California City: OHV Routes and Nature Throughout the Year

California City has been a destination for OHV riding since the 1960s. You can also plan your trip around seasonal birdwatching, wildflowers, or camping at Borax Bill Park.

OHV Routes and How They Differ

The OHV network includes more than 1,800 miles of combined roads and unpaved trails. This figure describes the network as a whole; CC10 and CC5 provide specific details about individual routes. CC10 runs for 11 miles along unimproved city roads. CC5 is a challenging 8.5-mile route through city utility easements.

CC10 is 2.5 miles longer than CC5. Length is only one part of the comparison: CC10 is characterized by unimproved roads, while CC5 has an explicit difficulty rating and runs through city utility easements. When comparing the routes, consider their lengths alongside their respective features. There are also miles of good unpaved roads off California City Blvd., 20 Mule Team Rd., and Randsburg Mojave Rd. Most of the land in the city is private. Stay on authorized roads and routes.

Nature Watching by Season

The Desert Loop birdwatching route passes through California City's Central Park. Birdwatching conditions and route information vary by season. Wildflowers can be seen within the city limits; each spring brings a different display, influenced by seasonal rainfall, temperature, and wind.

There are two distinct factors to consider when choosing when to visit: for the Desert Loop, seasonal viewing conditions and route information are relevant; for wildflowers, the display changes with spring conditions. If birdwatching is your priority, factor seasonal route information into your plans. For wildflowers, expect the display to vary from year to year.

Borax Bill Park and Other Offerings

Borax Bill Park and Station is located along the historic Twenty Mule Team Parkway. Camping in the park is available on a first-come, first-served basis unless restrictions apply on major holidays. Since availability and restrictions may change, check the camping rules before you arrive. If you are traveling on a major holiday, in particular, check the applicable restrictions in advance.

The Food Navigators Program offers live cooking demonstrations and tastings. Program availability may change; check before your trip to see whether it will be offered during your visit.

Hotel Search and Trip Planning

OHV rides can be compared by length, road conditions, and difficulty; for nature watching, the focus shifts to the season and changing conditions. Camping and the Food Navigators Program are also subject to their respective restrictions and changing availability.

Explore more destinations: Mojave, Buttonwillow, Ridgecrest, Mckittrick, Kernville, Lebec, Wasco, Lost Hills

Return to the regional travel overview: Kern.