RANDSBURG NEWS | KERN COUNTY — Updated October 14, 2026. The historic mining town of Randsburg attracts visitors interested in California’s desert gold-rush history. Travelers who also plan to ride off-highway vehicles in the Rand Mountains should be aware of a separate, current land-use issue: the Bureau of Land Management announced new Western Mojave route restrictions effective March 24, 2026.
Why Randsburg is a California historical landmark
The California Office of Historic Preservation’s Rand Mining District landmark entry traces the area’s development to the Yellow Aster, or Rand, mine discovery in April 1895 by Singleton, Burcham and Mooers. Randsburg expanded quickly, followed by the supply town of Johannesburg in 1896. The landmark record also identifies later tungsten discoveries at Atolia and silver mining at Red Mountain. These linked places give residents and visitors a broader picture of the district beyond a single historic main street.
What changed for off-highway driving in 2026?
According to the BLM West Mojave Route Network Project, a federal court order required closures to OHV recreation on routes within specified desert-tortoise and Lane Mountain milk-vetch critical habitats. The agency said it began implementing these restrictions on March 24, 2026, until further notice. It also specified that a free permit is required for OHV recreation in the Rand Mountains Management Area.
Important distinction: This is not an announcement that the town of Randsburg or every public road is closed. BLM describes exceptions for designated county roads and highways and certain required access routes, while distinguishing those uses from public OHV recreation. Boundaries and route status matter. Before riding, download the current permit and the agency’s updated route maps rather than relying on an older printed trail guide or GPS track.
Where to confirm route and access information
- BLM — West Mojave route network, closure maps and free Rand Mountains permit.
- BLM Barstow Field Office — current notices and visitor information.
- California Historical Landmark No. 938 — Rand Mining District.
What Randsburg News will follow
The community deserves clear distinctions between historic attractions, public highways, legally open off-road recreation routes and protected habitat. We will continue to link to primary documents and update this explainer when the agencies post material changes. Visitors should observe private-property boundaries and never enter active or abandoned mines.
See Randsburg News and neighboring Johannesburg News. Suggest a local story or correction.
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