Chat with us, powered by LiveChat 2022 King Of The Hammers Info | Quadratec Skip to main content
Blog
Photography By: 
Hammerking Productions

by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief


What is it?

Well, KOTH is part event and part festival — kind of like Burning Man meets intense off-road rally race in California’s Mojave Desert. It involves Jeeps, Trucks, UTVs and even Volkswagen buggies from stock to beast-modified. The week-long event features multiple races that culminate in Saturday’s penultimate Nitto Race of Kings — widely considered the "toughest one-day off-road race in the world."

Where is it?

King of the Hammers takes place in Johnson Valley, California, a vast patch of the Mojave Desert about two-and-a-half hours east of Los Angeles, and sandwiched between Barstow and Palm Springs.

When is it?

This year, KOTH runs from January 27 through February 5.

Who can attend

Anyone. Spectators are welcome at KOTH and a ticket is good for the entire week. Most spectators choose to camp on the dry lake bed, but that is not a requirement for entrance.

Can anyone race?

Anyone racing in KOTH must be an Ultra4 member and field a vehicle that passes a battery of Ultra4 requirements. Race events during the week are open to anyone meeting vehicle and membership requirements, however, the event-ending Nitto Race of Kings is not an open event. This one requires a top-20 finish in the previous year’s Race of Kings to qualify or a previous KOTH victory. Other ways to qualify are to be one of the first 13 drivers who started the original race, gain entry from one of the previous year’s regional series races, or to finish in a top percentage of drivers from the Last Chance Challenge during KOTH week.

Is it popular?

Absolutely. KOTH week pulls in somewhere around 60,000 people, over 500 race teams and many of the off-road industry’s top vendors and manufacturers. Hammertown, the community erected right in the desert for KOTH is filled with passionate off-road fans cheering on their favorite teams, along with nightly concerts and other fun activities.

Top Jeep Articles

Jeep tire size conversion chart for Wrangler and Gladiator
  • October 23, 2025
  • 3 min read
Jeep Tire Size Calculator & Conversion Guide: Metric to Standard Wheel Sizes
Easily convert metric tire sizes to standard inches and find the perfect fit for your Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, or Cherokee.
READ MORE
  • October 22, 2025
  • 6 min read
Jeep Aftermarket Wheels Q&A
Important 'must know' information to help you decide which Jeep wheels are best for you.
READ MORE
Orange Jeep showing a tire and wheel.
  • October 17, 2025
  • 5 min read
How to Choose the Best Jeep Wheels for Your Wrangler or Gladiator
Knowing you need new wheels isn't always enough when it comes time for a swap. Size, offset, backspacing and even weight should all be considered before making a choice.
READ MORE
Rebelle Rally competitor checking a gps location next to an event flag
  • October 17, 2025
  • 3 min read
Seven Slot Dispatch 10.17.2025
Weekly Jeep-related news items from around the industry and community.
READ MORE
A red Jeep Wrangler on a white background with a black soft top.
  • October 14, 2025
  • 5 min read
Factory vs Frameless Jeep Soft Tops: Pros, Cons, and Buying Tips
Frameless soft tops are a popular option these days and do have some differences from the factory soft top.
READ MORE
A Jeep vehicle body on a manufacturing line.
  • October 10, 2025
  • 3 min read
Seven Slot Dispatch 10.10.2025
Weekly Jeep-related news items from around the industry and community.
READ MORE
Red Jeep Wrangler YJ with a black soft top.
  • October 8, 2025
  • 5 min read
What Is The Best Material For A Jeep Wrangler Soft Top?
A Jeep soft top isn't just a one-size-fits-all application. And one of the most important things to consider before purchasing is what kind of material makes up that top. Here are some of the most important material differences.
READ MORE
Jeep thermoplastic entry guards installed on an orange Jeep Wrangler
  • October 8, 2025
  • 5 min read
Top Simple And Affordable Mods Every New Jeep Owner Should Try
New to Jeep life? These simple upgrades add protection, comfort, and personality without draining your wallet.
READ MORE