Tucked deep in the heart of the Mojave Desert, far from paved roads and civilization, stands a striking and stirring memorial to desert riders who have passed. Known as the Husky Monument—or Husky Memorial—this remote site is more than a waypoint on a GPS track. It’s a mechanical garden of remembrance, built not by any agency or park service, but by the hands of fellow riders who felt compelled to honor their own. What began as a single tribute grew organically over time into a sprawling desert shrine, each marker a testament to the bond between man, machine, and the love of riding in the desert.

The monument began in 1987 when members of the Desert Zebras Motorcycle Club honored their fallen friend, desert racer Jim Erickson, by planting his 1978 Husqvarna 390 (or one like it) in the desert near Cuddeback Dry Lake. His ashes were spread on the trails he loved, and the bike became a beacon to all riders who enjoy exploring the desert. 

For nearly a decade, the Husky Monument remained untouched and largely unknown. Its obscurity was broken only when the rise of GPS technology and the internet began to reveal the waypoint to a wider circle of riders. By the early 2000s, the site had transformed into a sprawling desert canvas dotted with hundreds of tributes: motorcycles and parts anchored in concrete, plaques etched with names, and handmade markers that spoke to the lives behind the machines.

Today, the site is a surreal mosaic of motorcycle history and desert lore. Like rings on a tree, the oldest memorials cluster near the center, while newer ones radiate outward. Some bear names, others nicknames, and many remain cryptic. Each addition was personal, placed by someone who knew the story. The overall message is clear though: this is a place to remember, reflect, and ride.

The Husky Monument is definitely one of those destinations you have to visit to appreciate it fully. Typically you’ll have the place to yourself, except holiday weekends when it gets busy. Reaching it does require some commitment, navigation, and a willingness to embrace challenging desert terrain. After generous helping of whoops and sand, the monument offers a chance to dismount, stretch your legs, and wander among the tributes. It’s a place to pay respect, take a breath, and remember how short our time is on Earth.

The Mojave is full of strange and wonderful detours. If you’re going to the monument, consider stopping by the F-22 crash site memorial, the petroglyphs at Inscription Canyon, the vast expanse of Cuddeback Dry Lake, or the geological wonderland of Rainbow Basin. For those seeking a more challenging route, the ridgeline trail over Fremont Peak offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Getting There

The Husky Monument isn’t far from the asphalt but it’s slow-going on dirt trails that can take you several hours to get there. From California City, head east from Highway 395 and prepare for about 20 miles of off-pavement travel. The tracks are well-worn but expect sand, whoops, and occasional washouts. From Barstow, start at the intersection of Irwin Road and Fossil Bed Road, then travel northwest for roughly 34 miles. The terrain varies, and some routes are more technical than others. Plug in the GPS coordinates (35.215833, -117.3175) and let curiosity guide you. There’s no single route to the Husky Monument, just a web of desert tracks, each with its own flavor. Whether you’re taking hard routes on a small dual sport or the easier way on an adventure bike, the journey is half the experience.

The desert is unforgiving in summer, with temperatures regularly soaring well above 100 degrees. The Husky Monument is best to visit between October and April, when cooler weather makes it more manageable and the experience more enjoyable. Winter can bring brisk mornings and dramatic skies.

For more details on the route and other unique destinations in the area, we’ve covered the ride to the Husky Monument in a previous featured story—Finding A Desert Rider’s Paradise In The Heart of the Mojave—where we navigate a desert maze to arrive at this sacred site.

Photos by Jon Beck and Rob Dabney  

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.