California Off-Road Trails

The Harry Wade Road (aka Badwater Road) is an easy backcountry route in Death Valley National Park and was first pioneered in 1849 by the Harry Wade family on their way to the California gold fields. Today this remote area of Death Valley National Park sees few visitors but offers spectacular views, and a dramatic water crossing of the Amargosa River, if there is water present.

Perhaps the most remote trail in the lower 48, Warm Springs Road, has virtually nothing around it. But what brings people to this desert is a small natural hot spring, an interesting life-giving oasis in his remote, desolate area. The best place for camping is at the hot springs. There are plenty of places for any-sized group to camp. Some choose to camp close to the hot springs, while others prefer to be further away. Note: There is natural spring water at this location, meaning you can take a shower and clean up a little. 2nd Note: Prior to visiting the hot springs, it would be wise to understand the culture around hot springs in California.

Forestdale Road, also known as Blue Lakes Road on some maps in Alpine County, offers spectacular scenery and brief sections of technical terrain as it traverses from Red Lake to Lower Blue Lake.

Start this dirt route by turning off Highway 88. Head south at Red Lake and ascend Forestdale Road to Blue Lakes. This one-vehicle-wide dirt road begins easy and then morphs into a rocky, rutted-out shelf trail.  There are seasonal shallow water crossings on this trail. Snow can be found as early as September. The trail is closed in winter. Every vista is incredible. This double-track trail is suited for licensed 4WD high-clearance vehicles. It's not recommended for 2WD or low clearance.

There are three designated pay campgrounds along this route. Leashed dogs are okay, and a 14-day maximum stay applies. Blue Lakes (Upper and Lower) campgrounds are lakeside and have lake views. Vault toilets are available, and most camping spaces have fire rings and picnic tables. In July and August, you can reward yourself by swimming in Blue Lakes.

Traveling adjacent to Papoose Flats, Sawabu Flat trail is a scenic dirt road that traverses a dense cedar forest as it ascends to higher elevations on the north end of the Inyo Mountains. The route offers breathtaking views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains with their unique rock formations. This hidden gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solace in the quiet beauty of nature. Dispersed camping is permitted all along the trail, making it a perfect spot for an overnight stay under the stars. A trip to Sawabu Flats trail is an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the serene wilderness of California.

In the middle of nowhere on the backside of the Panamint Mountain Range lays a secret of the desert. Even though it is extremely remote (60+ miles to the nearest town) this gem of the desert is a popular place for overlanders and off-road enthusiast to visit. Butte Valley, on the southeastern corner of Death Valley, is a unique and exciting place only accessible by 4wd on very old Jeep Trails. While visiting the area be prepared for some amazing views of lands where very few humans have ever been. You will dive into the old mining days of Panamint Mountains as you enter an area that was constructed back in the late 1800's. Becuase of the immense history, offroad enthusiasts have been visiting this unique wonderland for a long time, both enjoying its beauty and preserving it for future generations. Thus, the next time you are visiting Southern California or looking for something near Las Vegas, plan a trip to Death Valley and check out Butte Valley. To spice things up, make this into a weekend overland adventure including Warm Springs Road, Butte Valley, Mengel Pass, and Goler Wash. This just might be the best 4wd trip you have or will ever take.

Just 10 miles outside Borrego Springs, Inspiration Wash earns its name in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This trail climbs through the Anza-Borrego Badlands to Inspiration Point, where panoramic views of the desert landscape and rock formations sprawl like a network of veins. Be sure to take your camera on this one for great photo opportunities. You can complete the climb from north heading south and return the way you came via Inspiration Wash or continue southwest via Dump Wash. As the name suggests, the end of the trail drops you off right outside the Borrego Springs landfill, but you can quickly hop on S22 and be on your way to your next adventure.

Collins Valley Road offers a stunning drive through the Anza Borrego Desert into the northernmost area of Coyote Canyon. Filled with lush vegetation fed by Coyote Creek, don't miss the opportunity to walk into the palm grove oasis just off the trail. The final leg of the trail takes you directly into Coyote Creek wash, where the drive gets bumpy! This is an excellent addition to Coyote Canyon Road and Sheep Canyon Road to make a full day of trail riding just outside of Borrego Springs.

4S05 - Mellor Ranch OHV is just one of the many trails that make up the 4x4 off-road network west of Idyllwild. It is located in the San Bernadino National Forest and it is rarely closed. Mellor Ranch is a designated OHV trail, so use caution and be prepared to share the road. You will see pine, fir, and cedar at the higher elevations, in addition to the typical Southern California sage, mesquite, manzanita and scrub oak as you descend to the west end, you will also have outstanding views to the west-southwest.

Just east of the Bear Mountain Resort, Big Bears Alpine Zoo and the Gold Mine Golf Course in Big Bear, California sits this lesser-known off-road trail at the southeastern edge of the Moonridge mountain neighborhoods. Where the pavement of Sand Canyon Road ends, 2N27 - Sand Canyon starts. If you're in this area of Big Bear and looking for a new place to explore, or if you need to get around Big Bear Boulevards traffic to the 38, 2N27 - Sand Canyon might be your answer.