Working for a company in California and having a passion for off road dirt bike riding lead us (myself and a group of co-workers) to the Mojave desert to what was later learned to be a pinnacle of off road adventures in North America. Over the course of several years we made five trips to this area to explore what could be seen on a dirt bike.
Our first trip was to Jawbone Canyon. This allowed us an introduction to what this region had to offer as far as off road riding. (Map Attached)
We spent three days exploring Jawbone Canyon and Dove Springs riding areas.
Randsburg, CA
Our second trip that we made to the desert for riding was to Randsburg, CA. Randsburg is a living ghost town about 25 miles east of Jawbone Canyon and 25 miles south of Ridgecrest.
Randsburg charm is evident as enter the city. Randsburg is home to less that 100 people whom we got to know a little bit more socializing with them at the local watering hole over the next couple of years. As you drive down the main street you get a feeling of what is was like 100 years ago.
Walt Bickel Gold Camp
On this visit to the desert we spent time exploring the Randsburg area. This consists of three different riding areas. Red Mountain, El Paso Mountains and Spangler Hills OHV Area.
One of the stops along the way was the Walt Bickel Gold Camp. It is an interesting place that shows up out of nowhere in the middle of the El Paso Mountains.
Burro Schimdt Cabin and Tunnel
The next stop on the way back to Randsburg was the Burro Schmidt Cabin and Tunnel. This is another interesting place to visit when you get the chance.
Husky Memorial
Another ride took us southeast of Randsburg to the Husky Monument.
Trona Pinnicles
The Trona Pinnicles is a highlight to see in this this area of the desert. The landscape is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is like you are on another planet. The spires that come out of the earth are a spectatular sight making is a popular place to film Hollywood movies like Planet of The Apes and Startrek V The Final Frontier.
