California
Road Conditions
As of February 1, 2013: the road damage that was due to the autumn and winter rains has been (for the most part) repaired. Many roads that were closed have been declared open by the County of Riverside Department of Transportation, which is the agency that maintains these roads.
Please be aware that desert weather changes can be sudden and unpredictable. Stay aware and stay safe!
Link to Riverside County Department of Transportation Road Closures information: http://www.tlma.co.riverside.ca.us/trans/road_main_road_closures.aspx
Link to CalTrans Highway Information webpage: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Riding Opportunities
BLM Lands in Riverside County
(Inset Map 2 coming soon)
Numerous opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation exist in the Palm Springs-South Coast (PSSC) Field Office resource area. Miles of trails await all types of OHV enthusiasts. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for knowing, understanding, and complying with all OHV regulations.
The Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office supplements our program with available funding from other sources by applying for grants. Click this link to see information about our current Fiscal Year OHV Grant application process.
In Riverside County, Where Can I Ride My Off-Highway Vehicle?
Desert Safety
Travel in the desert can be an adventure. It can also be a disaster if a breakdown or sudden change in weather catches you unprepared. Harsh weather conditions can turn a desert outing into a tragedy. Keep in mind these tips when traveling through the desert:
- Acquire knowledge of desert survival skills.
- Always carry a First Aid Kit and bring a cell phone or satellite phone if possible.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Travel in pairs for safety in backcountry areas.
- Bring a shovel and tools in case you get stuck or your vehicle needs repairs.
- Be prepared to spend the night if you get stranded: bring extra food, water, and clothing.
- If your vehicle breaks down, your chances of being found are best if you stay with your vehicle.
- To prevent dehydration, wear layered, loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and minimize your exposure. A gallon of water per person, per day, is the absolute minimum.
- Watch yourself and others for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Illnesses
Exposure to excessive heat can lead to many illnesses. All heat illnesses should be taken seriously. The most common illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
The best way to treat heat illnesses is to prevent them. Wear light colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. Avoid synthetic materials that do not breathe well. Drink water frequently, often enough so that you never become thirsty. Take breaks in the shade throughout the day. Be aware that protective gear may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that occur when a person drinks plenty of water but does not replace the salts lost while sweating. Treat heat cramps by drinking fluids with electrolytes. If the cramps are severe or they persist, seek medical attention.
- Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness. It occurs when a person does not drink enough fluids and does not replace salts. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heat cramps, dizziness, irritability, headache, sweaty skin, fast heart rate, nausea or vomiting, and/or weakness. The first step to treat heat exhaustion is to get out of the heat. If out in the desert, try to find some shade. Drink hydrating fluids, preferably with electrolytes. If the symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.
- Heat Stroke
The most serious heat-related illness, heat stroke can be fatal but is not overly common. If anyone experiences symptoms of heat stroke, get that person to a hospital immediately. During heat stroke, the body cannot regulate its core temperature. The person will stop sweating, which means the body cannot get rid of excess heat. Symptoms of heat stroke include red, hot and dry skin, high temperature, confusion, fainting and convulsions. Again, if anyone exhibits symptoms of heat stroke, get them to a hospital as soon as possible. Call 9-1-1 and get the person to a cool place. Wet the person with cool water and fan him or her to speed cooling. If ice is available, place on the person’s body.
Additional resources about heat-related illnesses:
Emergency Services
Riverside County Sheriff 1-800-950-2444
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Colorado River Station |
Hospitals
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Palo Verde Hospital |
For wildfires and resource damage reporting:
(888) 233-6518
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