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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Where To Go ATV Riding In California?
Southern California is a fantastic area for OHV enthusiasts to meet. Nature has blessed the natives and tourists with good weather and epic scenery every season. Off-road enthusiasts will easily find a trail that will carry them into an area they love. This is a list of the top ten locations in So Cal that are most to least rad.
Key Takeaways:
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- Southern California’s ATV Riding Locations: Southern California offers a variety of ATV riding destinations, ranging from beginner to expert levels. The terrain varies from desert landscapes to forested areas and historical towns, providing diverse experiences for off-road enthusiasts.
- Popular Destinations:
- Ocotillo Wells: Known for its vast trail system and historical significance, it offers a mix of dunes, hot springs, and unique rock formations.
- Randsburg: A historic mining town popular in winter and has surrounding desert trails.
- Pioneertown: Originally a movie set, it is a tourist spot with accessible trails for beginners.
- Mammoth: Famous for its mountain biking trails, which are especially active in the summer.
- Glamis: Renowned for its expansive dunes, it’s a hub for experienced riders and partygoers.
- Regulations and Safety: California offers numerous off-road opportunities, but ATVs are not street-legal and must be used in designated off-highway areas. Riders must adhere to age and supervision requirements, and certain safety measures are recommended.
1. Ocotillo Wells, California
- Height at 163 ft.
- From novice to expert level.
Ocotillo Wells was considered an important location for Hollywood films like Sahara, starring Humphrey Bogart. As jeeps started selling to the public, dirt bikes became more popular. During this time, Ocotillo flourished as an off-road culture.
Today, there are over 85,000 acres of roads and trails for motorized vehicles. Bikers go off-road to visit blow dunes, a structure made of sandstorms. The park is known for its natural hot springs and rare sandstone concretions.
2. Ransburg, CA.
- Altitude 3,504 ft
- Beginner to Advanced
69 people live in Ransburg, California. The Randsburg Mine started production in 1894 and prospered for many years. Off-highway vehicle users now appreciate Ransburg as a winter leisure spot to explore. The best location for guests visiting the White House Saloon is situated at the White House Saloon. Across from the shop, anyone interested can unwind at the Randsburg Soda Fountain. Many of the off-roaders visit the town at holiday time to see their old historic houses. Traveling in the open desert around Ransburg is best done with caution due to several unmarked mine shafts.
3. Pioneertown, California
- Elevation: 4,000 feet.
- Level: Novice.
Located on Highway 62 in Yucca Valley, Pioneertown started as a movie set but was transformed into a tourist stop and concert venue when Western movies began to lose popularity. A fascinating tidbit about Pioneertown is that Roy Rodgers was an initial investor. Western Haven is a nice spot to eat while traversing across the wasteland. All of the trails in Yucca Valley connect, so they’re a great place for first-time mountain bikers. Many beginner cyclists can enjoy the scenic wonders of the destination and the enjoyable fire roads offer. The restaurant in Pioneertown, Pappy And Harriet’s, has hosted many musical acts over the years, including Paul McCartney.
4. Miller Canyon, California
- Lodging: 3,350 feet.
- Novice to Professional.
The Miller Canyon in San Bernardino County lies. Riders enjoy seeing some stunning views of Lake Silverwood along the trail. The path passes through the forests and uphill to mountain tops. It has a new pine fragrance. The Miller Canyon area is managed by the San Bernardino ranger unit, which includes a staging area, campsites, and remote wilderness toilet facilities. Miller Canyon is only suited for use during the summer months. This is the product of the occasional winter snowfall and extreme summer heat, making riding in this low desert dangerous.
5. Johnson Valley, California
- Height: 2,943 ft.
- Beginner to professional
Johnson Valley is somewhat different from most other San Bernardino County riding areas. The valley is part of a unit of lands controlled by OHV-motorsport and borders a Marine Corps Air Ground Fighting Base. Johnson Valley is regarded as a desert race capital due to the number of race and rally events held there. Johnson Valley sees thousands of tourists every weekend due to the various hiking trails available. Many mountain biking trails are available for beginners and children to train on, and experienced mountain riders enjoy the challenging technical climbs. Lush rock formations are only suitable for specialty rock crawlers.
6. Mammoth, CA
- elevation: 7,880 feet
- Beginner to professional.
Most people think of Mammoth Mountain and picture these elements during winter and snow. Most people do not realize that Mammoth is still active in the summer and offers excellent mountain biking trails. Riders have ties to the Jeffrey Pine Forest, San Joaquin Ridge, and Deadman’s Creek. The scenery in Mammoth is stunning, but the Southern California desert riding areas are even more appealing. The best time to visit Mammoth is by the end of August, as the snow will no longer be on the mountain peaks. The town of Mammoth provides fun, metropolitan entertainment after the day’s ride is over.
7. Doves Valley/Jawbone
- Height 4,483 ft.
- Beginner to professional
Many people call this place Dove Springs because that is what it is. The area is called Jawbone because it resembles the Jawbone General Store. Dove Springs is known for its extensive trail system, which is very difficult to navigate. The challenging sandy trails allow for families to ride together while more experienced riders better enjoy the fire roads. Winter travelers are drawn to the frigid weather and other factors. The “McIvers Cabin” ride is popular because it is the only opportunity for tourists to experience Scodie Mountain and a winter hunting cabin.
8. California, Ca
- Altitude: 2,283 ft.
- From novice to expert level.
Calico Ghost Town is situated near a natural rainbow and receives its name because of its colorful dirt landscape. Calico is a mining town now a historical landmark and a tourist attraction. The white-colored letters CALICO can be painted on the red-colored mountain behind the village. Calico is home to a mine tour, a pub, a saloon, a general store, a cemetery, and plenty of fun off-road. Visitors will see several rock climbers in action in the mud hills. Many riders find exploring mines that haven’t been used in years interesting. The town of Calico has parking and camping sites for designated OHV users.
9. Ca. Kennedy Meadows
- Elevation: 6,214 feet
- From novice to expert level.
Kennedy Meadows is popular for providing an uninhabited starting location for challenging hikers on the PCT. OHRV enthusiasts know Kennedy Meadows as the best method for its great river crossings. OHVs (or 4-wheeled vehicles) meet on these river trail crossings and attempt to cross. The length of the trails and the abundance of wildflowers make this a preferred place for cycling. Kennedy Meadows General store offers classic film screenings under the stars. The Crags of Kennedy Meadows are perhaps Southern California’s most family-friendly riding area.
10. Glamis, CA
Radically changing from family-friendly to racy and provocative. If you are looking for a band, you can find one at any time of the year in Glamis Dunes. The dunes are popular for riding in Southern California nowadays because they are frequented by many users every weekend. The Dunes need special high-performance equipment and special track preparation because the Dunes are pure sand. There are no designated trails in the dunes, which makes the place a free-for-all for mountain bikers. If you want to ride and dance, this is where to be.
Where is the clay pit in California? Clay Pit SVRA is located just west of Oroville, California. It is a fenced, 220-acre OHV riding area. This place is small and might be disappointing if you go there expecting an entire day of riding.
Related Questions
Where can I ride my ATV in California?
- Ocotillo Wells, CA – – Elevation 163 ft.
- Pioneertown, CA. -Elevation: 4,000 ft.
- Miller Canyon, CA. -Elevation: 3,350 ft.
- Johnson Valley, CA. -Elevation:2, 953 ft.
- Mammoth, CA.
- Calico, CA.
- Kennedy Meadows, CA.
- Glamis, CA.
- Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, Borrego Springs, CA.
- Heber Dunes SVRA, Holtville, CA.
- Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister, CA.
- Hungry Valley SVRA, Gorman, CA.
- Clay Pit SVRA, Oroville, CA.
What states allow ATVs on streets?
Most states allow counties and towns to set their standards, and Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Texas, Minnesota, Wyoming, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, North and South Dakota, Washington, Michigan, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio, Vermont, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Colorado (HB15-1054) have laws
Is off-roading bad for your truck?
Your vehicle’s underbody is damaged. Plenty of vital areas and components on your vehicle’s underbody, including electronics, sump, fuel tank, diff, gearbox, exhaust, and more, are vulnerable to damage when you head off-road.
Who can ride an ATV in California?
Any person under the age of 14 operating an ATV must be supervised by an adult authorized by the parent or guardian of the minor. To operate a side-by-side (ROV) in California, you must be 16 or older or supervised in the vehicle by an adult authorized by the child’s parent or guardian.
Can you drive an ATV on the street in California?
UTVs and ATVs are some of the only vehicles under California law that cannot become street-legal vehicles. Under no circumstances can they be legally driven on California roads. Even if you can’t drive side-by-side on official roads, you can still enjoy them in designated areas.
Is off-roading illegal in California?
You may only move or turn your OHV when it is safe. You may not operate recklessly. Is a driver’s license required to operate a vehicle off-highway? No, but if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked, you cannot operate any vehicle on or off-highway in California.
Can an ATV be street-legal in California?
UTVs and ATVs are some of the only vehicles under California law that cannot become street-legal vehicles. Under no circumstances can they be legally driven on California roads. In other states where side-by-sides can become street legal, there are usually fewer people around.
Do you need a license to drive an ATV in California?
To operate an ATV on public lands, the driver must be at least 18 years old unless he or she has completed ATV safety training, has a safety certificate, or is supervised by an adult with a safety certificate. Drivers do not need licenses to operate ATVs.
Is it legal to drive an ATV on the road in California?
It is illegal to operate an ATV on highways in California. You may only operate an ATV off-highway. It is also unsafe to operate an ATV on asphalt or paved roads. Manufacturers do not design ATVs to drive on pavement.
Does California require ATV insurance?
ATV insurance is not a requirement.
Final Thoughts
California’s diverse landscape offers ATV riders various experiences, from desert dunes to mountain trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Southern California has a destination that suits your level of expertise. However, being aware of state regulations and safety requirements is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable off-roading experience.
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