Off-Roading in Los Angeles—A Guide to Southern California Trails

If you’ve been off-roading long enough, you know Southern California doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. People picture freeways, beaches, and film sets. However, just outside city limits, there are world-class rocky climbs, desert flats, and high-elevation trails worth every bit of your gas money.

After over a decade behind the wheel of UTVs across the Southwest, I’ve come to love riding in Los Angeles.

In this guide, I’ll run through some of the best off-road trails near L.A., what kind of terrain to expect, the vehicles that handle it best, and how to stay legal and safe out there.

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Types of Off-Road Terrain Near Los Angeles

Remember, the city is surrounded by the desert! You can expect to find soft sand, deep washes, dunes, and a fair amount of whoops. As with any desert riding, throttle control matters here. You don’t want to get it wrong and end up digging yourself out with a shovel.

Move into the mountains, and it’s a different game. Here, you’ll commonly find loose rock, narrow ridgelines, and steep climbs. These trails will test your suspension and your patience. If you plan on hitting the mountains, it’s a good idea to bring spotters if you’re tackling anything with exposure or big boulders.

While they’re fewer and further between, forest runs offer rutted trails, low-hanging branches, and the occasional creek. I’m a huge fan of these runs in the cooler months, but they can get slick fast. In the spring, especially after heavy rains, you’ll often find yourself having to cross water on these trails.  

If you’re looking for a decent beginner trail or just want to soak in the scenery without hammering your rig, there are plenty of great fire roads throughout the greater Los Angeles area as well.

Keep in mind that if you’re planning on going into higher elevation areas during the winter, you might find snow or mud. During summer, these same trails can be closed due to fires, so make sure to check conditions before heading out.

Top Off-Roading Spots for UTV Enthusiasts

Los Angeles is surrounded by tons of great off-road options, so much so that it can be hard to choose. To help, I’ve created a little lineup of tried-and-true trails, ranked by difficulty and fun.

1. Rowher Flat OHV Area (Intermediate—1 hour from LA)

This spot has been a go-to for off-roaders since the ‘60s. Located near Santa Clarita, you’ll get to enjoy steep climbs, soft dirt, and plenty of room to open it up. It’s the perfect spot for UTVs and dirt bikes, but full-size trucks should stay alert for tight turns. Best after a dry spell.

2. Rattlesnake Canyon (Intermediate/Advanced—2.5 hours from LA)

Out near Landers, this 27-mile trail has sand washes, loose rock, and narrow canyon squeezes. It’s ideal for mid-to-high-clearance vehicles, such as UTVs. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of aired-down 4x4s out there doing their thing. Do note that it’s closed during the winter months due to flooding concerns, so plan ahead.

3. Hungry Valley SVRA (All skill levels—1.5 hours from LA)

With 19,000+ acres of trails to pick from, this spot out near Gorman is perfect for every type of rider. You’ll find beginner fire roads, steep hill climbs, and technical loops. It’s one of the most accessible OHV parks in the region.

The best part is that all vehicles, including UTVs, dirt bikes, and Jeeps, are welcome. While some of the trails can be challenging, it’s also family-friendly.

4. Holcomb Creek OHV Trail (Advanced—2 hours from LA)

This Big Bear-adjacent trail is not for stock rigs. With rock gardens, tight corners, and water crossings, you need the experience and gear to match. Lockers, sliders, and a winch are strongly recommended here. If you have a smaller UTV with decent clearance, it’s a great place to ride!

5. San Francisquito Motorway (Beginner—1.5 hours from LA)

A solid first trail for anyone trying to get comfortable with riding, thanks to the smooth dirt roads and the occasional rut or mild hill.

This trail passes through open desert terrain with wide views and plenty of room to pull over and regroup, too. I’d recommend it for stock rigs, bone-stock UTVs, or anyone just out for a low-stress ride.

Best Vehicles for Off-Roading Around L.A.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to trail rigs around Los Angeles. What works in the dunes might not cut it on a rocky climb, or vice versa, so you really have to look at the terrain to find the right vehicle.

Here are a few things to consider:

● UTVs: My go-to when I want agility and control. It’s hard to beat the visibility of a UTV, and they’re light enough to float over soft sand or squeeze through narrow forest lines in the forest. With a solid suspension setup, you’re good to go.

● Trucks: I’ve always been a fan of mid-size models like Tacomas and full-size rigs like Raptors. They’ve got plenty of range and cargo space when you need it, perfect for long hauls and multi-day rides.

● Jeeps: It’s hard to beat a Jeep for rock work. If you’re hitting something technical with big climbs or boulder fields, the short wheelbase and flex-friendly suspension help a lot.

Whatever you drive, prioritize clearance and tires that fit the terrain, and keep the weight down if you're heading into sand.

Permits, Rules & Safety Reminders

Before you hit the dirt, make sure you’re squared away on the basics. California is serious about OHV regulations.

If you're riding anything that’s not street legal, you’ll need a Green or Red Sticker, depending on your rig and emissions. UTVs, quads, and dirt bikes fall under this rule. You can get the sticker through the DMV or most local dealers.

Helmets are also legally required for any non-street-legal vehicle, no exceptions. If you’re in a UTV, seatbelts are required by law for all riders. And if you plan on hitting dunes or wide-open sand, you’ll also need an orange safety flag mounted high for visibility.

Always, I repeat, always double-check trail status before you roll out. I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times that sudden fire danger or weather closures popped up and ruined a day of riding. This is especially true in the summer.

Speaking of which, spark arrestors are mandatory on most public trails, and open flames are usually banned during dry months.

Final Thoughts

Southern California’s got more to offer than most people think. Pick the right spot, prep your rig, and get out there. There’s no substitute for seat time. Ride smart, stay safe, and I’ll catch you out on the trail!

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FAQs

Q1: Do I need a special permit to off-road in California?

A1: Yes. If your vehicle isn’t street legal, you’ll need a Green or Red Sticker through the DMV. It’s required for access to most public OHV areas.

Q2: Can I off-road in LA with a stock vehicle?

A2: Absolutely! Several trails are mellow enough for stock setups, especially fire roads and well-maintained routes like San Francisquito Motorway or parts of Hungry Valley.

Q3: What’s the best time of year to off-road in Southern California?

A3: I’m a big fan of riding either in the fall or the spring. The summer can get hot, and fire restrictions tend to pop up. While winter is good in most places, higher elevation trails can close down due to snow.  

Q4: Are UTVs street legal in California?

A4: No, not by default. UTVs can’t be registered for street use in most of California. Stick to OHV areas and designated trails unless you’ve got a dual-registration setup from another state.