Off-Road Trails in California

Discover off-road trails in California

Learn more about Searles Valley Mineral Operations to 178
Searles Valley Mineral Operations to 178

Searles Valley Mineral Operations to 178

You will encounter various types of terrain on this 5.5-mile trail through the Argus Range: sand, rock obstacles, off-camber sections, steep inclines and declines, and washed-out and rutted stretches. The trail is primarily in BLM…
Learn more about Searles Valley Mineral Operations to 178
Total Miles
5.5
Tech Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Senator Wash/Cistern Road
Senator Wash/Cistern Road

Senator Wash/Cistern Road

This is an excellent cut-across trail between Senator Wash and Cistern Rd. It is a rocky trail with fun, deep wash transitions and some nice flexy sections to test your suspension. Also, watch for sharp,…
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Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Fall
Learn more about Shady Rest Park Overlook
Shady Rest Park Overlook

Shady Rest Park Overlook

This short trail takes you to an overlook high above Mammoth Lake's Shady Rest Park. Beautiful views of the town of Mammoth Lakes as well as Mammoth Mountain can be seen from this viewpoint. It…
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Total Miles
1.0
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Fall, Summer, Spring
Learn more about Sharpless Ranch
Sharpless Ranch

Sharpless Ranch

This is a simple trail that leads from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Upper Lytle Creek Divide. It is an easy trail that is just a fun little uphill or downhill trail depending on direction…
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Total Miles
2.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Sheep Canyon
Sheep Canyon

Sheep Canyon

This is a very easy trail leading from Swarthout Canyon Road to Lytle Creek Road. No major obstacles, but the uphill portions can be a little slick. Street legal vehicles only.
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Total Miles
2.2
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Shell Reef Expressway
Shell Reef Expressway

Shell Reef Expressway

Welcome to the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreational Area, the largest SVRA in California with more than 85,000 acres. OWSVRA is over 130 square miles with hundreds of miles of desert track open to all…
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Total Miles
7.4
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Sherman Pass
Sherman Pass

Sherman Pass

There are a couple of water crossings but the rocks aren't bad under them. Trees are down all over the area, so expect to hop some logs. This trail has quite the elevation change with…
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Total Miles
1.8
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about Sherman Pass 4x4 Jeep Trail
Sherman Pass 4x4 Jeep Trail

Sherman Pass 4x4 Jeep Trail

This trail is open year-round. It is a typical Sierra dirt-type trail with some rutting and snow left from previous years. The drive to the trailhead is easy, and coming from the west via Kernville…
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Total Miles
7.1
Tech Rating
6 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Sherwood Road
Sherwood Road

Sherwood Road

This is a 43-mile-long trek through dirt logging roads with spectacular views of the northern California redwoods. It is a great way to start a trip up the Mendocino coastline and on your way to…
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Total Miles
41.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Shirttail Canyon
Shirttail Canyon

Shirttail Canyon

The main attraction of this route is a popular swimming hole below Colfax-Foresthill Suspension Bridge. Our round-about way of getting there follows a paved road through historic Iowa Hill, then continues on a narrow, winding…
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Total Miles
24.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about Short Wheelbase
Short Wheelbase

Short Wheelbase

Short Wheelbase road is a gravel and sandy road that has very large washouts that dip down, a long wheelbase vehicle would have a hard time and may find themselves dragging their rear ends. These…
Learn more about Short Wheelbase
Total Miles
4.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Shuteye Peak
Shuteye Peak

Shuteye Peak

4WD section starts at 8.1 miles from the Start of Central Camp Road. There are some off-camber areas and a little "crawling". Water crossings, steep switchbacks, moderate rock obstacles, and amazing views at the Shuteye…
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Total Miles
12.1
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Summer, Fall
Learn more about Sidewinder
Sidewinder

Sidewinder

Total Miles
1.0
Tech Rating
7 Difficult
Best Time
Spring, Fall
Learn more about Sidewinder Road to Picacho Wash
Sidewinder Road to Picacho Wash

Sidewinder Road to Picacho Wash

This point-to-point trail connects the popular camping area on American Girl Mine Road to Yuma. This route takes you up and down steep portions of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. This area is scattered with old…
Learn more about Sidewinder Road to Picacho Wash
Total Miles
16.7
Tech Rating
5 Difficult
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Sierra Pelona Ridge/Rowher OHV
Sierra Pelona Ridge/Rowher OHV

Sierra Pelona Ridge/Rowher OHV

This rugged backcountry drive climbs high to the ridgeline of the Sierra Pelona. After traversing the ridge for several scenic miles, it switchbacks down the northern side of the mountain, offering outstanding views of Bouquet…
Learn more about Sierra Pelona Ridge/Rowher OHV
Total Miles
14.4
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Signal Peak
Signal Peak

Signal Peak

Signal Peak is neither "easy" nor "beginner", despite being deemed so by many locals in comparison to the Fordyce trail - which also begins from the Pierce Meadow Staging Area. It is recommended to have…
Learn more about Signal Peak
Total Miles
4.0
Tech Rating
6 Moderate
Best Time
Summer, Fall
Learn more about Silver Canyon Road
Silver Canyon Road

Silver Canyon Road

Silver Canyon Road is a seasonal, one-lane road connecting Bishop, CA to the high alpine White Mountain Road and up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. It is best run east to west in late…
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Total Miles
11.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Summer, Fall
Learn more about Slade Canyon
Slade Canyon

Slade Canyon

This is a a fun, quick trail that leads you up into the mountains from the creek bed below. After heavy snowfall, ice could make for very dangerous conditions. If snow is present 4WD is…
Learn more about Slade Canyon
Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Sledgehammer
Sledgehammer

Sledgehammer

This trail starts at the sign that splits Jackhammer and Sledgehammer. You start by going into the canyon on sand and the trail starts to get harder as you head up. The trail has one…
Learn more about Sledgehammer
Total Miles
0.5
Tech Rating
9 Difficult
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Slickrock Trail
Slickrock Trail

Slickrock Trail

This short route is a rare combination of difficult obstacles and great scenery. Passes through popular Union/Utica recreation area. Lots of hiking, biking and water activities at each end of the route. Street-legal vehicles only.…
Learn more about Slickrock Trail
Total Miles
6.3
Tech Rating
7 Difficult
Best Time
Summer

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