Experience the Thrill of California's Best UTV Trails

Are you ready to take your off-road experience to the next level? Look no further than the breathtaking UTV trails in California! From dunes to hills, rocks to drop-offs, there's something for every type of rider. California is known for having some of the best UTV trails in the country, with a variety of terrains such as trails, hills, rocks, drop-offs, and dunes.  California boasts a wealth of attractions: Hollywood, stunning deserts, great surfing spots, magnificent Redwood trees and of course, some fantastic UTV trails. This list features the best UTV trails in California to help you pick your next adventure.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, you'll find a trail to enjoy in California. Before you go, check if the trail or park is open as unexpected closures can occur.  Each trail has different features and costs, so it is best to research and choose the one that best suits your riding style and experience level.  

Photo by Bureau of Land Management

OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) parks are recreational areas where people can ride and drive off-road vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and 4x4s. At OHV parks, you can engage in various forms of off-road riding activities, including:

• Trail riding: riding through scenic trails in the wilderness, often with varying terrains such as hills, rocks, and drop-offs
• Sand dune riding: riding up and down sand dunes, with some parks offering miles of sand dunes for off-road enthusiasts to enjoy
• Rock crawling: navigating through rocky terrain and obstacles with specially equipped 4x4s
• Hill climbing: navigating steep inclines and descents with off-road vehicles

An SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area) is a type of OHV park that is managed and maintained by the state government.

Each OHV park and SVRA location has its own specific features and benefits, such as:

• Cleghorn OHV Trail: features 15 miles of trails for all levels of experience, as well as rocks and drop-offs for an added challenge
• Dumont Dunes: boasts 13 square miles of dunes for sand dune riding enthusiasts, with hills for added excitement
• Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes): offers 34 square miles of sand dunes for off-road enthusiasts, with hills for an added challenge
• Hollister Hills SVRA: features 11 square miles of trails and 180 miles of trails for all levels of experience, as well as hills and drop-offs for an added challenge
• Hungry Valley SVRA: offers 30 square miles of trails and 130 miles of trails for all levels of experience, as well as rocks for an added challenge
• Jawbone Canyon: features 100 miles of trails and drop-offs, with hills for an added challenge, and is a free location for off-road enthusiasts
• Johnson Valley OHV Area: boasts 150 square miles of trials and 1000 miles of trials for all levels of experience, as well as rocks for an added challenge, and is a free location for off-road enthusiasts
• Miller Canyon: features 10 square miles of trails and drop-offs, with hills for an added challenge, and offers an annual pass option
• Ocotillo Wells SVRA: boasts 133 square miles of trails, hills, rocks, and drop-offs for all levels of experience, and is a free location for off-road enthusiasts
• Stoddard Valley OHV Area: features 83 square miles of trails, hills, rocks, and drop-offs for all levels of experience, and is a free location for off-road enthusiasts

Cleghorn OHV Trail

• Location: San Bernardino, CA
• Size: 5 square miles (15 miles of trails)
• Style: Trails, drop-offs, hills, rocks
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $5/parking, $5/day, $30/year

Dumont Dunes

• Location: Baker, CA
• Size: 13 square miles
• Style: Dunes, hills, trails
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $30/vehicle, $40/holiday weekly pass

Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes)

• Location: El Centro, CA
• Size: 34 square miles
• Style: Dunes, hills
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $50/permit fee, $150/seasonal pass

Hollister Hills SVRA

• Location: Hollister, CA
• Size: 11 square miles (180 miles of trails)
• Style: Trails, hills, drop-offs
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $5/vehicle

Hungry Valley SVRA

• Location: Gorman, California
• Size: 30 square miles (130 miles of trails)
• Style: Trails, hills, rocks
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $5/vehicle

Jawbone Canyon

• Location: Cantil, CA
• Size: 13 square miles (100 miles of trails)
• Style: Trails, drop-offs, hills
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: Free

Johnson Valley OHV Area

• Location: Lucerne Valley, CA
• Size: 150 square miles (1000 miles of trials)
• Style: Trails, hills, rocks
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: Free

Miller Canyon

• Location: Hesperia, California
• Size: 10 square miles
• Style: Trails, drop-offs, hills
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $5/vehicle, $30/annual pass

Photo by Wikipedia

Ocotillo Wells SVRA

• Location: Borrego Springs, CA
• Size: 133 square miles (500 miles of trails)
• Style: Trails, hills, rocks, drop-offs
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s    
• Experience Level: All    
• Cost: Free

Stoddard Valley OHV Area     

• Location: Barstow, CA    
• Size: 83 square miles (100 miles of trails)    
• Style: Trails, hills, rocks, drop-offs    
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes, 4x4s    
• Experience Level: All    
• Cost: Free 

While off-road riding is a fun and exciting hobby, it's important to stay safe and follow the rules of the riding area. Here are some tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

1. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and eye protection.
2. Follow all posted rules and regulations, including speed limits and designated trails.
3. Respect the environment and other riders by avoiding damage to vegetation and wildlife habitats.
4. Always carry a first-aid kit and basic tools in case of an emergency.
5. Know your limits and the limits of your vehicle.