Trail Overview
Sand Highway is a fast-paced, sandy corridor designed for offroaders seeking a classic desert riding experience through the heart of the Spangler Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Spanning approximately 7.3 miles from north to south along a gas pipeline easement, this route offers riders an undulating journey with a minimum elevation of 2,508 feet and a maximum of 3,301 feet. Rated a technical difficulty of 4, the terrain consists primarily of unpaved, sandy tracks dominated by deep sand washes, rolling whoops, and occasional ruts, alongside a few scattered rocky sections. The trail features a net elevation loss of 178 feet, demanding active throttle control and careful line selection to navigate the soft, shifting surfaces successfully.
Because this route resides within an open OHV area, drivers of dirt bikes, ATVs, SxSs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles must remain alert for intersecting traffic at all times. The local environment is home to the threatened desert tortoise, requiring visitors to stay on designated paths and inspect underneath parked vehicles before moving. While cellular service is relatively reliable with up to three bars of LTE coverage along the path, the arid desert climate brings frequent strong winds and extreme summer temperatures that often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making spring, autumn, and winter the ideal seasons to visit. Out-of-state operators should ensure they possess the necessary California non-resident permits and approved spark arresters before hitting the trail.
History
The Spangler Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area (OHV) offers over 57,000 acres of open public land where you can ride anywhere your skill and machine will take you.-Know Before You GoThe desert tortoise, a state and federally listed threatened species is 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 regulations 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.Off-Highway Vehicle UseThe following partial list of regulations and tips should help OHV users and other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of these public lands.OHVs owned by California residents must be registered with the California DMV and must display a valid "Green Sticker" or "Red Sticker".If you are NOT a resident of California and your OHV is not registered in your home state, you are required to have a NON-RESIDENT Green Sticker OHV permit.On the ground, motorized vehicles should yield to non-motorized craft and aircraft.OHVs must be equipped with an approved muffler, brakes, and spark arrester.It is illegal for anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to operate an OHV.It is illegal to bring, dispose of, or possess any glass container, empty or not, within the open area.It is illegal to bring, dispose of, or possess any firewood containing nails, screws or other metal hardware within the open area.NO PALLETS!It is illegal to possess and/or discharge fireworks.Persons on an ATV under 14 years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian.All persons regardless of age, who operate an ATV on Public Lands must wear an approved safety helmet; Carrying passengers is prohibited on ATVs; Remember--Safety First, Every Ride, Every Time!Ride or drive on designated routes only. This is a tortoise habitat. Vehicles can crush tortoises and eggs in their burrows and destroy the plants they depend on to survive.Watch tortoises from a respectful distance. Never touch or move a wild tortoise.Never release an unwanted pet into the wild. Contact the BLM or the California Department of Fish Game to locate an adoption center.Check under vehicles parked in the desert--tortoises may use vehicles for shade
Access Description
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) operated by California residents must display a valid Green Sticker or Red Sticker registration. Out-of-state operators whose vehicles are not registered in their home state must obtain a California Non-Resident Green Sticker OHV permit. All motorized vehicles must be equipped with an approved muffler, brakes, and spark arrester. It is illegal to bring, possess, or dispose of glass containers or firewood containing nails, screws, or metal hardware within the open riding area. Visitors must check beneath parked vehicles before moving to protect threatened desert tortoises using the shade.
