Camping and Shooting: Locations Near Los Angeles Area

[LT1Silverhawk]

Hi All,

Quick question: Is Mule Canyon Road in Calico accessible by a small car, or is it trucks and SUVs only?

Thanks!

[dezert lobo]

Hi All,

Quick question: Is Mule Canyon Road in Calico accessible by a small car, or is it trucks and SUVs only?

Thanks!

Yes it is, but the further you drive in the rougher it gets. Although you do not need to venture too far in to go shooting. FYI you are gonna be in a narrow canyon so 15 to 35 yrds at best.

[LT1Silverhawk]

Yes it is, but the further you drive in the rougher it gets. Although you do not need to venture too far in to go shooting. FYI you are gonna be in a narrow canyon so 15 to 35 yrds at best.

Thank you. I had read elsewhere that this was the place to go to for very long distance shooting (1,000 yards +). Was that info incorrect?

[cannon]

I got off the 15 north at Harvard Rd. and went west (Left) and went about a mile to the powerline road.

Turned right and a couple miles later camped and shot West with hills for a backdrop. 1000 yard shooting is no problem.

Sandy so a truck or SUV would be best. Couple jeeps were the only vehicles we saw all weekend.

Been anywhere out there since you first started this thread?

[CYNICALifornia]

Desert Marksmen is a private range south of Palmdale that allows camping. Might be one option.

[AGGRO]

There are a lot of areas on blm that will allow hunting but not target shooting.

[dezert lobo]

Thank you. I had read elsewhere that this was the place to go to for very long distance shooting (1,000 yards +). Was that info incorrect?

Once you go further in and past the canyons it will open up, then yes, 1000yrds shooting is accessible but you will need a higher clearance vehicle for this just to be safe.

[LT1Silverhawk]

I got off the 15 north at Harvard Rd. and went west (Left) and went about a mile to the powerline road.

Turned right and a couple miles later camped and shot West with hills for a backdrop. 1000 yard shooting is no problem.

Sandy so a truck or SUV would be best. Couple jeeps were the only vehicles we saw all weekend.

Been anywhere out there since you first started this thread?

Once you go further in and past the canyons it will open up, then yes, 1000yrds shooting is accessible but you will need a higher clearance vehicle for this just to be safe.

Thank you guys, that is good to know. I have a small sedan but have been looking for an excuse to invest in a small SUV or pick up (been thinking about the older Jeep Cherokees).

So far, I've made it out to Hodge Road and did drive out to Copper City Road in Barstow. There were what appeared to be some private residences along the way but there were some good spots to pull off. The road is unpaved but smooth enough to be accessible by sedan. Once you pull off, however, some clearance is needed (unless you own a beater and don't mind getting scratched up by the brush). There are lots off ATV-type trails along the way so finding a good backdrop is a must.

Desert Marksmen is a private range south of Palmdale that allows camping. Might be one option.

Thank you, I just looked it up. That sounds like a good place to shoot for beginners like me and the membership fee isn't too bad.

There are a lot of areas on blm that will allow hunting but not target shooting.

Those BLM maps drive me nuts lol! I'm still doing target shooting but if I ever take on hunting, I'll definitely consult them.

[MrSam]

There are a lot of areas on blm that will allow hunting but not target shooting.

Can I just lie, set up targets, and tell the ranger that I'm just a really bad shot and haven't snagged an animal all day?

[LT1Silverhawk]

I was doing some research on new locations to try this year.


I thought I would try around Calico and I came across some information that I thought was worth sharing: Calico OHV Information. Text is posted below. Click the link to see the map.

Calico OHV Information

We are pleased to announce the opening of the Calico OHV Trail that runs from our campground to the BLM OHV riding area. BLM & Calico Ghost Town have joined hands in creating an easement for our OHV riders. Come & enjoy our Desert Trails and our Old West Ghost Town.




Guidelines

Safety is always first in all activities.

PACK IN / PACK OUT. Littering of any kind punishable by law.

Please use common sense when shooting. Shooting is not allowed in Calico Regional Park or Odessa Canyon (1st large canyon east of Calico Ghost Town campground). Shooting is allowed in all other parts of the Calico Mountains. It is illegal to shoot across any road or trail or from any vehicle. Shooting at glass or other breakable items that will cause litter is illegal. You must shoot into a solid soft background. Please remove all targets and shooting debris when finished.

OHV riding is allowed but restricted to existing open roads only in the Calico Mountains. Hill climbs, riding in the mud hill areas, and across open desert not on a road is illegal. Green or Red Stickers are required on all Off Highway Vehicles (38010 CVC). Green stickers are valid year round. Red stickers are limited to ride only October through June. You must were a helmet at all times (38505 CVC). No operator of an all-terrain vehicle shall carry a passenger while operating on public lands (38506 CVC). Maximum speed is 35mph on open roads. Maximum speed limit is 15mph in or near any campground unless otherwise posted. (Slower speed limits may be posted.)

It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug to drive a vehicle on or off-road (23152a CVC).

No mine is stable or safe. Exploring mines is not recommended and may put you and others into a dangerous and life threatening position. Many vertical shafts exist that you may fall into. Some mines are on private property and exploring these mines is trespassing.

Horses, hikers, and non-motorized vehicles have the right-of-way over all motorized vehicles. Jeeps have the right of way over ATVs and motorcycles.

All campfires must be built inside of a campfire ring. Please keep all campfires to a reasonable size. No burning of objects that create toxic fumes.

Barstow BLM Office, Monday - Friday (760) 252-6000. Emergency - Dial 911

Also, I think Copper Creek Road may not longer be available. Two summers ago, as I was leaving, I saw a cop out there driving around as if he was looking for someone and he ended up following us out. Could've just been a fire-season restriction thing? I did email BLM and was told that "further research" was needed. I did notice there is land for sale nearby. I imagine that would affect things as well?