California Off-Road Trails

Death Valley Road takes you from Big Pine to close to Furrance Creek Death Valley. This is a common path for people to travel while exploring Death Valley, as this takes you out of the park's exit from the northwest side. People often use this road to access Saline Valley, Steel Pass, and other popular areas on the park's north side. While few people choose to camp along this road, there are several areas big enough for a small group. Check out the mine near the northern turn on the east side for larger groups. It's important to note that camping is not allowed for the first 22 miles along the eastern end.

Don't be fooled by the easy 4x4 trail rating, this Death Valley National Park backcountry route has a history of being deadly for the unprepared. Almost every year some unfortunate gets stuck, breaks down, and in some cases just wander off and perish along this road. This 37-mile backcountry route runs below sea level for its entire length. It was the original route of the 20 Mule Team Borax wagons out of Death Valley and offers the only access to the east side of the Panamint Mountains south of Furnace Creek. Along the route, mining was active at the Queen of Sheba mine as recently as 1970, Hungry Bill had a small farm and mining operation in Johnson Canyon that he supplied miners with fresh vegetables. The infamous Charles Manson and his followers were captured at Barker Ranch which is on the west side of the Panamint Mountains and accessible from the Butte Valley Road that intersects West Side Road. Death Valley Shorty, a former Buffalo Bill Wild West Show performer and famous flim-flam man for which Scotty's Castle is named, is buried along the road. There are the remains of old borax works and the nearly impassable Devil's Golf Course geologic formation is comprised of evaporated salt.

If body damage, brutal lines, and full-send moments are your idea of a good time, then Mottino Wash is the hidden battleground you’ve been looking for. Tucked between Big Bear’s legendary Holcomb Valley and the hardcore madness of Johnson Valley's Hammers, this under-the-radar gem serves up a wild fusion of both worlds—gnarly must-do obstacles, savage optional lines, and relentless rock crawling that will push even the most capable rigs to their limits. With low traffic, remote terrain, and no shortage of bragging rights, Mottino Wash isn’t just another trail, it’s a rite of passage for those bold enough to take it on.

Warm Springs Canyon is a classic Death Valley backcountry road that leaves the wide-open valley floor and climbs into rugged desert terrain shaped by old mining history. It’s a perfect 4x4 adventure for novice off-roaders. Drivers should expect rocky sections, washouts, and the kind of slow, careful driving that teaches good line choice and tire placement without needing to be extreme. Along the way, you’ll pass historic sites and big Mojave panoramas, and when paired with nearby backcountry roads, you can build a full day of exploring. This trail rewards you with a quiet, remote slice of Death Valley that feels worlds away from the pavement.

Arroyo Tapiado is a nice drive up a beautiful mudstone canyon within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Outside of the fantastic views, Arroyo Tapiado has the highest density and the longest mud caves in the world, making it a unique place on Earth. It is no wonder why many people flock to see this natural wonder year around. One of the mud caves is over 1,000 feet long, which makes these mud caves seem to last forever once inside. With over 22 known mud caves, this area could provide a weekend of exploring. Just be warned, the mud caves are unstable and susceptible to collapse at any time. The dirt is very soft and will quickly collapse if touched. The park recommends not entering the mud caves.

Winding through the rugged and picturesque Alabama Hills, Movie Road is an iconic route that takes travelers through a cinematic landscape of weathered rock formations and stunning Sierra Nevada backdrops. Known for its role in classic Westerns and Hollywood blockbusters, this scenic backcountry drive offers breathtaking views, endless photo opportunities, and access to recognizable filming locations in movie history. Whether you're an overlander, a film buff, or a road trip adventurer, Movie Road is a must-visit destination for its blend of natural beauty and Hollywood magic.

Nestled within the far reaches of California's Sequoia National Forest, McIver's Jeep Road leads to a namesake cabin, a historic site popular among offroad enthusiasts and hikers alike. Constructed in 1938 by miner Murdo George McIver, the cabin was relocated from Sand Canyon to its current location near McIver's Spring, close to his mining claim. Today, it serves as a shelter for Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers and a destination for offroad adventurers. Tackling this trail requires traveling through diverse terrains, including rolling hills with scrub brush and sandy washes, and features narrow sections that require careful navigation.

Canyon Sin Nombre is a stunning offroad trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through the San Felipe Fault Network smashed between the Elsinore Fault and San Andres Fault. The upheaval of these faults is evident along the trail. Many call this trail "The Geologist Tour" or "The Journey Through Time" due to the numerous geological formations from the southwestward tilt of the desert sediments. These formations date back hundreds of millions of years and provide a visually impressive drive through this tectonic wonderland.

The Wildomar OHV Area is 1 square mile with 8 miles of trails. Los Alamos Trail 7S03 is a shortcut to this area. 7S03 ends at South Main Divide 7S04 and the OHV area is just a short distance to the south. The South Main Divide Road is the route of choice for a low clearance 2wd vehicle, coming south off the Ortega Highway, Hwy74, 9 miles away. Even though I rated Los Alamos at 1-2, I was amazed to see 2wd pickups pulling large trailers filled with quads and bikes. Here is a link for more information. Wildomar OHV

Nestled amongst mountains of untouched wilderness, Indian Flats feels isolated from the developed world. The lower elevations of the trail offer rolling hills and turns that tuck into the landscape, while the upper elevations brandish panoramic views of San Diego County's backcountry. This mild offroad drive is enough to give a novice driver a sense of accomplishment yet is not technical or rough enough for consternation. The one-lane trail connects Warner Springs to Chihuahua Valley, where the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail can be taken as far north as Anza.