Off-Highway Vehicle Areas in Southern California
To be an off-road enthusianst in Southern California is to be one lucky mofo.
SoCal offers offers a seemingly endless mix of landscapes that range from sprawling sand dunes and rugged mountain trails to scenic desert washes and expansive open valleys.
Whether you’re riding an ATV, UTV, dirt bike, or tackling the terrain in a 4×4, this region is home to some of the best Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas in the country.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top OHV destinations in Southern California, listed by the county in which they are found, with a quick overview of what each area has to offer and links to more information.
San Bernardino County
Cleghorn Ridge Trail
Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest, Cleghorn Ridge offers a scenic trail with diverse terrains and varying levels of difficulty, suitable for both novice and seasoned riders.
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Crab Flats Campground and OHV Area
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this area offers trails with varying difficulty levels and a picturesque setting for camping and riding.
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Johnson Valley OHV Area
Known for its challenging rock-crawling trails, Johnson Valley spans over 96,000 acres. It is home to the world-famous “King of the Hammers” competition and offers a mix of rocky terrains, sandy washes, and open desert suitable for various skill levels.
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El Mirage OHV Area
El Mirage features a massive dry lake bed and surrounding trails ideal for high-speed off-road driving, as well as a variety of terrains for riders of all levels.
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Stoddard Valley OHV Area
This area provides a mix of rocky trails, open valleys, and steep hills, making it a versatile destination for all types of off-road vehicles.
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Pinnacles OHV Area
The Pinnacles OHV Area in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead is a popular destination for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts.
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San Diego County
Corral Canyon OHV Area
Located in the Cleveland National Forest near San Diego, Corral Canyon offers over 51 miles of designated trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4x4s. The area features a mix of terrains, from rocky hills to scenic overlooks, making it a favorite among local off-roaders.
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Ocotillo Wells SRVA
This 85,000-acre OHV playground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, features sandy washes, mud hills, and unique geological formations. It’s perfect for riders seeking adventure in the heart of the desert.
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Lark Canyon OHV Area
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.
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Imperial County
Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes)
Renowned for its expansive and towering sand dunes, Glamis is a must-visit destination for dune buggy and ATV enthusiasts. The area provides a thrilling ride through the iconic Algodones Dunes.
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Rasor Road OHV Area
Located southwest of Baker, Rasor Road provides sandy washes and hard-packed trails, making it an excellent spot for both casual riders and seasoned adventurers.
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Dumont Dunes OHV Area
Located near Baker, Dumont Dunes offers large sand dunes with plenty of open space for high-speed riding and jumps, making it a favorite among adrenaline seekers.
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Heber Dunes SRVA
Managed by the state, Heber Dunes SVRA, is located three miles north of the Mexican border crossing at Highway 7 (Calexico/Mexicali) in Imperial County. This 343 acre SVRA is especially popular with ATV riders, and is also used by dune buggies, utility vehicles and motorcycle riders.
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Kern County
Dove Springs OHV Area
Located near Jawbone Canyon, Dove Springs features steep canyons, open desert terrain, and a range of trails for all skill levels.
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Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
This area features trails that cater to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, with access to stunning desert landscapes and steep canyons.
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Olancha Dunes
This smaller OHV area near Olancha provides a mix of sandy dunes and open riding spaces, perfect for a day of off-road exploration.
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Santa Barbara County
Pismo Beach SVRA (Oceano Dunes)
Unique among OHV areas in California, Pismo Beach allows vehicles to drive directly on the beach, combining off-roading with breathtaking coastal views.
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Los Angeles County
Miller Canyon OHV Area
This area, near Hesperia, offers trails with varying difficulty levels and is a great spot for dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.
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Hungry Valley SRVA
Managed by the state, Hungry Valley SVRA is located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles and along the Interstate 5 corridor, Hungry Valley offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dune buggies, and 4×4 recreation.
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San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area and Obstacle Course
The San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, located 11 miles north of Azusa, California, spanning over 160 acres of rocky, sandy river bottom, offering challenges for trucks, ATVs and motorcycles. The obstacle course presents a venue for practicing your skills.
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Riverside County
Wildomar OHV Area
Located in the Santa Ana Mountains, near Lake Elsinore, Wildomar Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a 315-acre area that offers 8 miles of off-road trails for 4×4 trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs, with trails ranging from easy to very difficult.
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