The BLM 27,000-acre El Mirage OHV Recreation Area provides several trails of varying difficulty to interest all offroaders. Discovery Trail is located in the heart of the area, providing a 15-mile tour circling "The Basin." The Basin lies between the La Mirage dry lake bed and the Shadow Mountains to the north, with its travel through the mountain's foothills providing the roughest terrain along the route.
While the improved campsites within the recreation area are located along Mountain View Road, Discovery Trail offers many dispersed camping opportunities, especially at its most western reach among the ruins of Hess Ranch.
A high clearance two-wheel drive will do fine on this trail.
El Mirage OHV Recreation Area requires a permit costing $15 for one day/night, payable at the Visitor Center entrance.