale Trails System offers a wide variety of riding opportunities, from scenic loops to challenging obstacles. You’ll find 500-foot drops, 200-foot climbs, and incredible rock staircases to navigate. You’ll also enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, which is rich in history and wildlife.

Logandale Trails System is also a popular spot for other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, camping, and rock climbing. You can visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the Lost City Museum, the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You can also join some of the events and festivals that take place in the area, such as the Logandale Fall Festival, the Clark County Fair and Rodeo, and the Hump-N-Bump Off-Road Rally.

Logandale Trails System is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from September to May, when the weather is mild and pleasant. You can camp for free at the main staging area, which has restrooms, picnic tables, and shade ramadas. You can also find lodging, restaurants, and gas stations in the nearby towns.

Things to know

• Location: Logandale Trails System, Logandale, NV 89021
• Riding Area: 200 miles of trails
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, shade ramadas, free camping
• Price: Free

Stoddard Valley OHV Area (California)

Another great spot for desert riding in Southern California is Stoddard Valley OHV Area. This place offers a diverse landscape for off-road enthusiasts, with rolling hills, open valleys, and steep mountains. You can ride on over 53,000 acres of public land, with trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts.

Stoddard Valley OHV Area is a fun place to ride any time of the year, but the best time to visit is from October to April, when the temperatures are moderate and the desert is green. You can camp for free anywhere within the OHV area, as long as you stay within 300 feet of a road or trail. There are no facilities or services in the area, so you’ll need to bring everything you need for your trip.

Stoddard Valley OHV Area is also a good place to experience some of the natural and cultural wonders of the region. You can see some of the unique rock formations, such as the Rainbow Basin and the Owl Canyon. You can also visit some of the historic sites, such as the Calico Ghost Town, the Route 66 Museum, and the Mojave River Valley Museum. You can also enjoy some of the local events and activities, such as the Stoddard Days, the Barstow Rodeo, and the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association.

Things to know

• Location: Stoddard Valley OHV Area, Barstow, CA 92311
• Riding Area: 53,000 acres
• Amenities: None
• Price: Free

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (California)

If you’re looking for the ultimate sand dune experience, you can’t miss the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area in Southern California. This is the largest mass of sand dunes in the state, stretching for more than 40 miles along the Mexican border. You can ride on over 160,000 acres of golden sand, with dunes reaching up to 300 feet high.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is a paradise for sand lovers, offering endless opportunities for jumping, racing, and cruising. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the desert and the mountains, as well as the wildlife and plants that thrive in this harsh environment. You might even recognize some of the scenes from movies and TV shows, such as Star Wars, Dune, and The Scorpion King.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to May, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. You can camp for a fee at the designated areas, which have restrooms, showers, and dump stations. You can also find vendors, shops, and services in the nearby towns of Glamis, Brawley, and Yuma.

Things to know

• Location: Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Glamis, CA 92283
• Riding Area: 160,000 acres
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, dump stations, fee camping
• Price: $35 per week or $150 per season

Moab (Utah)

If you want to experience some of the most scenic and challenging trails in the country, you should head to Moab, Utah. This is the mecca of off-road adventure, with hundreds of miles of trails for all types of vehicles and skill levels. You can ride on slickrock, sand, dirt, and rocks, with obstacles ranging from mild to wild.

Moab is famous for its red rock formations, canyons, arches, and mesas, which create a stunning backdrop for your riding. You can also explore the rich history and culture of the area, from ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks, to pioneer cabins and mining ruins. You can also visit some of the nearby national parks, such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

Moab is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from March to May and from September to November, when the temperatures are moderate and the colors are vibrant. You can camp for free or for a fee at various locations, which may have restrooms, water, and fire pits. You can also find lodging, restaurants, and shops in the town of Moab.

Things to know

• Location: Moab, UT 84532
• Riding Area: Hundreds of miles of trails
• Amenities: Varies by location, free or fee camping
• Price: Free or $5 per day

Ocotillo Wells SVRA (California)

If you want to have some fun in the sun, you should check out Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area in Southern California. This is a 85,000-acre playground for off-road enthusiasts, with a variety of terrain and features to enjoy. You can ride on sand dunes, washes, badlands, hills, and valleys, with natural and man-made obstacles to challenge you.

Ocotillo Wells SVRA is a family-friendly place, with something for everyone. You can find easy trails for beginners, technical trails for experts, and open areas for freestyle riding. You can also discover some of the natural and historical wonders of the area, such as fossils, springs, mines, and cabins. You can also join some of the events and activities that take place in the area, such as the Desert Safari, the Truckhaven Challenge, and the Halloween Bash.

Ocotillo Wells SVRA is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to May, when the weather is cooler and the wildflowers are in bloom. You can camp for free anywhere within the park boundaries, as long as you stay within 300 feet of a road or trail. There are no facilities or services in the park, so you’ll need to bring everything you need for your trip.

Things to know

• Location: Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
• Riding Area: 85,000 acres
• Amenities: None
• Price: Free

Boulders OHV Staging Area (Arizona)

If you’re looking for a vast and varied OHV area near Phoenix, you might want to try the Boulders OHV Staging Area. This place is part of the Lake Pleasant/Hieroglyphic Mountain OHV recreation area, which showcases a motorized off-highway route system in the scenic Upper Sonoran desert landscape. You can ride on over 200 miles of trails, with sand washes, rocky hills, and mountain climbs.

Boulders OHV Staging Area is a fun and accessible place for riders of all levels, with easy to extreme trails and open play areas. You can also enjoy the views of the desert flora and fauna, such as saguaro cacti, desert tortoises, and coyotes. You can also visit some of the historic sites, such as old windmills, corrals, and mines.

Boulders OHV Staging Area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and the wildflowers are in bloom. You can camp for free at the main staging area, which has restrooms, picnic tables, and shade ramadas. You can also find gas stations and convenience stores in the nearby town of Morristown.

Things to know

• Location: Boulders OHV Staging Area, Peoria, AZ 85383
• Riding Area: 200 miles of trails
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, shade ramadas, free camping
• Price: Free

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