5 off-road trails in California
UTV, ATV, side-by-side, dirt-bike, and 4x4 trails across California — with current managing-agency, permit, and difficulty information.
3 require a permit or pass · 1 rated advanced or extreme. Verified by the PickRV editorial team against official agency pages.
Safety first. Trail conditions change with weather, season, and active land-management decisions. Always verify the managing-agency source linked on each trail page the day before you ride. Carry recovery gear, a communication plan, and ride within your skill level. Difficulty 4-5 trails frequently require a winch, spotter, and at least one buddy vehicle.
Big Bear FSR 2N02 (Holcomb Valley)
Big Bear Lake, CA
Rubicon Trail
Georgetown, CA
Hollister Hills SVRA
Hollister, CA
Oceano Dunes SVRA (Pismo)
Oceano, CA
Calico OHV Trail System
Yermo, CA
Need a rig?
Browse off-road rentals in California as verified hosts onboard. Inventory varies by season and host availability — we don't pad listing counts.
See California off-road rentalsQuestions about California off-road trails
- Where can I ride a UTV or ATV in California?
- California has 5 curated off-road trails on PickRV — across BLM, USFS, NPS, state, county, and private OHV parks. Each guide lists the managing agency, current permit requirements, and the official source URL.
- Are these trail listings up to date?
- We cite the managing agency's official page on every trail. Trail status (closures, permit changes, seasonal access) does change — always verify the official source URL the day before you ride.
- Do I need a permit to ride off-road in this state?
- Permit requirements vary by trail and managing agency. Of the 5 trails listed for California, 3 require a permit or pass. Each guide states the permit source.
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California rules · last verified 2026-05-10
- Rental tax
- 9.75%
- Min driver age
- 21+ std · 25+ Class A
- Gravel roads
- Permit required
- Generator quiet
- 22:00-06:00