King of the Hammers 2025: A Weekend to Remember
Living in Las Vegas has its perks, and being just three hours away from Johnson Valley means an off-road adventure is always within reach.
What is King of The Hammers? KOH
King of the Hammers (KOH for short) is a race event that takes place in Means Dry Lake at Johnson Valley, California. Means Dry Lake turns into “Hammertown”. It is said to be one of the toughest off-road races in the world, and it surely is! The off-road races combine desert racing and rock crawling and only the best make it through. The King of Hammers event is a once a year event. It is held around the first week of February and lasts about 3 weeks. You can expect more than 400 teams and over 70,000+ spectators. There are several races each day, some that lead up to the main event held on the Friday or Saturday of the week it is held in.
A Weekend to Remember
The drive to King of The Hammers is surprisingly smooth and easy. Once the turn at Barstow, CA is made and the descent into Johnson Valley begins, the entire landscape starts to transform. The flat desert stretches give way to endless trails and a parade of vehicles—from RVs and trailers to tricked-out off-road machines—all converging on the mecca of off-road racing: Hammertown! As the entrance to Hammertown approaches, the excitement becomes palpable. The line to get in is long, taking about an hour, but the wait is worth it. Everywhere, there is a buzz of activity—people from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for off-road culture and the thrill of competition. Kids roam freely on their 170s and dirt bikes, embodying the independent spirit of this community. SXS vehicles zoom past on all sides, cutting through the trails like they own the place. There is a chaotic energy to it all, but it is a kind of chaos that brings a smile. Everyone is there to enjoy life and embrace the camaraderie of this unique event.
Hammertown itself is like no other place. Forget convenience stores and fast food chains; this is a community built on home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and old-school hospitality. Once inside, the heart of the event opens up. Vendors line the streets, offering everything from shocks and tie rods to axles and radios. What stands out most is their attitude—these aren’t pushy salespeople. Instead, they are there to help, ready to assist anyone in need of a quick repair or upgrade. It’s a testament to the spirit of off-roading: support, adaptability, and resilience.
The infield is well laid out, with plenty of action to keep spectators entertained. The Monster Energy’s stand stands out as a prime spot for viewing, and adding more stands like that would enhance the experience even further. That said, the strategically placed viewing screens, like those near the Lasernut fire pit, provide real-time race coverage with only a slight lag, allowing everyone to stay connected to the action no matter where they are. It is a nice touch that showcases how well-organized the event is.
Then there is the race itself—the UTV Desert Race at the Hammers. This is the event we went to enjoy, while there are others races like King of the Motos, and the Kings Race; for us it was the Desert Race. This event is designed to challenge even the toughest drivers and machines, and it absolutely lives up to its reputation. With over 150 entries and fewer than 50 finishers, it’s clear why this race is so iconic. It’s not just a test of speed; it’s a battle of endurance, skill, and sheer determination. Watching these incredible machines tackle brutal terrain is awe-inspiring, making it easy to appreciate the grit and talent it takes to compete here.
Conclusion
Beyond the race, what truly stands out is the community. The people of Hammertown—spectators, racers, vendors, and enthusiasts alike—make the event unforgettable. There is a sense of togetherness that is hard to describe but easy to feel. Everyone is there for the same reason: to celebrate off-road culture and push the limits of what’s possible.
One thing is clear: King of the Hammers isn’t just an event; it’s a way of life. This event is not one to miss, and for many, it is already marked as a must-attend for next year. Because at the end of the day, the true kings of the Hammers are all those who come together to make it happen.
See you at Hammertown 2026!
(view the video below for a recap on our Instagram account)