Skip to content
Off Road Hubs
California off-road riding terrain. Backdrop for the Off Road Hubs California parks directory

Off-Road Parks · California

Off-Road Parks in California

Ride 51 parks across California. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Coastline, Sierras, deserts, and redwoods. Every outdoor environment in one state.

View 51 parksGet listed free

About California

No state asks a broader question of an off-road machine than California. The rock gardens of Johnson Valley, the long sand washes of the Mojave, the forest trails around Big Bear Lake: each one demands a different setup, a different skill set, sometimes a different vehicle entirely. Between the State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs) and the national forest lands, riders of ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4 trucks can find terrain matched to any ambition, from a first lap in the dirt to lines that end careers.

The southern deserts carry the state's off-road reputation. Ocotillo Wells SVRA and the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (Glamis, to anyone who's been), pull riders from across the country for open space measured in horizons, dune formations that eat throttle, and technical desert trails in between. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park region runs on stricter terms: OHV travel is confined to specific corridors there, a working example of how California splits the difference between recreation and conservation.

North of the desert the state changes costume. The Sierra Nevada foothills and ranges like the San Bernardino Mountains carry networks of forest service roads and designated trails through pine, past alpine lakes, along ridgelines built for photographs. Farther north still, the Mendocino and Tahoe National Forests offer cooler air and their own problems, rocky ascents, and mud that lingers through the spring thaw and after seasonal rains. Up high, the season has edges: snow closes trails in winter, fire restrictions close them in summer, and planning around both is part of the sport.

Best time to go

When to ride in California

Full seasonality
Peak season Jun–Sep
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PeakGoodFairOff

Year-round. Conditions vary dramatically by region.

  • June–October: the driest, firmest riding
  • Winter rain makes forest trails muddy, but coastal dunes still ride
  • Check fire-season restrictions in late summer

51 on the map

Loading map…

Tap a pin to open its profile.

Quick facts

Trails mapped
982
Parks listed
51
Best season
Year-round

Trail Explorer

Trails across California

Tap a trail to trace its route on the map, then open it for the full profile.

Browse all 982 trails
Loading map…
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details
  • Details

All listings

51 parks

across California

All states

Watch it live

Live webcams in California

All webcams
Map of where the Pismo Beach Pier Cam (Oceano Dunes gateway) webcam isLocation
Beach cam · Pismo Beach / Oceano Dunes, California

Pismo Beach Pier Cam (Oceano Dunes gateway)

via Experience Pismo Beach (CVB)

Watch live
Watch Pismo Beach Pier Cam (Oceano Dunes gateway) live
Map of where the Big Bear Lake Webcams webcam isLocation
Town cam · Big Bear, San Bernardino NF trails, California

Big Bear Lake Webcams

via Getboards Ride Shop, Big Bear Lake

Watch live
Watch Big Bear Lake Webcams live

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to California

OHV Registration (Green/Red Sticker)

Most off-highway vehicles in California require either a Green Sticker or Red Sticker for operation on public lands. As of January 1, 2025, both Green Sticker and Red Sticker OHVs may be ridden year-round on public lands, the old seasonal Red Sticker restriction was lifted. Newer machines that don't meet CARB emission standards are now classed as 'Competition' and limited to private land or sanctioned events. Out-of-state OHVs must also comply with California's non-resident OHV permit requirements.

Spark Arrestors and Sound Limits

All OHVs operating on public land must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor. Additionally, vehicles must meet specific sound emission limits, which vary by vehicle type and model year. Excessive noise can lead to citations and is a major concern for land managers.

Terrain Variety and Preparation

California offers diverse terrain including deep sand dunes, technical rock crawling, muddy forest trails, and open desert washes. Riders should prepare their vehicle and themselves for the specific conditions of their chosen area, including appropriate tires, suspension, and recovery gear. Carrying sufficient water and communication devices is crucial in remote desert regions.

Seasonal and Fire-Related Closures

Many trails, especially in national forests and higher elevations, are subject to seasonal closures due to snow, mud, or wildlife protection. During dry periods, fire restrictions and full area closures are common, particularly in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada. Always check local conditions and restrictions before heading out.

Public vs. Private Land Access

Off-road riding is generally permitted on designated trails within State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs), National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Private land requires explicit permission from the landowner. Trespassing is strictly enforced and can result in significant penalties.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • OHV Registration and Non-Resident Permits

    All OHVs operated on public lands in California must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and display a valid Green or Red Sticker. Non-resident OHV users must obtain a California Non-Resident OHV Use Permit, which is valid through December 31 of the year it is purchased.

  • Spark Arrestor and Sound Requirements

    Every OHV operated on public lands must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor that is properly maintained. Additionally, vehicles must comply with state-mandated sound limits; for most OHVs this means 96 dB(A) for machines manufactured in 1986 or later and 101 dB(A) for older ones, measured at 20 inches under the SAE J1287 test.

  • Safety Helmets and Age Restrictions

    All riders and passengers on ATVs, dirt bikes, and other two-wheeled OHVs must wear a U.S. DOT compliant safety helmet, on public lands California requires it at every age, not just for those under 18. Operators under 18 must complete an approved ATV safety course or ride under the direct supervision of an adult who holds a safety certificate; those under 14 must additionally be under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.

  • Safety Flags in Dune Areas

    When riding in designated open desert and dune areas, such as the Imperial Sand Dunes or Oceano Dunes SVRA, all OHVs must display a whip flag. The flag must be at least eight feet from the ground to the top of the flag, which helps improve visibility in undulating terrain.

  1. 01

    Research Your Destination

    Match the area to your machine and your skill, Glamis sand and Sierra rock are different sports. State and federal land management sites carry the maps, current conditions, and area-specific rules and closures.

  2. 02

    Verify Vehicle Compliance

    Green Sticker, Red Sticker, or non-resident permit, have the right one, displayed. Confirm the USFS-approved spark arrestor and sound compliance, then go through tires, brakes, and fluids before loading up.

  3. 03

    Prepare Safety Gear and Supplies

    Helmet, eye protection, gloves: then the survival layer: first-aid kit, water, food, navigation, and a communication device. A tire repair kit and basic tools earn their space the first time you need them.

  4. 04

    Understand Local Regulations

    Each area has its own fine print: speed limits, designated riding zones, whip-flag requirements in the dunes. Read it before you ride, and follow 'Tread Lightly!' principles everywhere.

  5. 05

    Plan Your Route and Share It

    Study the trail map, flag the hazards and hard sections, and leave your itinerary, with an expected return time, with someone staying home. In remote country, that's your safety net.

01What is the difference between a Green Sticker and a Red Sticker?
The Green Sticker is the all-access version: year-round operation on California public lands open to OHVs. The Red Sticker historically limited riding to designated seasons, but as of January 1, 2025 that seasonal restriction was lifted, Red and Green Sticker machines may now both be ridden year-round in public OHV areas. Which one your machine gets depends on its emission standards and model year.
02Do I need a special license to operate an OHV in California?
Not for the trails, no driver's license is required on designated off-road routes. You do need one to operate an OHV on public roads where that's allowed, and every machine needs registration and the correct Green or Red Sticker regardless.
03Are there any age restrictions for OHV operators?
Every rider must wear a U.S. DOT compliant helmet on ATVs and dirt bikes, the requirement applies at all ages, not only to those under 18. Operators under 18 must complete an ATV safety course or ride under the direct supervision of an adult who carries a safety certificate; those under 14 must also be directly supervised by a parent or guardian.
04Can I ride my OHV on any public land in California?
No: riding is limited to designated trails and areas within SVRAs, National Forests, and BLM lands marked for OHV use. Cutting off-trail or entering closed areas brings fines and tears up ground that took decades to form. Stay on marked routes; it's how these areas stay open.
05What are common reasons for trail closures in California?
Snow buries the high trails in winter, heavy rain turns others to mud, and some routes close to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. In the dry months, fire restrictions can shut entire forests or OHV areas at once. Check current conditions every trip, closures move fast here.
06Are spark arrestors and sound limits strictly enforced?
Strictly. California State Parks and the other land agencies check for USFS-approved spark arrestors and write citations for machines over the sound limits, which vary by vehicle type and model year. A compliant exhaust is part of the price of keeping these areas open.

Watch & learn

Watch & learn, California

  • YouTube

    Jeep® | Rubicon Unfiltered | Rubicon Trail 2025

    Jeep

    0
  • YouTube

    The Rubicon Trail - The Ultimate Offroad Adventure of a Lifetime

    JeepAdventures

    0
  • YouTube

    Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JK & JKU Wheelin' John Bull Offroad Trail 3N10 in Big Bear, California / 4K

    gm4x4

    0

Free tools

Your free outdoor toolkit

View all tools

Keep exploring

Nearby states

In your pocket

Take every trail with you.

Free, no account needed. Trail maps, live GPS ride recording that survives a dead zone, and every park in your pocket.

  • Every park and trail system in your pocket

  • Record every ride with GPS. Hands-free

  • File a ride plan and ETA. The app flags you overdue

  • GPS tracking that keeps recording past the last bar of signal

Download GoHubs
Compare to onX Offroad
The Off Road Hubs app dashboard

For operators

Run an off-road business?
Get on the map for free.

Claim your free listing for a branded page and a spot in the Off Road Hubs app, then add bookings and digital waivers whenever you’re ready. No setup cost.

Claim your listing for free How it works