Whether you’re a first-timer or a Hammertown veteran, surviving—and thriving—at King of the Hammers requires a game plan. The world’s gnarliest off-road race meets a week-long desert festival in the middle of nowhere… with tens of thousands of people. You’re going to want to come prepared.
Respect the Hammers
King of the Hammers has always advocated for the public’s use of public lands.
We have always promoted shared access to Johnson Valley during the event so everyone has a place to wheel, whether they’re racing or recreating.
This is our home.
In our 20th anniversary, the actions of a few people threaten our ability to run this event safely.
Your actions directly determine the future of King of the Hammers.
That means:
– No fireworks.
– No fights.
– No drinking and driving.
Do not come to King of the Hammers and do this. There is no place for this here.
Under King of the Hammer’s Special Recreation Permit, we have the ability to restrict access to the event area.
For the first time ever, King of the Hammers is faced with the prospect of restricting access due to continued lawless behavior by a small number of people who do not reflect the values of our
community.
King of the Hammers is working with all local agencies to remove anyone in the area who violates local, state and federal laws.
Law enforcement is on-site and will enforce local, state and federal
laws to keep all attendees and the event safe.
Know Where You’re Going
King of the Hammers takes place in the Johnson Valley OHV area, with Hammertown built on Means Dry Lakebed. The only way in is off Highway 247 at Boone Road. Do not try to enter from the north or through Camp Rock—you’ll either get lost or cross the active racecourse and military base. GPS doesn’t always work out here, so trust the maps we provide and signage on-site.
Getting Around the Lakebed
This isn’t a music festival—there are no golf carts or shuttle buses. Bring a capable 4×4 or UTV, and know that dust, rocks, and zero cell service are the norm. Stay on designated roads when spectating. Never drive on or across the racecourse unless instructed by a race official.
Pack Like a Desert Local
Forget “festival packing.” This is extreme desert off-roading.
- Must-haves: race radio, flashlight, GPS or mapping app, headlamp, plenty of drinking water, food, shade, recovery gear, fire extinguisher, and layered clothing.
- Bonus survival gear: ear protection (race rigs are LOUD), extra fuel, and a printed spectator map (you could lose service).
Quick Tip: “Dust Means Danger” – if you see dust, slow down and assume a vehicle is coming.
Safety Is Not a Suggestion
Respect the Hammers is more than a hashtag—it’s a culture.
- Stay 150 feet away from the racecourse at all times.
- Never stand on the outside of a turn or downhill from an obstacle.
- Don’t stack or remove rocks from the course.
- Don’t be that guy: No fireworks, no high-speed driving through camp, and no tailgating… unless you’re racing.
Pro tip: Hammertown gets hot by day and freezing at night. Dress in layers like you’re in the mountains.
What to Expect in Hammertown
Vendors. Autograph signings. Night racing.Music. Food trucks. fire pits. The vibe is high energy but respectful. Stop by the KOH 20th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday night near the team Yukon Gear and Axle and the main firepit for giveaways, live music, and the best driver meet-and-greet of the week.
Helmets are the law in all UTVs—driver and passengers, even at low speeds.
Leave It Better
This land doesn’t belong to us—it belongs to all of us. Take your trash, don’t dig trenches, and respect closures. We’re here because BLM lets us be. Let’s not screw it up.
