The dry lake, at an elevation of 2,840 ft (870 m), is approximately 6 mi (9.7 km) long.

Formerly open to all visitors, it has been a popular spot for many activities ranging from gyrocopter and ultralight aircraft operations to automobile racing.

El Mirage Lakebed experiences a desert climate, with cool winters and hot summers.

Due to the lakebed's aridity and high elevation, the diurnal temperature variation is substantial.

The lakebed receives an occasional dusting of snow in the winter months, however, snowfall usually melts within 24 hours.