Set against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, the Mojave River Dam and its surrounding area is known for many things – its beautiful landscape filled with Joshua trees, desert flora and fauna, and the national scenic Pacific Crest Trail, an area frequented by hikers and equestrian riders.
It also has become an area recreated illegally by off-road vehicle enthusiasts, an activity prohibited in and around the dam because the area is designated as a critical habitat for endangered species.