Edwards Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in the Western Mojave Desert of California. It is in Kern County and is hosted by the Air Force’s 412th Test Wing. This guide covers access, housing, schools, medical care, services, lodging, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Edwards Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 90 Farrell Drive, Building 5620, Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Main phone number 661-277-1110
Visitor Center phone 661-275-9771 / 9772
Official website Edwards Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Edwards Air Force Base is in the Western Mojave Desert in Kern County, California. Nearby airport choices listed for the installation include Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Ontario International Airport, and Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield. There is no on-base shuttle bus or taxi service, so travel between facilities generally requires a privately owned vehicle or government vehicle.

Visitor Information

Access is limited to active-duty personnel and dependents, retirees, and people who work or live on the installation. A REAL ID-compliant identification card is required. The Visitor Control Center can be reached at 661-275-9771 or 661-275-9772.

North and West gates are listed as open 24 hours a day, every day. South Gate hours can vary. Confirm sponsorship, pass steps, gate status, and current access rules with Edwards AFB before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

On-base housing is privatized and managed by Mayroad. The Military Housing Office is at 1365 Fitz-Gerald Blvd. and can be reached at 661-277-4506 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Temporary lodging is available at the High Desert Inn, 5602 Honts Drive. It is open all day, every day; check-in is at 2:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Call 661-275-7666.

Facilities and Services

Installation support includes security, fire protection, medical services, housing, transportation, communications, chapel services, environmental services, and morale, welfare, and recreation programs. The Military and Family Readiness Center is at 90 Farrell Drive, Building 5620, and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 661-277-0723. The Base Main Library is at 5 W. Yeager Blvd., Building 2665. It offers print and electronic resources and educational programs. Call 661-275-2665.

Schools and Childcare

Edwards AFB schools are public schools operated by the Muroc Joint Unified School District. There are no DoDEA schools on or near the base. On-base schools include William A. Bailey Elementary School for transitional kindergarten through grade 2, Irving L. Branch Elementary School for grades 3 through 6, and Desert Junior-Senior High School for grades 7 through 12.

The Child Development Center cares for children from 6 weeks through 5 years who are not enrolled in kindergarten. The School Age Program offers before- and after-school care and care during school breaks for eligible children. The School Liaison office can help families with school questions at 661-277-2456 or 661-902-8335. Children and Youth Services registration is at 24 Lathrop Drive, Building 5210; call 661-275-5437.

Medical Services

The 412th Medical Group is at 30 Nightingale Road, Building 5525. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a Wednesday opening time of 10:00 a.m. The clinic is closed on weekends and holidays. Call 661-277-7118. The base clinic maintains a 24-hour ambulance service. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Recreation and Amenities

Morale, welfare, and recreation programs are provided through the 412th Force Support Squadron. The base library offers print and electronic resources, educational programs, and other library services. Youth and teen programs include recreation, sports, arts, education, career development, leadership, and service activities.

Things to Know

  • Edwards is an active Air Force test and evaluation installation operated by the 412th Test Wing.
  • Privately owned drones are prohibited from flying over Edwards Air Force Base and Plant 42.
  • There is no current on-base shuttle bus or taxi service.
  • Gate hours and road access can change because of holidays, family days, construction, road closures, or mission needs.
  • Confirm access details and operating information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edwards Air Force Base active?
Yes. It is an active United States Air Force installation.
Who can access Edwards AFB?
Access is limited to authorized personnel, dependents, retirees, and people who work or live on the installation.
Is a REAL ID required?
Yes. A REAL ID-compliant identification card is required for base access.
Are there schools on Edwards AFB?
Yes. Public schools on the base are operated by the Muroc Joint Unified School District.
Does the base have emergency medical support?
The base clinic maintains a 24-hour ambulance service. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.