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BLM IMPLEMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES FOR 2022 KING OF THE HAMMERS OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RACES

2021 King of the Hammers

BARSTOW, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will implement a temporary closure of public lands in the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area in San Bernardino County Jan. 29 – Feb. 5. The temporary closure will enhance public and participant safety during the 2022 King of the Hammers desert race events, which are authorized by a BLM Special Recreation Permit. 

The San Bernardino County Public Health Department approved COVID-19 safety measures for the event and determined the safety measures go above the current state recommendations. The public is asked to cooperate with race officials and local law enforcement to help spectators and participants stay safe and ensure the success of the off-road races.

A minimum of three staging areas within the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area will remain open to the public for both weekends of the temporary closure period. Registered race spectators, participants, and race officials are exempt from the closure. 

Second Podium Sweep for Can-Am at King of the Hammers

Information and a map of the closure area for the 2022 race event will be posted for viewing at the BLM’s California Desert District Office and Barstow Field Office. Download a map of the closure here.

The BLM encourages the public to recreate responsibly on public lands and to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay local, plan ahead, practice safe social distancing and wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. Find additional tips for recreating responsibly on public lands here.

As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation in pursuit of its multiple-use mission. For more information, contact the California Desert District Office at 760-833-7100 or the Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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