California Off-Road Trails

Hunter Mountain Road, also known as Hidden Valley Road, begins at Teakettle Junction, just north of Racetrack Playa, then passes through Lost Burro Gap and into Hidden Valley. While not the largest empty expanse you’ll come across in Death Valley National Park, Hidden Valley reminds you just how isolated you are. Then, in a dramatic change of scenery, Hunter Mountain Road takes you from the floor of Hidden Valley Dry Lake at 4,626 feet all the way past 7,100 feet of elevation. The only real challenges posed by this road are the sandy lake bed. In the colder months, expect snow and ice on the trail once you reach higher elevations. There are no designated campsites along the trail, but plenty of places along the route could accommodate a few vehicles for the night.

Goat Canyon Trail is a challenging trail in the southern portion of Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The terrain varies between soft sand, small rock gardens, a rocky canyon, and a heavily rutted dirt hill. Maps show that the hill is one-way and should only be driven downhill. 4WD is necessary, and larger vehicles will have difficulty fitting between the narrow rock walls in the small canyon portion. There are a few large rocks in the trail and a small ledge. The most challenging part of this trail is a steep hill composed of loose sand and dirt. The hill veers into a left turn with large ruts. The hill requires caution because the ground is extremely loose, and it is easy to slide off the edge while trying to descend and turn left. Airing down is highly recommended. The trail ends at Jojoba Wash, which you can take to Highway S2.

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Anza Borrego, although no suitable campsites are directly off this trail. There are large open areas where multiple vehicles could camp once you get to Jojoba Wash, and a few smaller campsites are suitable for 1-2 vehicles off Dos Cabezas road.

The Dolomite Mine is a great stop when traveling through Anza Borrego State Park. Once a Dolomite Marble and Magnesium Calcium Mine located in the Coyote Mountains that operated from the 1920s until the 1960s. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the old mine and get a sense of what life was like for the miners who once worked here. The site features a number of rusting metal structures, abandoned mining equipment, and other artifacts that provide a window into the area's mining past. These old structures is a great place to explore and provides a great overlook of the South East corner of the park. The trail is one of the harder trails in the area, so when traveling this trail, make sure your vehicle is in good running order.

Overall, the Dolomite Mine is a fascinating destination that offers a unique glimpse into the history and natural beauty of Anza Borrego. Whether you're interested in exploring the area's mining past, off-roading through the scenic landscape, or simply taking in the stunning desert vistas, this historic site is well worth a visit.

If you want crazy hard and people say you are a bit insane, then Jack Hammer is the trail for you. Known throughout the off-road industry as one of the single hardest off-road trails in the world, Jack Hammer will not leave you disappointed about being challenged. Many have tried, and many have failed even in the most built rigs. This 4x4 trail is going to bend, break, and destroy the common failure items and things you didn't even know that could get damaged. Have your pocketbook ready and a solid recovery plan because it is rare people leave this trail untouched. This trail is only for the most experienced with a very built rig and strong roll cage. The rating of this trail is well past difficult and is above severe in the extreme area. Do not attempt this trail alone and do not attempt this trail unless you have recovery gear, spare parts, and a group of other offroad extremists that are looking for a day of fun in Johnson Valley, California.

In the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Olla Wash leads to one of the more famous attractions, the Mud Palisades. The Mud Palisades resemble ornate columns in what you might see in a European gothic church. Formed over time by dripping water and wind, they provide a beautiful experience for those seeking natural wonders. Olla Wash is a perfect offroad trail for those looking to escape the more crowded parts of Anza-Borrego and who want to get up close and personal with striking landscapes.

SOS is an insane and extreme rock crawling trail that will put any 4x4 or buggy to its test. Whether you are a Toyota, a 2 door Jeep Wrangler, a 4 Door JKU person, or a tube buggy. SOS will make even the most extreme hardcore off-road enthusiast think twice in the first few feet of the trail. Body damage, driveline failure, bad days, but great memories are all likely to be found on this trail. The next time you decide to have an adventure in the home of The King Of The Hammers in Johnson Valley, California, take a trip to he southwest of Means Dry Lake and check out one of the most insane but epic 4x4 trails in Southern California. If you are interested in taking over this trail review, please sign up to be a contributor at TrailsOffroad.com and become part of the team.

Usal Road is an iconic, straight-through trail traversing the mountains and cliffs of California's Lost Coast. There are numerous campsites and campgrounds along the way, including Usal Campground and beach, located in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The trail has a lot of ups and downs with a total of 8,100' of climbing and elevation ranging from sea level to almost 1,900'.

Usal Road is mostly a one-lane rough and rutted dirt road, winding through the forest, across mountain ridges, and along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When conditions are good, it is traversable with a stock 2WD truck or SUV, but a high clearance 4WD is recommended.

The trail provides an enjoyable casual drive, bathed in the cool green of the tall pine trees lining the cool green. Santa Ana River Road passes over its namesake, the Santa Ana River, or its tributaries in several places. It provides inviting areas to pull over and walk down to the water's side to enjoy the peaceful forest river and its comforting sounds. Santa Ana River Road is in the 823,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest just south of Big Bear Lake. The Santa Ana River begins its journey in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, high above the trees. It is one of Southern California's largest and longest rivers, tumbling 80 miles to the Pacific Ocean. The Prado and Seven Oaks Dams interrupt the river, providing flood control and water for consumption, irrigation, industry, and recreation. This area around the Santa Ana River is a unique and fragile ecosystem,

The Calcite Mine in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a fascinating destination that many off-roaders and overlanders like on their adventures that combine history, geology, and natural beauty. During World War II, the mine played an essential role as a source of industrial-grade calcite, which was used to manufacture optical equipment such as bomb sights and periscopes. Today, visitors can hike the area and explore the remains of the mines while taking in the stunning desert landscape. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife like desert bighorn sheep and coyotes and see unique geological formations like Calcite Canyon and the surrounding badlands. The Calcite Mine is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, geology, or outdoor adventure.