
1. Glamis Dunes (Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area)
Location: Glamis, CA (South of Blythe)
Description: Glamis Dunes is one of the largest and most famous sand dune off-road areas in California. It offers more than 40,000 acres of sand dunes that are perfect for UTVs, dune buggies, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The dunes are known for their towering peaks and wide-open spaces, making it a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts.
Website: Glamis Dunes
Phone: +1 760-337-4400 (Bureau of Land Management)
2. Johnson Valley Off-Road Park (Hammers)
Location: Johnson Valley, CA
Description: Johnson Valley is home to the famous "King of the Hammers" race, one of the largest off-road races in the world. The area offers more than 50,000 acres of rugged desert terrain, with rock crawling, challenging trails, and wide open spaces for UTVs, Jeeps, ATVs, and more. It's an ideal spot for enthusiasts seeking both technical challenges and scenic desert views.
Website: Johnson Valley Off-Road
Phone: +1 760-252-6000 (Bureau of Land Management)
3. Ocotillo Wells SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area)
Location: Ocotillo Wells, CA
Description: Ocotillo Wells SVRA offers over 85,000 acres of off-road terrain for UTVs, ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles. It features a variety of terrains, including sand dunes, rocky areas, and dirt trails. The park is also home to several unique attractions, including the famous "Pumpkin Patch" rock formations and the "Baja Buggy" off-road experience.
Website: Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Phone: +1 760-767-5391 (Ocotillo Wells SVRA)
4. Pismo Beach/Oceano Dunes SVRA
Location: Pismo Beach, CA
Description: Pismo Beach is one of the few places in California where you can drive your off-road vehicle directly on the beach. Oceano Dunes SVRA offers access to both the beach and sand dunes, making it a popular destination for UTVs, ATVs, and dune buggies. The park also has camping and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a weekend off-roading getaway.
Website: Pismo Beach/Oceano Dunes SVRA
Phone: +1 805-473-7220 (Oceano Dunes SVRA)
5. Tahoe National Forest
Location: Near Truckee, CA
Description: Tahoe National Forest is home to numerous off-road trails, including areas for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The forest spans over 1 million acres and offers a mix of terrain, from forested paths to rocky mountain trails. The Rubicon Trail, in particular, is a legendary off-road trail for 4x4 vehicles, but there are plenty of options for UTVs and ATVs.
Website: Tahoe National Forest
Phone: +1 530-587-3558 (Tahoe National Forest)
6. Clear Creek Management Area
Location: Near King City, CA
Description: Clear Creek Management Area is a popular off-roading area in California's central coast. The park offers over 70 miles of trails for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The area is known for its rolling hills, creek crossings, and scenic views. It's also a prime spot for more technical off-road challenges, such as rock crawling.
Website: Clear Creek Management Area
Phone: +1 831-630-5000 (Bureau of Land Management)
7. Ridgecrest Off-Road Area
Location: Ridgecrest, CA (Southern California)
Description: Ridgecrest is known for its vast desert landscapes and a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts. The area features miles of dirt trails, dunes, and rugged terrain perfect for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. It's also home to several off-road events throughout the year.
Website: Ridgecrest Off-Road Area
Phone: +1 760-499-5000 (Ridgecrest Parks and Recreation)
8. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Location: Near Borrego Springs, CA
Description: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest state park, offering over 600,000 acres of desert terrain. It is a popular location for off-roading, with a variety of trails suitable for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The park features scenic views of the desert landscape, including rocky canyons, sandy washes, and rugged mountain terrain.
Website: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Phone: +1 760-767-4037 (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park)
9. Barstow Off-Road Park (Rocky Mountain Raceway)
Location: Barstow, CA
Description: Barstow Off-Road Park offers a mix of open desert and rocky terrain, perfect for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The area is known for its challenging routes, technical rock climbs, and expansive open spaces. It's a popular spot for off-road racing events, and it's a great place for casual enthusiasts to explore as well.
Website: Barstow Off-Road Park
Phone: +1 760-256-2325 (Barstow Off-Road Park)
10. Red Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area
Location: Mojave Desert, CA
Description: The Red Mountain OHV Area is located in the Mojave Desert and offers a large network of trails for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The area is known for its rocky terrain, hills, and expansive desert landscapes. It's an ideal place for those seeking both excitement and scenic beauty while off-roading.
Website: Red Mountain OHV Area
Phone: +1 760-252-6000 (Bureau of Land Management)
11. Los Padres National Forest
Location: Central and Southern California (includes areas near Santa Barbara and Monterey)
Description: Los Padres National Forest has designated OHV areas where off-road enthusiasts can explore the beautiful, rugged mountains of central and southern California. There are several trails in the forest open to UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes, offering everything from easy rides to more challenging routes through forested terrain and remote areas.
Website: Los Padres National Forest
Phone: +1 805-961-5770 (Los Padres National Forest)
12. Mammoth Mountain Off-Road Trails
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Description: Mammoth Mountain offers off-road trails that provide spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It has designated trails for UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes. Riders can explore the diverse terrain, including forested trails, dirt roads, and rugged mountain paths.
Website: Mammoth Mountain Off-Road
Phone: +1 760-934-2571 (Mammoth Lakes Tourism)