Historical Timeline
Pre-1800s—Long before it was known for racing, the El Mirage area was home to Native American tribes like the Serrano and Mojave. They moved through the desert, trading, hunting, and finding water in unexpected places.
1920s – As cars became more popular, speed lovers started showing up at the dry lakebed to race. The lake’s flat, hard surface made it a natural racetrack, and the wide-open space meant no one was around to complain.
1937 – The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) was formed to bring some order to the chaos. With rules and timers in place, El Mirage officially became a destination for serious land speed racers.
1942 – During World War II, the U.S. military opened El Mirage Airfield as a training ground connected to Victorville Army Airfield. Pilots practiced in the desert skies above the dry lake.
Post-WWII – After the war, the airfield was decommissioned and later repurposed. General Atomics began using the area to test unmanned aerial vehicles—drones that would help shape the future of aviation.
1980s–Today – The Bureau of Land Management stepped in and designated El Mirage as an official Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area. It’s now a legal playground for dirt bikes, quads, and other off-road machines.
1995 – The music video for “California Love” by Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre was filmed at El Mirage. The cracked lakebed and wild desert scenes gave it the perfect post-apocalyptic vibe.
Today, El Mirage is still a magnet for racers, off-roaders, and filmmakers. Whether you’re chasing a land speed record or just catching a desert sunset, it’s a place that blends dust, history, and adrenaline.