{"id":5660,"date":"2021-02-15T16:17:58","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T16:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/zions-observation-point-hiking-it-the-easy-way-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-10T03:33:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T03:33:24","slug":"mojave-desert-aviation-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/mojave-desert-aviation-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-5660\" data-postid=\"5660\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-5660 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_zyva336 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_1c99337 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ddk7337    wow\" data-tf-animation=\"zoomIn\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>A road trip through the Mojave Desert doesn\u2019t have to be all about looking at the scenery.<\/strong>\u00a0 It can also include visiting places where aviation history was made and is still being made today. We\u2019ll take you on this easy road trip that stretches between Victorville and Palmdale and show you where aviation evolved and was transformed in the Mojave Desert during the last half of the 20<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_t9yt339 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_7uhj339 image-top rounded drop-shadow  tf_mw wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInRightBig\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviation.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"267\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_yf4v336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_v8w0339 first\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_j3kb933 button-bottom-center red  rounded embossed shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInLeft\" data-tf-animation_delay=\"1\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\"><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <strong>Click image<\/strong> to watch Virtual Video Tour and see viewer comments.\nThen come back to get the rest of the story.        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_jxya340 image-overlay bordered  tf_mw wow\" data-tf-animation=\"lightSpeedIn\" data-tf-animation_delay=\"1.5\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UjUsY-Bn2OE\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n                   <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationYouTube.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"364\" alt=\"\">        <\/a>\n    \n    \n                <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ky0q340   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Trip Specs<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_52u7336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_veo8341 first\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_59s2341  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Length<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            About 50 miles one-way        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_ccl4342  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Attractions<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Historical aviation sites<\/li>\n<li>Airplane boneyards<\/li>\n<li>Possibly see unique aircraft<\/li>\n<li>Old building ruins<\/li>\n<li>Vast desert landscapes<\/li><\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_f7ct342 last\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_9zxz342  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Difficulty<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Tricky to navigate<\/li>\n<li>No services<\/li>\n<li>50% phone coverage<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_2leq343  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Elevation Gain<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Very little<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_0jnk336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_u8tf343 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_gs7k343   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Most people who travel the lonely roads through this desert north of Los Angeles don\u2019t realize that this region was, and still is, used by aircraft manufacturers to build some of the most iconic aircraft ever built. That aircraft includes the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk, the F-22 Raptor and U-2, Northrup\u2019s B-2 Bomber, the Space Shuttle and the legendary XB-70 Valkyrie.<\/p>\n<h2>Trip Overview<\/h2>\n<p>On this trip we\u2019ll also visit other aviation-related sites, including a few aviation boneyards, a dry lake where hobbyists play with their flying machines, and a place where commercial aircraft are put into long-term storage. This storage area was especially busy in 2020 during the Boeing 737 Max fiasco and the COVID pandemic.<\/p>\n<p>Our direction of travel for this tour goes from east to west, from Victorville to Palmdale, which is approximately 50 miles, one-way. You can, however, take it in either direction. The trip is entirely on paved roads but it can be a bit tricky to navigate because there are so many turns. These turns follow a consistent pattern where, most of the time, when you get to the end of a main road, you turn right and then, about a half a mile further, you turn left.<\/p>\n<h2>SCLA<\/h2>\n<p>We start just outside of Victorville at the Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA). Before 1992, this was George Air Force Base. Throughout its life, George AFB was mostly used by the Air Force to train pilots for fighter aircraft. Today, the base has been transformed into a unique aviation facility. It\u2019s now used mainly by private businesses to paint commercial jetliners, dismantle old aircraft (a boneyard) and repurpose them for parts, convert old jumbo jets into firefighting aircraft, develop and test jet engines, to house an aviation training school, and many other things. But one of SCLA\u2019s most noticeable uses is for storing unused aircraft.<\/p>\n<p>SCLA is a lot of fun to drive through and explore. Its main entrance is found off Air Expressway on SCLA\u2019s south side by driving north up Phantom West. Small roads leading off Phantom will take you up to the fence to see many of the parked aircraft up-close. More stored aircraft can be seen on SCLA\u2019s north side. Find this area by driving around the west side of the SCLA property using Adelanto Road, then turn right onto Colusa Road.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re done exploring SCLA, find your way to the beginning of El Mirage Road on the other side of the town of Adelanto. Do this by heading west on Air Expressway, right on Hwy. 395, left on Chamberline, right on Koala, then left (west) on El Mirage (notice that right\/left turn pattern mentioned earlier). Reset your trip meter here.<\/p>\n<div class=\"g g-11\"><div class=\"g-single a-30\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"MzAsMTEsNjA=\" title=\"BackRoadsWest.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\/tour-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ad-800x500-TripPlan1.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_jrom121   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_owuy883   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>El Mirage Dry Lake<\/h2><p>At 5 miles, turn right to visit El Mirage Dry Lake. Here, you\u2019ll find a haven for people that like to play with all kinds of things that move, both on the ground and in the air. For decades, this area has been used by car enthusiasts for drag racing and other types of motor fun. Who can resist testing the speed of their vehicle on a huge, flat, dry lakebed with no obstacles? The lakebed also attracts a lot of aviation hobbyists with various flying contraptions. There is a visitor center located at the entrance and an entrance fee to drive on the lakebed.<\/p><h2>El Mirage Airport \u2013 Aviation Warehouse<\/h2><p>Find your way back to El Mirage Road, reset your trip meter again and turn right. In 3.5 miles, turn right onto El Mirage <em>Airport<\/em> Road. There are two more places of interest for aviation enthusiasts here. One is an aircraft boneyard and the other is a facility for developing and testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The boneyard is owned by Aviation Warehouse, a private company that sells old aircraft shells for various applications. Remember that both of these facilities are on private property. Do all your looking from the roadside and appreciate that these property owners allow you to come this close to such historic pieces of \u201cjunk\u201d \u2013 oh, I mean \u201ctreasures\u201d.<\/p><p>Back on El Mirage Road, you\u2019ll pass by the small settlement of El Mirage itself. Don\u2019t drive too fast or you might miss some interesting desert artifacts along this portion of the trip. Look for the many old, deserted buildings along with some prized private yard art.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_s7jk344   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Pictures<\/h3><p>Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><div  class=\"module themify_builder_slider_wrap tf_clearfix module-slider tb_xzls344  slider-caption-overlay  \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"themify_builder_slider tf_carousel tf_swiper-container tf_rel tf_overflow\" data-lazy=\"1\"        data-visible=\"1\"\n        data-tab-visible=\"\"\n        data-mob-visible=\"\"\n        data-scroll=\"1\"\n                            data-auto=\"4000\"\n            data-controller=\"0\"\n                data-pause_hover=\"1\"\n        data-speed=\"normal\"\n        data-wrapvar=\"1\"\n        data-slider_nav=\"1\"\n        data-pager=\"1\"\n        data-effect=\"scroll\"\n        data-height=\"variable\"\n        data-css_url=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/pinboard\/themify\/themify-builder\/css\/modules\/sliders\/carousel,https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/pinboard\/themify\/themify-builder\/css\/modules\/sliders\/slider\"\n                    >\n        <div class=\"tf_swiper-wrapper tf_lazy tf_rel tf_w tf_h tf_textc\">\n                         <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='449'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20449%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr3a.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boeing 737 Maxes parked at SCLA\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr3a.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boeing 737 Maxes parked at SCLA\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Boeing 737 Maxes parked at SCLA<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boneyard at SCLA\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boneyard at SCLA\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Boneyard at SCLA<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Aviation Warehouse boneyard\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Aviation Warehouse boneyard\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Aviation Warehouse boneyard<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\" alt=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\" alt=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Aerial view of Aviation Warehouse (lower-left) and UAV facility<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='800'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20800%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr6.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Blackbird Air Park\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr6.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Blackbird Air Park\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>SR-71 engine at Blackbird Air Park<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr7.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Lockheed Martin Skunk Works\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr7.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Lockheed Martin Skunk Works\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Primary building at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>            <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_5cy7336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_kp5c344 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_p7y4765   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\"text-align: center;\">Help fund our next trip and your next adventure by purchasing a subscription to Gaia GPS. We will receive a small commission from your purchase.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_a6h6345 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_xkth939   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_h40h336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_huzr346 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ifq4256   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <div class=\"g g-11\"><div class=\"g-single a-28\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"MjgsMTEsNjA=\" title=\"Snap Shots West\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/ssw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Ad-800x500-1b.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9f3178   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Wide Open Desert<\/h2><p>After crossing the L.A. County line, El Mirage Road will end. If you look to the far left, you\u2019ll see some industrial buildings about 3 miles away. This is another UAV facility operated by the same company as the one we stopped at previously. Before it was a UAV facility, it was used to test stealth aircraft. At the stop sign, turn right, then in half a mile, turn left onto Avenue \u201cO\u201d (there\u2019s that turn pattern again).<\/p><p>This part of the trip passes through wide open desert, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the south and granite-laden hills to the west and north. The road goes through the community of Lake Los Angeles where you\u2019ll encounter the road\u2019s one and only traffic light. Further down the road, you\u2019ll cross one of those granite-laden hills and pass by Alpine Butte Wildlife Sanctuary. On the road ahead, you\u2019ll get your first glimpse of our next stop, Air Force Plant #42.<\/p><h2>Air Force Plant #42<\/h2><p>Ave \u201cO\u201d ends, so again, turn right, then turn left onto Ave \u201cN\u201d. Look ahead to see the runway of Plant #42 come into view. In about 4 miles, you\u2019ll come to a 4-way stop. Go straight and in a short distance, the road makes a left turn. Stop here for a good panoramic view of the entire Plant #42 facility. See our virtual video tour (link below) that points out all the different facilities and what notable aircraft were built in each of those buildings.<\/p><p>Turning left here puts you onto 40<sup>th<\/sup> Street East. At the next intersection, turn right onto Ave \u201cP\u201d.\u00a0 At the next stop sign, turn right to go to the Neil Armstrong NASA facility that houses the airborne SOFIA telescope. Formerly, these buildings were part of Rockwell International and, before that, North American Aviation. Notable aircraft that were developed and built here were the XB-70 Valkyrie and B-1 Bomber.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_4ide47   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_48ti127   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Blackbird Airpark<\/h2>\n<p>Continuing west on Ave \u201cP\u201d a short distance, you\u2019ll come to a traffic light. On the corner is Blackbird Airpark which is a worthwhile stop. There are three very famous airplanes, the U-2, SR-71 and A-12, that were partially built in the nearby buildings.<\/p>\n<p>The A-12 and SR-71 look almost identical but have two different histories behind them. There are also a few dozen other aircraft to see here including the Boeing 747 that transported the Space Shuttles. Some aircraft are related to the Mojave Desert area and some are not.<\/p>\n<p>Like SCLA, you can wander around the airport complex here but, because this is still an active Air Force Plant, security is tighter and many buildings can only be seen from a distance. To see the north side of this facility, take Ave P to Sierra Hwy, turn right, then turn right on Columbia Way.<\/p>\n<div class=\"g g-11\"><div class=\"g-single a-27\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"MjcsMTEsNjA=\" title=\"Snap Shots West\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/ssw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Ad-800x500-2a.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Trip Map<\/h2>\n<p>To help plan your trip, use our interactive Google Map below. We recommend using a GPS mapping app, such as Gaia GPS, to\u00a0help navigate your trip\u00a0using your mobile device or phone.<\/p>\n<p>Click the ad below to purchase Gaia GPS using our discount code and we&#8217;ll earn a few dollars to fund our next trip.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/map\/\">Learn more<\/a>\u00a0about our maps.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module maps pro -->\n<div  id=\"tb_mnfr346\" class=\"module module-maps-pro tb_mnfr346  tf_lazy\" data-map-provider=\"google\" data-zoom=\"10\" data-type=\"SATELLITE\" data-address=\"34.605709, -117.736439\" data-scrollwheel=\"1\" data-draggable=\"enable\" data-disable_map_ui=\"\" data-polyline=\"\" data-geodesic=\"\" data-polylineStroke=\"2\" data-polylineColor=\"\" data-trigger=\"\" data-cluster=\"\" data-mapid=\"\" data-legacymarkers=\"\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"maps-pro-canvas-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"maps-pro-canvas\" style=\"width:100%;height:400px\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<template>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.578656, -117.376905\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSCLA Airport complex\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.615872, -117.373171\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNorth side of SCLA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"37.28902162542317, -112.929770962\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSecond side canyon: Mystery Canyon\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.601699, -117.453927\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginning of El Mirage Rd\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.622397, -117.542547\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEl Mirage Dry Lake\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.615581, -117.604839\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAviation Warehouse\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.601919, -117.702442\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFormer boneyard &#8211; view of UAV facility\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.631398, -118.058648\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEastside view of Air Force Plant #42\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.602402, -118.085459\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBlackbird Airpark\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"34.609219, -118.116551\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLockheed Skunk Works\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/template>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module maps pro -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_j1gb336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_bq9l347 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_soop347   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Support Us<\/h3><p>Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we&#8217;ll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p><p>Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. Click the [Donate] button to get started:<\/p><!-- Begin PayPal Donations by https:\/\/www.tipsandtricks-hq.com\/paypal-donations-widgets-plugin -->\n\n<form action=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr\" method=\"post\">\n    <div class=\"paypal-donations\">\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"cmd\" value=\"_donations\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"bn\" value=\"TipsandTricks_SP\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"business\" value=\"ilene@backroadswest.com\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"return\" value=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"item_name\" value=\"Help fund our travel cost to create more trips\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"item_number\" value=\"BackRoadsWest Blog Donation\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"amount\" value=\"5.00\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"rm\" value=\"0\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"currency_code\" value=\"USD\" 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evt,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tcallback: cb\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t);\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t}\n})();\n<\/script><!-- Mailchimp for WordPress v4.15.0 - https:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/mailchimp-for-wp\/ --><form id=\"mc4wp-form-1\" class=\"mc4wp-form mc4wp-form-8272 mc4wp-form-basic\" method=\"post\" data-id=\"8272\" data-name=\"Default sign-up form\" ><div class=\"mc4wp-form-fields\"><p style=\"text-align: left;\">Submit your email address and we'll notify you when there is new content.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\t<label>Email address: <\/label>\r\n\t<input type=\"email\" name=\"EMAIL\" placeholder=\"Your email address\" required \/>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\t<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Sign up\" \/>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We <strong><em>will not<\/em><\/strong> share your email address with anyone!<\/p><\/div><label style=\"display: none !important;\">Leave this field empty if you&#039;re human: <input type=\"text\" name=\"_mc4wp_honeypot\" value=\"\" tabindex=\"-1\" autocomplete=\"off\" \/><\/label><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_mc4wp_timestamp\" value=\"1793981203\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_mc4wp_form_id\" value=\"8272\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_mc4wp_form_element_id\" value=\"mc4wp-form-1\" \/><div class=\"mc4wp-response\"><\/div><\/form><!-- \/ Mailchimp for WordPress Plugin -->\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_upbk336 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_b1ag388 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vjyv388   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>See all our comprehensive virtual tour guides at<\/em>:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"BackRoadsWest\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg\" alt=\"BRWlogo\" width=\"300\" height=\"40\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo.jpg 438w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_jer2399   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Short-wide --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"1662640655\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_srm1389 button-bottom red  rounded gradient shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"rubberBand\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">More Trips<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            Would you like to explore more of the Mojave Desert?        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n                    <div class=\"callout-button tf_right tf_textr\">\n            <a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/mojave-desert\/\" class=\"ui builder_button rounded gradient shadow yellow\">\n                <span class=\"tb_callout_text\">See more trips<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A road trip through the Mojave Desert doesn\u2019t have to be all about looking at the scenery.\u00a0 It can also include visiting places where aviation history was made and is still being made today. We\u2019ll take you on this easy road trip that stretches between Victorville and Palmdale and show you where aviation evolved and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,6,10,15,17,19,20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aviation","category-california","category-mojave-desert","category-roadeasy","category-season-fall","category-season-spring","category-season-winter","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 4.9.9 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This easy road trip stretches between Victorville and Palmdale focuses on aviation history in the Mojave Desert during the last half of the 20th century.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Cliff Bandringa\"\/>\n\t<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"mojave desert,aviation,victorville,palmdale,scla,george air force base,edwards air force base,road trip,skunk works,el mirage,el mirage dry lake,airplane boneyard\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/mojave-desert-aviation-tour\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 4.9.9\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BackRoadsWest Trips Blog | A new kind of travel guide for the 21st Century\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This easy road trip stretches between Victorville and Palmdale focuses on aviation history in the Mojave Desert during the last half of the 20th century.\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/mojave-desert-aviation-tour\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-02-15T16:17:58+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-10T03:33:24+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"This easy road trip stretches between Victorville and Palmdale focuses on aviation history in the Mojave Desert during the last half of the 20th century.\" \/>\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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03:39:28","updated":"2026-05-13 18:40:48","seo_analyzer_scan_date":null},"aioseo_breadcrumb":"<div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/california\/\" title=\"California\">California<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\tMojave Desert Aviation Tour\n\t\t<\/span><\/div>","aioseo_breadcrumb_json":[{"label":"Home","link":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog"},{"label":"California","link":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/california\/"},{"label":"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour","link":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/mojave-desert-aviation-tour\/"}],"builder_content":"<p><strong>A road trip through the Mojave Desert doesn\u2019t have to be all about looking at the scenery.<\/strong>\u00a0 It can also include visiting places where aviation history was made and is still being made today. We\u2019ll take you on this easy road trip that stretches between Victorville and Palmdale and show you where aviation evolved and was transformed in the Mojave Desert during the last half of the 20<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n<img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviation.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"267\" alt=\"\">\n<h3><\/h3> <strong>Click image<\/strong> to watch Virtual Video Tour and see viewer comments. Then come back to get the rest of the story.\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UjUsY-Bn2OE\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationYouTube.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"364\" alt=\"\"> <\/a>\n<h3>Trip Specs<\/h3>\n<h3>Length<\/h3> About 50 miles one-way\n<h3>Attractions<\/h3> <ul> <li>Historical aviation sites<\/li> <li>Airplane boneyards<\/li> <li>Possibly see unique aircraft<\/li> <li>Old building ruins<\/li> <li>Vast desert landscapes<\/li><\/ul>\n<h3>Difficulty<\/h3> <ul> <li>Tricky to navigate<\/li> <li>No services<\/li> <li>50% phone coverage<\/li> <\/ul>\n<h3>Elevation Gain<\/h3> <ul> <li>Very little<\/li> <\/ul>\n<p>Most people who travel the lonely roads through this desert north of Los Angeles don\u2019t realize that this region was, and still is, used by aircraft manufacturers to build some of the most iconic aircraft ever built. That aircraft includes the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk, the F-22 Raptor and U-2, Northrup\u2019s B-2 Bomber, the Space Shuttle and the legendary XB-70 Valkyrie.<\/p> <h2>Trip Overview<\/h2> <p>On this trip we\u2019ll also visit other aviation-related sites, including a few aviation boneyards, a dry lake where hobbyists play with their flying machines, and a place where commercial aircraft are put into long-term storage. This storage area was especially busy in 2020 during the Boeing 737 Max fiasco and the COVID pandemic.<\/p> <p>Our direction of travel for this tour goes from east to west, from Victorville to Palmdale, which is approximately 50 miles, one-way. You can, however, take it in either direction. The trip is entirely on paved roads but it can be a bit tricky to navigate because there are so many turns. These turns follow a consistent pattern where, most of the time, when you get to the end of a main road, you turn right and then, about a half a mile further, you turn left.<\/p> <h2>SCLA<\/h2> <p>We start just outside of Victorville at the Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA). Before 1992, this was George Air Force Base. Throughout its life, George AFB was mostly used by the Air Force to train pilots for fighter aircraft. Today, the base has been transformed into a unique aviation facility. It\u2019s now used mainly by private businesses to paint commercial jetliners, dismantle old aircraft (a boneyard) and repurpose them for parts, convert old jumbo jets into firefighting aircraft, develop and test jet engines, to house an aviation training school, and many other things. But one of SCLA\u2019s most noticeable uses is for storing unused aircraft.<\/p> <p>SCLA is a lot of fun to drive through and explore. Its main entrance is found off Air Expressway on SCLA\u2019s south side by driving north up Phantom West. Small roads leading off Phantom will take you up to the fence to see many of the parked aircraft up-close. More stored aircraft can be seen on SCLA\u2019s north side. Find this area by driving around the west side of the SCLA property using Adelanto Road, then turn right onto Colusa Road.<\/p> <p>When you\u2019re done exploring SCLA, find your way to the beginning of El Mirage Road on the other side of the town of Adelanto. Do this by heading west on Air Expressway, right on Hwy. 395, left on Chamberline, right on Koala, then left (west) on El Mirage (notice that right\/left turn pattern mentioned earlier). Reset your trip meter here.<\/p> <p>[adrotate group=\"11\"]<\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<h2>El Mirage Dry Lake<\/h2><p>At 5 miles, turn right to visit El Mirage Dry Lake. Here, you\u2019ll find a haven for people that like to play with all kinds of things that move, both on the ground and in the air. For decades, this area has been used by car enthusiasts for drag racing and other types of motor fun. Who can resist testing the speed of their vehicle on a huge, flat, dry lakebed with no obstacles? The lakebed also attracts a lot of aviation hobbyists with various flying contraptions. There is a visitor center located at the entrance and an entrance fee to drive on the lakebed.<\/p><h2>El Mirage Airport \u2013 Aviation Warehouse<\/h2><p>Find your way back to El Mirage Road, reset your trip meter again and turn right. In 3.5 miles, turn right onto El Mirage <em>Airport<\/em> Road. There are two more places of interest for aviation enthusiasts here. One is an aircraft boneyard and the other is a facility for developing and testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The boneyard is owned by Aviation Warehouse, a private company that sells old aircraft shells for various applications. Remember that both of these facilities are on private property. Do all your looking from the roadside and appreciate that these property owners allow you to come this close to such historic pieces of \u201cjunk\u201d \u2013 oh, I mean \u201ctreasures\u201d.<\/p><p>Back on El Mirage Road, you\u2019ll pass by the small settlement of El Mirage itself. Don\u2019t drive too fast or you might miss some interesting desert artifacts along this portion of the trip. Look for the many old, deserted buildings along with some prized private yard art.<\/p>\n<h3>Pictures<\/h3><p>Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p>\n<img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='449'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20449%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr3a.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boeing 737 Maxes parked at SCLA\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr3a.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boeing 737 Maxes parked at SCLA\"><\/noscript> Boeing 737 Maxes parked at SCLA <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boneyard at SCLA\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Boneyard at SCLA\"><\/noscript> Boneyard at SCLA <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Aviation Warehouse boneyard\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Aviation Warehouse boneyard\"><\/noscript> Aviation Warehouse boneyard <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\" alt=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\" alt=\"Mojave Desert Aviation Tour\"><\/noscript> Aerial view of Aviation Warehouse (lower-left) and UAV facility <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert\"><\/noscript> Wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='800'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20800%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr6.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Blackbird Air Park\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr6.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Blackbird Air Park\"><\/noscript> SR-71 engine at Blackbird Air Park <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr7.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Lockheed Martin Skunk Works\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MojaveAviationSldr7.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Lockheed Martin Skunk Works\"><\/noscript> Primary building at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Help fund our next trip and your next adventure by purchasing a subscription to Gaia GPS. We will receive a small commission from your purchase.<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<p>[adrotate group=\"11\"]<\/p>\n<h2>Wide Open Desert<\/h2><p>After crossing the L.A. County line, El Mirage Road will end. If you look to the far left, you\u2019ll see some industrial buildings about 3 miles away. This is another UAV facility operated by the same company as the one we stopped at previously. Before it was a UAV facility, it was used to test stealth aircraft. At the stop sign, turn right, then in half a mile, turn left onto Avenue \u201cO\u201d (there\u2019s that turn pattern again).<\/p><p>This part of the trip passes through wide open desert, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the south and granite-laden hills to the west and north. The road goes through the community of Lake Los Angeles where you\u2019ll encounter the road\u2019s one and only traffic light. Further down the road, you\u2019ll cross one of those granite-laden hills and pass by Alpine Butte Wildlife Sanctuary. On the road ahead, you\u2019ll get your first glimpse of our next stop, Air Force Plant #42.<\/p><h2>Air Force Plant #42<\/h2><p>Ave \u201cO\u201d ends, so again, turn right, then turn left onto Ave \u201cN\u201d. Look ahead to see the runway of Plant #42 come into view. In about 4 miles, you\u2019ll come to a 4-way stop. Go straight and in a short distance, the road makes a left turn. Stop here for a good panoramic view of the entire Plant #42 facility. See our virtual video tour (link below) that points out all the different facilities and what notable aircraft were built in each of those buildings.<\/p><p>Turning left here puts you onto 40<sup>th<\/sup> Street East. At the next intersection, turn right onto Ave \u201cP\u201d.\u00a0 At the next stop sign, turn right to go to the Neil Armstrong NASA facility that houses the airborne SOFIA telescope. Formerly, these buildings were part of Rockwell International and, before that, North American Aviation. Notable aircraft that were developed and built here were the XB-70 Valkyrie and B-1 Bomber.<\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<h2>Blackbird Airpark<\/h2> <p>Continuing west on Ave \u201cP\u201d a short distance, you\u2019ll come to a traffic light. On the corner is Blackbird Airpark which is a worthwhile stop. There are three very famous airplanes, the U-2, SR-71 and A-12, that were partially built in the nearby buildings.<\/p> <p>The A-12 and SR-71 look almost identical but have two different histories behind them. There are also a few dozen other aircraft to see here including the Boeing 747 that transported the Space Shuttles. Some aircraft are related to the Mojave Desert area and some are not.<\/p> <p>Like SCLA, you can wander around the airport complex here but, because this is still an active Air Force Plant, security is tighter and many buildings can only be seen from a distance. To see the north side of this facility, take Ave P to Sierra Hwy, turn right, then turn right on Columbia Way.<\/p> <p>[adrotate group=\"11\"]<\/p> <h2>Trip Map<\/h2> <p>To help plan your trip, use our interactive Google Map below. We recommend using a GPS mapping app, such as Gaia GPS, to\u00a0help navigate your trip\u00a0using your mobile device or phone.<\/p> <p>Click the ad below to purchase Gaia GPS using our discount code and we'll earn a few dollars to fund our next trip.<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p> <p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/map\/\">Learn more<\/a>\u00a0about our maps.<\/p>\n<template> SCLA Airport complex North side of SCLA Second side canyon: Mystery Canyon Beginning of El Mirage Rd El Mirage Dry Lake Aviation Warehouse Former boneyard - view of UAV facility Eastside view of Air Force Plant #42 Blackbird Airpark Lockheed Skunk Works <\/template>\n<h3>Support Us<\/h3><p>Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we'll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p><p>Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. Click the [Donate] button to get started:<\/p><p>[paypal-donation]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Subscribe<\/h3> <p>[mc4wp_form]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>See all our comprehensive virtual tour guides at<\/em>:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"BackRoadsWest\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg\" alt=\"BRWlogo\" width=\"300\" height=\"40\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo.jpg 438w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"1662640655\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<h3>More Trips<\/h3> Would you like to explore more of the Mojave Desert? <a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/mojave-desert\/\"> See more trips <\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5660"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7987,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5660\/revisions\/7987"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}