YERMO ATV/UTV FIELD GUIDE
Riding the Calico Moon: A Self‑Guided UTV Route through Yermo’s Otherworldly Ridges
A self‑guided Polaris UTV tour from the Calico trailhead that uses RIDE COMMAND GPS routes to carry riders across the Mojave’s stark geology—this guide explains what to expect, how the route flows, and the practical requirements.
Riding the Calico Moon: A Self‑Guided UTV Route through Yermo’s Otherworldly Ridges.
The Calico Mountains rise from the Mojave like a pageant of folded rock and baked colors, a barren landscape honed by millennia of wind and water. This self‑guided ATV tour threads that rugged geology—washes, rocky trails and peaks—on programmed Polaris UTV routes, letting riders move at their own pace while navigating with turn‑by‑turn GPS guidance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Stark, lunar Mojave geology
Sweeping, rocky ridgelines and barren washes define the Calico Mountains’ distinctive look—terrain that reads as geological history and rewards slow stops for framing wide, empty vistas.
GPS‑programmed rides for every comfort level
RIDE COMMAND‑programmed routes built into the Polaris UTVs provide turn‑by‑turn navigation, with options that span beginner lines to more advanced tracks across desert washes and winding paths.
Panoramic summit vantage points
The route includes stretches that ascend toward North Calico Peak, offering panoramic outlooks over the surrounding desert and chances to spot jackrabbits, lizards and other desert life.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
After a brief safety orientation at the trailhead and gearing up, riders jump into Polaris UTVs equipped with helmets, goggles and GPS. The self‑guided format and turn‑by‑turn navigation let you thread washes and rocky gullies at your own tempo—pausing for photos or picking a more challenging line as the programmed routes guide you toward peak viewpoints.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits—and who should check the fine print.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring the photo ID required by the operator and dress for sun, dust and variable terrain; helmets and goggles are part of the outfitting provided with the Polaris UTVs.
You’ll be in a Polaris UTV rental equipped with GPS navigation; routes are preprogrammed in RIDE COMMAND for turn‑by‑turn guidance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is the tour guided or self‑guided?
The experience is self‑guided: Polaris UTVs are equipped with GPS and programmed RIDE COMMAND routes that provide turn‑by‑turn navigation.
How long does the tour last?
The outing is scheduled as a 6‑hour tour.
Where do we meet to start the ride?
The excursion begins at the trailhead in Calico, California, where participants receive an orientation and safety overview.
What equipment is provided?
Operators outfit participants with helmets, goggles and a Polaris UTV rental that includes GPS navigation.
Are there age or license requirements to drive?
Drivers must be at least 25 years old and carry a valid driver’s license.
Can I customize stops on the route?
Yes—programmed routes allow flexibility to customize stops at your discretion while following the GPS guidance.