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

Off-Road Parks · California

Off-Road Parks in California

Ride 55 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.

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55 parks in California

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Off-road parks, trails and camping in California

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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.

When to ride in California

Peak Jun–Sep

Full season

Quick facts

Trails mapped
5,748
Parks listed
55
Best season
Year-round

Trip guide

Know before you go in California

Federal permits, lotteries and timed-entry reservations in California, from Recreation.gov.

Confirm current requirements with the agency that sets them 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.

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

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    Jeep® | Rubicon Unfiltered | Rubicon Trail 2025

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    The Rubicon Trail - The Ultimate Offroad Adventure of a Lifetime

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

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