If you’re driving up the 395 and see a giant stadium looming over the desert scrub, you’ve hit Adelanto. Most people just blow right past it on their way to Mammoth or Mammoth Lakes, thinking it’s just a patch of sand with some high-security fences. Honestly? I get it. But there’s a weird, gritty charm to this place if you know where to look. It’s not a polished tourist trap. It’s the High Desert.
Adelanto literally means "progress" in Spanish. Kind of ironic since the town has struggled a bit since George Air Force Base shuttered in the early 90s. But things are changing. Between the off-roading subculture and a massive pivot into the cannabis industry, there’s a vibe here you won’t find in the suburbs of LA or even nearby Victorville.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here are the things to do in Adelanto that are actually worth your time.
The Adrenaline Rush at El Mirage Dry Lake
You haven't really experienced the High Desert until you've stood in the middle of a dry lake bed. El Mirage is just a short hop west of the city. It’s basically 27,000 acres of "do whatever you want" (within reason, obviously).
The ground is flat. I mean, flat flat. Because of that, people bring out the weirdest gear. You’ll see:
- Land yachts (wind-powered go-karts with sails)
- Gyrocopters buzzing overhead
- High-speed racing trials
- Ultra-light aircraft taking off from nowhere
It’s $15 for a daily permit. Worth it? Absolutely. Even if you don’t have a dirt bike or an ATV, just sitting there watching the "dust devils" and the distant Shadow Mountains while somebody tests a land-speed record is a trip. Pro tip: Don't go if it rained recently. They close the lake bed when it’s muddy to keep the surface smooth, and you’ll just end up stuck in some very sticky Mojave clay.
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Adelanto Stadium: More Than Just Baseball
Everyone calls it "The Maverick" because of the High Desert Mavericks minor league team that played here for decades. The team is gone now, but the stadium is still the heartbeat of the town.
Nowadays, it’s a bit of a wildcard. One weekend it’s a massive "Jaripeo" (Mexican rodeo and concert), and the next it’s a monster truck rally or a drone racing event. Since 2015, Adelanto has become a hub for the cannabis industry, so you’ll also see lifestyle festivals and industry expos happening here.
Check the schedule before you go. If there’s a night event, the sunsets from the bleachers are incredible. You get that purple and orange desert sky that makes everything look like a movie set.
Richardson Park and The Local Vibe
If you need a break from the wind and the dust, Richardson Park is the spot. It’s named after E.H. Richardson—the guy who invented the Hotpoint electric iron and basically founded the town back in 1915.
It’s got the basics:
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- Basketball courts (usually pretty busy)
- A skate park where the local kids actually have some serious talent
- Picnic areas with grills
It’s not the Ritz, but it’s a solid place to touch grass. If you’re hungry after, hit up Sols Mexican Food right down the street. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" spots. The tacos are legit, and it’s way better than any of the fast-food chains sticking out near the highway.
Mojave Narrows: The Hidden Oasis
Technically, this is just over the line in Victorville, but it’s the backyard for everyone in Adelanto. It’s weird to see so much green in the desert. There are two lakes, Pelican and Horseshoe, and they stock them with trout in the winter and catfish in the summer.
I’ve spent afternoons here just walking the disc golf course. It’s 18 holes and surprisingly challenging when the desert wind kicks up. There’s also a splash pad for kids if the heat is hitting that triple-digit mark, which happens way more than you’d think in the summer.
Why the History Actually Matters
Adelanto wasn't always just a desert town. In the early 20th century, it was famous for fruit orchards. Apples, pears—you name it. They used to make world-class cider here. Then the Great Depression hit, the water got scarce, and the orchards turned into poultry ranches.
Then came the military. George Air Force Base was a massive deal until 1992. When it closed, the town almost went under. That’s why you see so much industrial development now. The city is trying to reinvent itself as a logistics and "green" hub. You’ll see massive warehouses and cultivation centers popping up everywhere. It’s a town in transition. You can feel the hustle.
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Survival Tips for the High Desert
Don't be that person who gets stuck in the sand.
- Water is life. Even if you're just going for a 20-minute walk, bring a bottle. The humidity is non-existent.
- Sunscreen. The sun at 3,000 feet elevation hits different.
- Wind. It’s always windy. If you’re camping at El Mirage, stake your tent like your life depends on it.
- Check the weather. It can be 80 degrees at noon and 40 degrees by 8:00 PM. Layers are your best friend.
What’s Next?
If you're planning a trip, start by checking the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website for El Mirage conditions to make sure the lake bed is open. If you're looking for events, the official Adelanto Stadium social media pages are usually more up-to-date than the city website.
Stop for the tacos, stay for the sunset, and maybe watch a gyrocopter fly into the horizon. Adelanto isn't for everyone, but for a certain kind of explorer, it’s exactly the right kind of middle-of-nowhere.
To get the most out of your visit, aim for a weekend trip between October and May. The summer heat is brutal for outdoor activities, but the "shoulder seasons" offer the perfect climate for off-roading and hiking the nearby trails like the Bell Mountain path just a short drive away.