Palisades Ranch Airport (19CL) — Oro Grande, California

Palisades Ranch Airport, designated by the FAA as 19CL, is a private general aviation airfield situated at 13850 Bryman Rd in Oro Grande, San Bernardino County, California. Set at an elevation of 2,510 feet mean sea level in the high Mojave Desert, the airport occupies a sprawling 240-acre site approximately three miles southwest of Helendale and just north of Victorville along the Interstate 15 corridor.

This private aerodrome serves the aviation needs of the Victor Valley's desert community, providing a dedicated facility for personal and ranch-based flight operations in one of Southern California's most historically rich landscapes. Oro Grande itself — whose name translates from Spanish as Large Gold — sits along the historic Route 66 alignment and the Mojave River, at the crossroads of San Bernardino County's expansive desert interior.

Airport Specifications

Palisades Ranch Airport operates as a privately owned, private-use facility, meaning access requires prior permission from the airport operator. Prospective users can reach the facility at (760) 245-8889. The airport's elevation of 2,510 ft MSL reflects the high-desert terrain characteristic of the Victor Valley, where density altitude considerations are important for pilots planning departures and arrivals, particularly during the region's famously hot summer months when temperatures routinely exceed 100°F.

The airport's desert surroundings offer clear, stable air for much of the year. The Mojave Desert enjoys some of the best visual flight conditions in the United States, with high-pressure systems producing excellent visibility over 50 miles and minimal precipitation. Pilots operating out of 19CL benefit from low humidity, consistent westerly winds, and long daylight hours during summer — ideal conditions for ranching and private aviation activities.

Location and Surrounding Region

Oro Grande is an unincorporated community in the Mojave Desert, nestled between Victorville to the south and Barstow to the northeast along I-15. The community lies adjacent to the Mojave River and was historically significant during the silver and gold mining booms of the 1870s and 1880s. A silver strike on Silver Mountain in 1873 drew prospectors to the region, followed by major gold and silver discoveries in 1880. By the early twentieth century, Oro Grande had transitioned into a limestone quarrying and cement production hub, and the Riverside Cement Company plant became one of the area's defining landmarks.

Today, Oro Grande is home to Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch, a celebrated Route 66 roadside attraction featuring thousands of glass bottles arranged into striking desert sculptures. The community's population remains small — under 1,000 residents — preserving the rural, open character that makes private aviation a practical and appealing mode of transport for area property owners.

Regional Aviation Context

Palisades Ranch Airport operates within a broader network of general aviation and commercial airfields serving the Inland Empire and High Desert. The closest major commercial service is available at LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 47 miles to the southwest, offering Southwest Airlines, United, American, Delta, and other carriers. Southern California Logistics Airport (KVCV) in Victorville — roughly 12 miles south — serves as the region's cargo and military aviation hub, hosting a substantial aircraft storage and maintenance operation on its 13,000-acre site.

For general aviation, Hesperia Airport lies approximately 12 miles to the south, while Barstow-Daggett Airport (DAG) is about 46 miles to the northeast. Pilots transiting between the Los Angeles Basin and Las Vegas corridor frequently use the Victor Valley corridor, making local situational awareness important for operations at private fields like 19CL.

Whether you are a ranching operation, a private pilot based in the Mojave, or a researcher seeking airport directory information, Palisades Ranch Airport (19CL) represents an integral piece of San Bernardino County's private aviation infrastructure — anchored in a desert landscape shaped by gold rushes, Route 66 history, and the enduring appeal of open skies.

Palisades Ranch Airport - 19cl Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Oro Grande, California.

Name Palisades Ranch Airport - 19cl
Address 13850 Bryman Road, Oro Grande CA 92368 Map
Phone (760) 245-8889
Website
Hours

Map of Palisades Ranch Airport - 19cl


Airports near Oro Grande

Frequently Asked Questions — Palisades Ranch Airport (19CL)

No. Palisades Ranch Airport (FAA identifier 19CL) is a private-use facility located at 13850 Bryman Rd, Oro Grande, California. Access requires prior permission from the airport operator. Pilots and visitors must contact the airport at (760) 245-8889 before arriving. This is common for ranch and private estate airfields throughout San Bernardino County's high desert region.

Palisades Ranch Airport sits at 2,510 feet mean sea level (MSL) in the Mojave Desert near Oro Grande, California. At this elevation, pilots must account for density altitude — particularly during summer months when desert temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. High density altitude reduces aircraft performance: engines produce less power, wings generate less lift, and takeoff/landing rolls are longer. Pilots operating piston aircraft at 19CL should calculate density altitude carefully and consider early morning departures during heat waves to maximize performance margins.

The nearest major commercial airport to Oro Grande is LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 47 miles to the southwest, offering flights on Southwest, United, American, and Delta. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is about 49 miles away and handles charter and cargo operations. For general aviation, Hesperia Airport is roughly 12 miles south and Southern California Logistics Airport (KVCV) in Victorville is about 12 miles south as well, offering a full FBO and instrument approaches.

Private desert airstrips in San Bernardino County like Palisades Ranch Airport (19CL) most commonly serve single-engine piston aircraft such as Cessna 172s, Piper PA-28s, and Beechcraft Bonanzas, as well as light sport aircraft (LSA) and experimental homebuilts. Some larger private ranches accommodate twin-engine aircraft. Helicopter operations are also common in the region for agricultural inspection, utility work, and emergency medical services given the vast distances involved in the Mojave Desert. The 240-acre site at 19CL provides ample room for these operations.

Oro Grande (Spanish for "Large Gold") is an unincorporated Mojave Desert community along the historic Route 66 corridor in San Bernardino County. A silver strike on Silver Mountain in 1873 drew early prospectors, followed by major gold and silver discoveries in 1880. The area later became known for limestone quarrying, with the Riverside Cement Company establishing a major plant there in the early 1900s. Today Oro Grande is perhaps best known as the home of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch, a celebrated Route 66 roadside art installation. The community sits along the Mojave River, approximately midway between Victorville and Barstow on I-15.

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