Juniper Flats
Juniper Flats, located in the northern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in California, offers a unique blend of Mojave Desert and mountain ecosystems.
Spanning over 101,000 acres of mixed public and private lands, the area is known for its streams, wetlands, and striking views.
It’s a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, wildlife observation, dispersed camping, and off-road exploration on designated routes. The area’s rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes make it a favorite spot for recreation while serving as a reminder of the importance of conservation
Destination Details
| Season | Year-round (Fire restrictions may apply May–October) |
| Location | Northern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains |
| Geographic Coordinates | 34.38003056, -117.1653194 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Barstow Field Office |
| Size | 101,272 acres |
| State | California |
| Nearest Major City | Victorville, CA (about 20 miles away) |
| Contact | Phone: 760-252-6000; Email: BLM_CA_Web_BA@blm.gov |
Getting to Juniper Flats
Use Bowen Ranch Road, southeast of Apple Valley, to access the area. Visitors are advised to use a high-clearance vehicle as roads may be rugged, especially after rain. Always check local conditions and maps before visiting.
Destination Overview
Juniper Flats serves as a transitional area between the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains, supporting an impressive range of flora and fauna.
From creosote scrub and Joshua trees to cottonwoods and juniper woodlands, the area’s diverse plant communities support wildlife like mountain lions, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks. Streams and wetlands attract a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including Southern Pacific rattlesnakes.
Outdoor activities include hiking along scenic trails and dispersed camping in designated areas. Off-road enthusiasts can explore open routes, though staying on marked trails is critical to protecting the delicate ecosystem and cultural resources. Fire permits are required for campfires, and restrictions may apply during fire season.
Juniper Flats is also home to areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC), emphasizing the need for visitors to tread lightly and respect posted signs. This ensures the protection of sensitive habitats and cultural heritage sites.
Camping
Dispersed camping and parking are allowed in areas that show obvious signs of prior use and lack of vegetation cover, that are within 300 feet of a designated open route, and that are at least 200 yards from wildlife watering places.
Camping in any one location is limited to 14 days. Please obtain permission before entering private land. Fire permits are required and may be restricted in the fire season (May – October). Fire danger is extreme during most of the year.
Off-Roading
Off-highway vehicle (OHV) touring is restricted to a designated route system. “Technical” or cross-country (off-route) OHV activities are not allowed in Juniper Flats – nearby El Mirage, Johnson Valley, or Stoddard Valley OHV areas are set aside for this.
Routes not marked as open are CLOSED to all motorized vehicles.
Juniper Flats is part of a public trail network that connects the San Bernardino National Forest with Victor Valley OHV areas to the northwest.
Hunting and Shooting
Juniper Flats is a shotgun-only area, and no night shooting or recreational target shooting with rifles or handguns is allowed. In the immediate vicinity of wildlife waterers and guzzlers, hunting is limited to 30 minutes.
It is illegal to shoot within 150 feet of any campsite or to shoot at trees, signs, glass bottles, domestic livestock, outbuildings, or other objects on federal land. On private land, visitors must obtain permission from the landowner to discharge firearms. Check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for current hunting regulations and seasonal limits.
