California - SD Truck Springs

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SDTrucksprings
California Offroading/4x4 Guide
Copyright 2015
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Written by:
Aaron Grant
With special thanks to our existing and future customers,
We couldn’t do what we love without you.
California Offroading/4x4 Guide
First of all, we want to thank ALL of the Offroaders and 4x4 Enthusiasts out there
who have been such an integral part of our company, brand, and customer base!
And thank you for purchasing this Offroading Trail Guide!
We wanted to collect all the information one would need to decide the most
valuable offroading trail that are in their state – to make an educated decision
and prevent any surprises. (What do you mean ATV’s aren’t allowed on these
trails?!)
We have included important information such as:
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)
G)
H)
Are permits required?
What Climate Type?
How Many Miles are these trails (according to their websites)
What times of the year are they open?
Is there a standing entry fee? If so, How much?
What other vehicles are allowed on these trails?
UTVs? SXS? ATVs? SUV/Jeeps? Dune Buggies? Sand Rails?
And contact information, with a small blurb about the trial itself,
highlighting any important things to keep in mind such as: Are there
bathrooms available, garbage service, etc.
I) A Star-rating, on a scale from 1-5, on the overall value of the trail
With all of that information, we feel that all of our valued customers in California
will be able to make an informed decision as to where to spend their precious
“Offroad Time”.
If any information in this book becomes outdated due to new policies, and you
happen to catch it, please feel free to contact [email protected] and I
will place an edit on the book. And of course, if you are in need of any
suspension parts, truck accessories, and much much more, feel free to check
out our full catalogue at http://www.sdtrucksprings.com – or call us directly at
1(877) 774-6473 and speak to one of our specialists directly!
Thanks and good offroadin’!
Ballinger Canyon OHV
(Cuyama, California)
The Ballinger and Deer Park areas are geared toward OHV use. These areas provide 11 4WD
roads, 12 ATV trails, and 14 motorcycle trails. Access to 4WD roads is available to both ATVs
and motorcycles, and access to ATV trails is available to motorcycles...
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
Yes.
Desert.
68.
All Year.
$5.
ATV?
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
Some Areas.
Some Areas.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
Motorcycles. Some Areas.
Facilities at Ballinger Campground include: restrooms; campsites with tables and fire rings, and trails
to accommodate all levels of riders. There is no garbage service, so you must pack out what you pack
in. With this being one of the largest trees in the area, and with enough terrain to do what you want
with almost every vehicle, this is a clear choice for our 5-star designation.
Big Bear Lake
(Big Bear City, California)
The high elevation of Big Bear makes for great summertime off-roading in Southern California, when
other destinations are too hot. If you like 'wheeling in the snow’, there's plenty of that in the winter. If
you're up for a long trail ride, you can even start your trip down in the desert and off-road all the way up
to the top of the mountains.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Forest.
6.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles.
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
Big Bear Lake is an absolutely huge tourist attraction, which is both one of its best qualities and one of
its worst. On a busy day, you’ll have a lot of company and it can get loud with a nearby college life.
But the facilities are large, and you’ll have everything you need to offroad, hike, site-see, and more.
The short mileage for some of the offroading trails is one of the only drawbacks to an otherwise very
full experience.
Billy Hill OHV Route
(Truckee, California)
Located in the Tahoe National Forest, this is the northern section of a three-part area that is surrounded
by three reservoirs; Boca Reservoir, Prosser Reservoir and Stampede Reservoir.
.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Forest.
45.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles.
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
The trails here consist mostly of mild 4×4 roads, but there are also various single track loops if you keep
your eyes open (see map). There is a boat ramp and there are plenty of camping opportunities in this
area, and nearby Prosser Hill OHV (to the west of 89) has additional trails.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area
(Shasta City, California)
Located on the western side of Shasta Dam. The day use staging area offers parking, unloading
clde ds ramps, vault toilets, shaded picnic area, trail access, and information kiosks.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Forest.
250.
Other Vehicles?
Motorcycles.
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
This area is known as the Big Gulch area. Big Gulch is a desirable OHV user destination due to the large
continuous blocks of public land, remote, rugged terrain, diverse and challenging trail network, and
spectacular views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Trinity Alps
Boca Reservoir
(Hirschdale, California)
Boca Campground is located on beautiful Boca Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest, 15 minutes from
Truckee, California. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, swimming, fishing and abundant trail
opportunities
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Forest.
10.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles.
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
The Little Truckee River is nearby and offers some of Northern California's best catch-and-release flyfishing. The surrounding area offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails
Cleghorn OHV Trail
(San Bernardino, California)
An exciting and scenic drive. An easy trail is intertwined with a difficult trail. Choose an easy or a difficult
route at almost every fork. Finish in beautiful Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. Many other great
roads in the area.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
Yes.
Forest.
15.
All Year.
$5.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles.
A very popular area for ATVs and dirt bikes. Steep and rutted in places. Many optional sideroads from
moderate to very difficult. Suitable for stock 4x4 SUVs with high ground clearance and low range
gearing, provided you take the easy choices.
Condon Park
(Hollister, California)
Condon Park is near and dear to the many who know and use it frequently. On any given day you will
find dozens of folks out playing disc golf, skateboarding, shooting baskets, or tending to their dogs in the
"Dogs Run Free" facility under the pines. Two little league fields are in frequent use.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
Yes.
Forest.
19.
All Year.
$5.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles
prohibited.
.
Runners, walkers and bike riders course through the maze of trails in the wooded western part of the
park. For those who don't yet know Condon Park, there is a world of good things to discover here
Corral Canyon OHV Area
(Morena Village, California)
Most of the OHV recreational opportunities are located at Corral Canyon OHV area map
which you can view by going to the link provided in the more information section. The trails
will vary from 3,400 feet to 4,169 feet above sea level.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
Yes.
Forest.
51.
All Year.
$5.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
Some Areas.
Motorcycles. Some Areas.
The Corral Canyon OHV area is not a park, but a system of trails made though the National Forest. So
remember to please ride with care and be respectful of your environment. The trial is mainly good for
4X4 riding, but also has about 15 miles of trails for quads and dirk bikes.
Dove Springs
(California City, California)
This is the novice friendly sister to the nearby Jawbone Canyon. The terrain here consists of rolling hills
with scrub brush, sandy Washes and a popular "bowl" area. Numerous surrounding trails offer access to
different local attractions such as the Burro Schmidt Tunnel, McIver’s Cabin and the Jawbone Canyon
Store, which has a restaurant and a small general store.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Desert.
25.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
.
There are many staging and camping opportunities at various points along the main access road, but
brings a tire repair kit and be sure your vehicle has a spare. Nails and glass are plentiful in the staging
areas and turnarounds.Bring your own shade and water.
El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area
(Adelanto, California)
This large and open area is located in the Mojave Desert and consists of a dry lakebed and miles of
surrounding sand washes, desert trails and scattered play areas to explore. There is no shade and it can
be quite windy making the trails and lakebed very dusty. The area is open year round, but the lakebed
may be off limits during wet weather.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
Yes.
Desert.
40.
All Year.
$15.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Motorcycles
Some Areas.
.
During weekends this place can be packed with visitors (dry lake racing) but it gets very little use during
the week. Beginning October 1, 2008 El Mirage Cooperative Management Area became a fee based
area. Daily passes start at $15.00, but weekly and annual passes are also available and offer significant
savings. On site kiosk machines accept credit cards and cash.
Fort Sage OHV Area
(Doyle, California)
This is an out-of-the-way OHV area that is not well known to the general public. It has marked trails
spanning 22,000 acres, with newer facilities and plenty of privacy. Most of the trails are sandy but fairly
easy, with perhaps fewer bumps than your typical desert trails, but still enough sand whoops to make
you a little bit weary. There are a number of steep climbs also, including one steep sandy chute called
the 'Widowmaker'.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Desert.
90.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
The access road is a wide and smooth dirt road, but larger RVs might find the parking area to be a little
cramped but manageable. The main staging area has picnic tables, fire rings and a clean restroom but no
developed campsites. This is a great choice to get away for a weekend, without travelling too far and
without dealing with large crowds. Chances are good you'll have the whole place to yourself.
Humbug OHV Area
(Yreka, California)
The Humbug OHV Recreation Area contains approximately 14 miles of trails designated for off-highway
vehicle (OHV) use. Use the Oak Knoll North Motor Vehicle Use Map to find your way through the
network of trails there
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Forest.
10.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Prohibited.
Prohibited.
Trails in Humbug offer rolling and steep terrain with distant views and riding opportunities that range in
difficulty from easy to challenging. Always be sure to wear proper safety gear and make sure your
vehicle has the appropriate tags from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Jackson Meadows
(Truckee, California)
Located in the Tahoe National Forest, this area mainly consists of dirt roads, but still offers plenty of
recreational opportunities to choose from, such as numerous lakes and campsites to please any outdoor
enthusiast.
.
Permit Required?
Yes.
Other Vehicles?
Motorcycles
Climate Type
Forest.
UTV/SXS?
Miles Long
100.
ATV?
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
Challenging motorcycle trails are scarce, but some of the roads do occasionally go over small creek
crossings, and the views are top notch. If you stay on the main road you can eventually reach the
famous Fordyce jeep trail (experts only) which is rocky and challenging for ATVs, but not recommended
for motorcycles.
Jawbone Canyon
(Cantill, California)
This canyon is littered with steep and challenging hill climbs. These climbs are steep and loose enough
that you really need a big 4stroke or a 500cc 2stroke to make it to the top consistently. The valleys are
deep with sand and you can make long loops (IMS tank recommended), but the most interesting routes
do require a few good hill climbs.
.
Permit Required?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Yes.
Desert.
100.
Other Vehicles?
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
Motorcycles
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
Sometimes during the evening, violent canyon winds may kick up and do a pretty good job of shaking up
RV's and trailers. The visitor center at the entrance has maps and guidebooks for all of the surrounding
area. A quarter mile to the south is a small gas pump, with ATV rentals, repairs and a restaurant.
Johnson Valley OHV
(Lucerne Valley, California)
This is a large open area with easy to moderate terrain, few regulations and mountain scenery. There
are a few Joshua trees in the area and a dry lake bed.
.
Permit Required?
Yes.
Other Vehicles?
Climate Type
Miles Long
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
Desert. 1000. All Year. Nope.
UTV/SXS?
ATV?
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Motorcycles
Cross country travel is permitted, but steer clear of the desert tortoise, a threatened and highly
protected species. Conditions are hot, dry, and sometimes windy, with no shade.
Knoxville Recreation Area
(Lower Lake, California)
There are two entrances to this area, the lower camp and the upper camp. The upper camp is dry and
rocky, has a very rough access road with no signs or directions (bear right at the fork!) and offers only
two campsites, both primitive. The upper camp is not recommended for RV or trailers. While the upper
camp does have more trails, the lower camp offers much easier access and more room for RVs and
trailers.
.
Permit Required?
Yes.
Other Vehicles?
Motorcycles
Climate Type
Forest.
UTV/SXS?
Miles Long
100.
ATV?
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
This camp has developed campsites with tables, fire rings and direct access to the creek. Look for an
opening in at the back of the campground to find a motorcycle trail that follows the creek and leads to
two great swimming holes. You can ride from the lower camp to the upper camp by following the lower
camp access road right through the campground, across the curved bridge and up over the ridge. Follow
the road about 7 miles to the upper camp area.
Lake Arrowhead
(Lake Arrowhead, California)
Tucked away behind a wooded residential area, this park offers several miles of smooth and fast trails, a
large staging area with newer facilities and great scenery. Trails are marked and rated, but not very
challenging. The staging area does not offer direct shade, but amenities include loading ramps, BBQ
grills, picnic tables, vault toilets and a beginner’s loop trail.
.
Permit Required?
Yes.
Other Vehicles?
Motorcycles
Climate Type
Forest.
UTV/SXS?
Miles Long
5.
ATV?
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
Prohibited.
An Adventure Pass is required here which must be obtained before arrival since there is currently no self
pay kiosk. Passes can be purchased at nearby ranger stations and stores. Camping is permitted as long as
an Adventure Pass is displayed.
Leviathan Recreation Area
(Markleville, California)
This remote and scenic area on the California Nevada border consists mainly of jeep trails and fire roads
surrounding a large dormant sulfur mine (off limits). The area offers some primitive campsites, but no
clearly designated staging areas or services.
v
.
Permit Required?
Yes.
Other Vehicles?
Motorcycles
Climate Type
Forest.
UTV/SXS?
Miles Long
50.
ATV?
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
You will find about fifteen miles of scenic views of the high desert forests and mountain ranges along
the main road with just a handful of decent side trails. A long rocky jeep trail with many stream crossings
is located in the northwest area. You will not find much exciting terrain here overall, but at least you'll
have the whole place to yourself.
Lubbs Trail
(Orleans, California)
Located in “Bigfoot Country”, a small network of old jeep trails and forest service roads can be found in
this area. Many of the trails we encountered were overgrown with thick forest vegetation so it was
impossible to go very far.
.
Permit Required?
Yes.
Other Vehicles?
Motorcycles
Climate Type
Forest.
UTV/SXS?
Miles Long
3.
ATV?
Dates Open
Entry Fee?
All Year. Nope.
SUV/Jeep?
Dune Buggy and
Sand Rail?
Some Areas.
The main access road had steep drop offs to the sides, some fairly rocky sections and a number of low
overhanging tree branches.There are no turnaround opportunities for passenger vehicles early on, so
once you go in you have to go all the way in, and watch out!The famous PattersonGimlin Bigfoot footage
was shot about 20 miles from here..