The Spangler Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area (OHVA), located in the Western Mojave Desert, offers a wide range of off-road adventures in a stunning desert landscape.
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Last verified June 2026
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Location
Off-road trail
Approx. location 35.511, -117.579
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Trail facts
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| Approx. location | 35.511, -117.579 |
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Field notes
Situated about three hours north of Los Angeles, this expansive area caters to off-road enthusiasts with opportunities for cross-country play, technical trail riding, four-wheel driving, and competitive events. Visitors can enjoy uncrowded conditions while exploring the rugged terrain, vivid landscapes, and unique geological features like the "Paint Pots."
Getting to Spangler Hills OHV
Photo courtesy BLM
From the south, use US 395 to the town of Red Mountain and then take the Trona-Red Mountain Road 7 miles north to the boundary of the OHV area.
Teagle Wash, a great place to unload and begin your riding, is another 2 miles north. From the City of Ridgecrest, take the Trona-Red Mountain Road from SR 178. Spangler can also be accessed from within the City of Ridgecrest by travelling south approximately 3 miles on College Heights Boulevard to the OHV area north boundary.
Destination Overview
Photo courtesy BLM
The Spangler Hills OHVA is a large tract of desert managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), designed to cater to off-road enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Photo courtesy BLM
The region features a mix of open play areas, challenging trails, and staging spots for both casual riders and organized competitions.
Riders can tackle technical routes, scenic four-wheel drive trails, and competition-ready enduro and scramble tracks. Highlights include the vibrant soils of the Paint Pots and challenging competition trails in the northern and eastern sections.
Wagon Wheel Staging Area. Photo courtesy BLM
Visitors should ensure their vehicles meet California's OHV requirements, including Green Sticker registration or a valid non-resident permit. Headlights and taillights are mandatory for night riding.
The area also supports sustainable recreation practices, encouraging the use of propylene glycol-based antifreeze and non-toxic ammunition to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
Staging Areas
Each staging area offers distinct amenities and access points:
- Teagle Wash Staging Area: Ideal for camping, unloading, and free play (GPS: 35.5107, -117.5787). This is the most popular staging area.
- Wagon Wheel/Charlie’s Place: Accessible for two-wheel drive vehicles, offering primitive camping and riding (GPS: 35.5723, -117.5501).
- Prospectors’ Camp Site: A convenient spot for day riding and unloading (GPS: 35.4847, -117.6258).
Camping
Camping is permitted throughout the open area for up to 14 days.
Keep in Mind
- The desert tortoise, a state and federally listed threatened species, are found within the riding area.
- Out of State Vehicles: OHV users must comply with all California rules and regulations governing Off-Highway vehicles. Please see below for a partial list of key regulation and visit the California OHV Page for more information.
- Weather: The area is hot and arid, with summer high temperatures ranging from 100 to 120 degrees F. Winter low temperatures may drop below freezing with highs in the 70's. Typical of the desert, winds are frequent and strong, and humidity is generally low.