Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Taft, California

Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV

Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV is a stunning route high up in the San Rafael Mountains, providing awesome views into Los Padres NF and the Lake Cachuma foothills. This forest route is accessed via the Upper…
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Total Miles
13.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Alamo Mountain Loop

Alamo Mountain Loop is a great escape from the crowds and heat of summer. At over 7,000 feet, this easy forest drive runs parallel to Hungry Valley State Recreation area. Camping is available, as well…
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Total Miles
24.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa

Liebre Mountain

Total Miles
16.6
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa

The Highest Peak of the Sierra Pelona

Take a quick, but pretty drive up to Burnt Peak. At 5,791' above sea level, this is the highest peak of the Sierra Pelona, which is one of the lower elevation ranges within California's Transverse…
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Total Miles
5.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

Maxwell Road

This is an off-road connector between Lake Hughes Road and the Liebre Mountain and Sawmill Motor Way (USFS Route 7N23). It takes you through the western Sierra Pelona Range, which is the lower elevation mountain…
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Total Miles
9.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Jawbone to Lake Isabella

Total Miles
45.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Wi / Sp / Su / Fa

San Francisquito Motorway

This is a relatively easy dirt road just outside Santa Clarita. It is usually low-traffic, and the main road doesn't even require 4x4. There are however several side trails (mostly short) that are steep, rutted,…
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Total Miles
5.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Tule Divide

The Tule Divide is an easy, pretty drive through the Sierra Pelona Range. The trail mostly follows Burns Canyon Road and other forest routes, which can be linked to other local trails for more off-road…
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Total Miles
13.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Lake Hughes Truck Trail

This easy route begins just east of Lake Hughes in remote northern Los Angeles County, California, and connects the area to the Tule Divide trail. The drive is a mostly uneventful climb with pretty views…
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Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa / Wi / Sp

City Highline Road

This non-technical dirt road follows the power lines along the hills of San Francisquito Canyon. There are some neat views of the California aqueduct, and tons of little side roads. Most of the side roads…
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Total Miles
9.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Grass Mountain Summit

This is a short, but scenic ride to the summit of Grass Mountain, which provides a great view of the Green Valley area, as well as views of the Leona Valley, Antelope Valley, and high…
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Total Miles
2.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Lake Hughes/Grass Mountain Connector Trail

This short trail connects the Lake Hughes Truck Trail with Grass Mountain, FS 6N04. It is a mostly uneventful and short trail that, unlike others in the area, has quite a bit of shade thanks…
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Total Miles
0.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Wi / Fa

Leona Divide

This is a relatively easy scenic drive down Forest Route 6N04, also known as Leona Divide. It can be run in both directions, beginning at either the trailhead on Bouquet Canyon Road or San Francisquito…
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Total Miles
9.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Sierra Pelona Ridge/Rowher OHV

Total Miles
13.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Wi / Sp / Su / Fa

Whitmore Gold Mines

This is a quick and easy trail that showcases some of the mining history of the western Mojave Desert. It is mostly hard-packed, and there are plenty of areas to park and walk to the…
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Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Jawbone OHV Area

Total Miles
25.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time

McIver's Cabin Trail Head

30 miles North of Mojave, CA on the 14 Fwy, is the Dove Springs open riding area. This area is well maintained and well marked with trail signs. The main trail leading into Dove Springs…
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Total Miles
18.7
Tech Rating
3 Moderate
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Iron Canyon Scenic Trail

The Iron Canyon Scenic Trail is an easy-going dirt trail that winds its way around the Red Cliffs of Red Rock Canyon State Park. It's very easy-going as there are no major obstacles to worry…
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Total Miles
3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi

Back Way to Schmidt Tunnel

The trail is single-car wide with short climbs and descents. This is a short trail with great views from multiple locations of the trail. This is the backway to the William Henry Schmidt Tunnel. It's…
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Total Miles
8.6
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi

Abandoned Old Dutch Cleanser Mine Trail

The Dutch Cleanser Mine in Red Rock Canyon State Park is the perfect place to end your adventure or have lunch when exploring the area. The Mine is massive as you can walk in and…
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Total Miles
0.9
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Monache Meadows

Total Miles
8.6
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Su

R20

A wide trail that swerves with deep turns throughout the foothills of the Rand Mountain range, fast, fun, and nice views that connects to many other trails in the area. This trail is one of…
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Total Miles
6.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi

Iron Canyon EP21

Uneven and rutted dirt trail with loose rocks and sandy washes. Use caution, some washes are narrow. Potential for mud holes and water crossings less than a foot deep. There are trail obstacles of up…
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Total Miles
14.3
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi