Lark Canyon OHV Area – McCain Valley
The Lark Canyon OHV Area, located in McCain Valley, in the mountains of east county San Diego, California, features a network of trails designed primarily for motorcycles and narrow ATVs through a chaparral landscape dotted with large granite boulders and islands of oak groves.
The Lark Canyon OHV Staging Area is the primary hub for accessing these trails and offers a convenient base for riders. Adjacent camping facilities at Lark Canyon Campground or Cottonwood Campground make it easy to extend your off-road adventures over multiple days.
Destination Details
| Season | Year-round, best in cooler months (October-April) |
| Location | McCain Valley, California |
| General GPS Coordinates | 32.723542, -116.270066 |
| Trail Restrictions | Motorcycles and ATVs (ATVs must be ≤40 inches wide) |
| Trailhead GPS | 32.723542, -116.270066 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management |
| State | California |
| Nearest Major City | San Diego, CA (about 70 miles away) |
Getting to Lark Canyon OHV Area
To reach the Lark Canyon OHV Staging Area from San Diego, take Interstate 8 east to Exit 61 (Ribbonwood Road). Follow Ribbonwood Road north for approximately 10 miles, then continue onto McCain Valley Road. Signs will direct you to the staging area, where parking is available for vehicles and trailers.
If traveling from Los Angeles, take Interstate 15 south to I-8 east, then follow the same route from Exit 61. The drive offers sweeping views of the Southern California backcountry, setting the stage for an unforgettable off-road experience.
Lark Canyon Overview
The Lark Canyon OHV Area encompasses a system of narrow trails designed for motorcycles and ATVs, with the Lark Canyon OHV Staging Area serving as the central hub for these adventures.
The trails traverse McCain Valley’s rugged and remote landscape, offering a mix of technical challenges and scenic routes through rocky outcroppings and chaparral vegetation. Riders will find the trails best suited for single-track motorcycles, but ATVs under 40 inches wide are also welcome.
The Lark Canyon Campground is adjacent to the staging area and caters to off-highway vehicle users. Campers can enjoy direct access to the trails, allowing them to maximize their time exploring the OHV area.
Lark Canyon OHV Staging Area provides a central starting point for adventures across the trail system. Whether you’re seeking technical single-track routes or mellower rides through rugged desert terrain, the area offers a variety of experiences for off-road enthusiasts.
The staging area is well-equipped for day users, including vault toilets and picnic tables, and the adjacent campground provides an excellent option for extended stays.
Ensure your vehicle meets the area’s size requirements, particularly for side-by-sides, and come prepared with sufficient supplies for the remote location.
