Lakebed Closed Graphic

The Lakebed is closed when wet to protect its surface from being damaged.
Please help preserve the playa’s surface by staying off the Lakebed when closed!
For the latest updates on Lakebed Closures, please visit our Facebook page. 

General Information

You can reach the Friends of El Mirage by calling (760) 388-4411 for information about lakebed conditions and cost of entry. Our hours are from 8:00am – 4:30pm, 7 days a week. Closed for lunch: 12:00pm – 12:30pm.

You can visit the El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Area at 20471 Mountain View Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301, by turning in from El Mirage Road.

The nearest BLM Law Enforcement Ranger can be contacted by calling the Federal Interagency Communication Center (FICC) (909) 383-5651 or (888) 233-6518.

For day-to-day information, follow Friends of El Mirage on Facebook for more information, updates, and lakebed closures. 

Permit kiosks are available to the public but DO NOT give change.
Our Visitor Center staff members are available to sell passes during business hours.
Se habla Español.

The Friends of El Mirage hosts monthly stakeholder meetings on the second Tuesday of every month. See our meetings page for more information.

Due to the nature of recreational activities in the area, El Mirage does not accept Veterans, Senior, Adventure or National Park Passes.

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El Mirage, CA
El Mirage OHV Area
3:16 PM, Feb 18, 2025
temperature icon 64°F
overcast clouds
Humidity 25 %
Pressure 1016 mb
Wind 7 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 8 mph
Clouds Clouds: 95%
Visibility Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise Sunrise: 6:31 AM
Sunset Sunset: 5:35 PM

The Friends of El Mirage are Now Hiring!

Love working outside? Love off-roading?

Come be a part of the team that maintains the 27,000-acre El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area!

Take a look at our job openings HERE.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Friends of El Mirage News

Buy Passes at Recreation.gov or the Visitor Center

Vehicle Entry Permits
Each vehicle driven into the area will be required to have a Daily, Weekly, or Season pass (valid from Oct. 1st to Sep. 30th).

Daily passes are valid from the day of purchase until NOON the following day. You can purchase a pass at recreation.gov, or from the staff at the Visitor Center, or from the kiosk when the Visitor Center is closed.

El Mirage does not accept Veterans, Senior, Adventure, or National Park Passes due to the recreational activities that are operated in this area.

A separate permit is NOT required for any vehicles towed into the area. However, if a towed vehicle is later driven in or out of the area, a permit will be required. More information can be found here.

NO Drifting or Donuts on the Lakebed!

Please remember that drifting and donuts are PROHIBITED on the El Mirage Dry Lakebed.

Although the lakebed has some smooth areas, there are cracks, potholes, and whoops that are easily damaged by prohibited uses. You may travel straight as fast as you want, but you must slow down to turn in order to prevent damaging the lakebed surface. You can be fined if you are caught drifting or doing donuts. When vehicles drift or perform donuts on the lakebed, it damages the surface. This damage is exacerbated by rain and wind, creating dangerous conditions for those traveling at high speeds, or operating vehicles that depend on smooth surfaces.

Other Permits

Commercial Filming and Photography Permit

For Commercial Filming and Photography permits, please contact Dan Taylor by phone at: (909) 300-5648, Mobile: (951) 415-9600 or using www.IEfilmpermits.com – with the San Bernardino County Film Commission.

Please allow 7-10 days for permit approval.

If you do not have a permit or permission from Dan Taylor you will not be allowed to film in the El Mirage OHV Recreation Area and will be considered a trespasser on Federal property.

Cover for Friends of El Mirage
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Friends of El Mirage

Friends of El Mirage

Support/Develop Projects to Protect/Maintain Trails and the Lakebed For All Users.

6 hours ago

Friends of El Mirage
T.R.E.A.D. Tip: Brush up on your trail etiquette! -Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill.-On shared use trails, motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers and horses. -Slow down when sight lines are poor and keep an eye out for other recreationists on the trail. Find more etiquette tips at: hubs.li/Q036N2_W0Photo Credit: An Pham ... See MoreSee Less
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6 hours ago

Friends of El Mirage
Good morning from El Mirage OHV Recreation area.* THE LAKEBED IS CURRENTLY CLOSED**OHV trails and camping areas are all OPEN*Today: Mostly sunny with high near 63. Winds will be from the west to 9 mph with gusts as high as 17 mph.Tonight: Partly cloudy with a low around 41. Winds will be from the northeast to 5 mph with gusts as high as 10 mph. Have a safe day! ... See MoreSee Less
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