YERMO ATV/UTV FIELD GUIDE
Gravel, Ghosts, and Ridgelines: A Guided ATV Run from Calico’s Frontier Streets into the Mojave
A 4-hour guided side-by-side tour that pairs a walk through the restored Calico ghost town with off-road riding through the canyons and ridgelines of the Calico Mountains.
Gravel, Ghosts, and Ridgelines: A Guided ATV Run from Calico’s Frontier Streets into the Mojave.
Buckle up for a one-of-a-kind guided ATV tour that begins in the time-capsule streets of Calico — a gold‑rush boomtown frozen in 1881 — then pushes out onto raw Mojave trails where side-by-sides climb ridgelines, run rocky washes and open onto sweeping desert panoramas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Calico: A Living Time Capsule
The tour starts amid the wooden sidewalks and mining exhibits of Calico’s restored frontier town: an old schoolhouse, interpretive mining displays and kid‑friendly activities such as gold panning that make the ghost town a tangible introduction to California’s gold‑rush past.
Side‑by‑Sides Through Towering Canyons
After the town visit, the route departs onto desert tracks in side‑by‑side ATVs, navigating towering canyons, rocky washes and ridgelines that reveal wide views of the surrounding Mojave Desert.
Small Desert Wildlife on the Trail
Riders often encounter classic Mojave fauna on the route — keep an eye out for jackrabbits and roadrunners that cross the trail and add a reminder that this landscape is still wild.
What the day feels like
What the 4‑Hour Tour Feels Like
This guided outing stitches two moods: the slow, tactile atmosphere of Calico’s frontier streets — with interpretive exhibits, a schoolhouse and options for gold panning — followed by an energetic run in side‑by‑side ATVs across canyon floors and up exposed ridgelines where the desert opens out beneath you.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided experience runs approximately 4 hours.
Bring a photo ID; any driver must be at least 25 years old and hold a valid driver’s license as required by the operator.
The tour uses side‑by‑side ATVs and covers canyon tracks, rocky washes and exposed ridgelines in the Calico Mountains.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Calico Ghost Town Guided ATV Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins in the restored Calico ghost town, with access to wooden sidewalks, mining exhibits, an old schoolhouse and eateries.
What kind of terrain will we ride?
Riding includes canyon tracks, rocky washes and ridgelines with panoramic views of the Mojave Desert; vehicles used are side‑by‑side ATVs.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Children can enjoy the Calico town activities such as gold panning, but drivers must meet the operator’s age and licensing requirements.
Do I need a driver’s license or meet an age requirement to drive?
Yes — drivers must be 25 years or older and possess a valid driver’s license.
Will we see wildlife on the ride?
Yes — riders may spot Mojave species such as jackrabbits and roadrunners along the trail.