Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is the second largest unit of California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Of the nine California SVRAs, Onyx Ranch SVRA is the newest acquisition. Located in eastern Kern County and adjacent to State Route 14 on the western edge of the Mojave Desert, the SVRA offers over 26,000 acres of scenic and challenging terrain for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) and 4x4 vehicles.

Laid out in a checkerboard fashion, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch SVRA is surrounded by mostly Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that also offers visitors varied and exciting off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation opportunities. Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch SVRA provides many miles of trails and open riding areas that traverse across BLM, State Parks, and private land. Open riding is also available at both Jawbone Canyon and Dove Springs.

Elevations at Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch SVRA range from 2,200 to over 6,400 feet. Occasional snowfalls occur in the winter months. Summers are mostly hot and dry. The most pleasant times of the year for OHV recreation occurs between October and April when temperatures are cool and occasional rains provide for reduced dust and improved traction. Nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing in the winter, spring, and fall.

No hook-ups or water for camping is available in the area so please plan to be self-contained if you will be camping. Pit toilets are available at several locations throughout the area.