Ord Mountain Route Network

Copyright: Bureau of Land Management View of the Ord Mountains

The Ord Mountain Route Network is south of Barstow and links the Stoddard Valley and Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Areas.
Travel within the network is limited to posted open routes, NO CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL. Open Routes are posted at their beginning and periodically along the length of the route. The Ord Mountain Route Network is a trial area to examine strategies for designating routes in the Limited Use Areas of the Barstow Resource Area. If you wish to engage in "technical" or cross country off-road vehicle activities, please use the Johnson Valley or Stoddard Valley OHV Areas. Please note that routes not marked as an open route are CLOSED to motorized vehicle travel.

The Ord Mountains provide an array of recreational opportunities that include hunting, hiking and 4-wheel driving. Camping is allowed, except in the Cinnamon Hills Restoration Area on the eastern edge of the route network. Keep in mind that there are parcels of private land within the area. Please respect the rights of private land owners.

Opportunities for hiking and sightseeing exist throughout the area. The diverse landscape, with many mountains and washes, offers extensive areas to explore and hike. Except on designated routes, vehicles are mot permitted to travel in washes. This makes washes ideal hiking trails to explore and experience natural conditions. Don't forget to bring your camera!

For those wishing to drive a 4-wheel route through a scenic wash area, Daggett Wash should not be missed. Route OM-4 begins at Power Line Road in the northern part of the area and follows most of Daggett Wash. Parts of this road can be challenging, so be ready for a slow trip.

Desert wildlife is best viewed during the early morning and the evening hours when it is cool and the animals are most active. Bird watching is best in washes with thick vegetation. The desert tortoise is a federally protected threatened species and lives throughout the area. It can be found in and along the sides of roadways and washes. It is unlawful to possess or harm desert tortoises. Several routes have been closed to protect them and their habitat. Poisonous wildlife, including rattlesnakes and scorpions, will leave you alone unless disturbed or cornered. To protect yourself, wear sturdy boots and watch your step.

You can hunt dove, quail and chuckar in season, but seasons and allowable bag limits will vary. Call the California Fish and Game for current information. Hunting in the immediate vicinity on wildlife waters, guzzlers included, is limited to 30 minutes. Be sure you have permission to hunt and use firearms on private land. On public lands managed by BLM, all county, state and federal regulations are in effect.

Safety hazards are common throughout this desert area. Besides poisonous snakes and weather extremes, mining operations from the past have left behind many deadly hazards. These abandoned mines and tunnels, with their deep shafts should be avoided. Take sufficient water, food, clothes, equipment, and first aid supplies for your activity. Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day if you are hiking. Be sure to check weather forecasts before visiting the area. Thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in the canyons and washes . It is also advisable to leave word with someone about where you are going and when you will return.

Directions from Barstow, CA: The area is located south of Barstow linking Stoddard Valley and Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Areas.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Year-round .