Six Places to Take Your Jeep Off-Road in So-Cal

If you are looking for places to take your Jeep off-roading within driving distance of LA County, these six trails will keep you and your jeep busy!

Many of the trails listed below are in a national park area so be sure to check the websites for rules and regulations, as well as any closures, prior to planning your trip.

Rincon Redbox Truck Trail

This trail is located in a national forest and an Adventure Pass is required before entering. The trail is gated and you’ll get a gate code when you purchase your pass.

Rincon Redbox Truck Trail is open year-round but may close temporarily due to inclement weather so call before you haul. The trail is about 25 miles long as is rated as easy. It is mostly hard-packed. Primitive camping is allowed alongside the trail. Read all the details about the trail, as well as rules and regulations, here.

San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area

Over 160 acres of rocky, sandy river bottom await users of 2, 3 and 4-wheeled OHVs. Part of the national forest system, fees are required. See more information here: San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area

*Image credit:* *http://www.rabideau.org/*

The OHV and obstacle course area is open Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day) at 8 a.m. All visitors must exit by 4:30 so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Special closures may occur if unusually high water, wildfire or capacity crowds occur.

Glen Helen Raceway

Registered Jeeps are allowed in some areas of Glen Helen, be sure to check the rules and regulations.

Practice time is typically Thursdays 8am to dusk and most Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. It is recommended to call the raceway before you head over since they host many events.

El Mirage Dry Lake OHV Area

This off-highway vehicle riding area attracts a variety of activities including motorcycles, ATVs, trucks, cars, buggies, land yachts, model airplanes, model rockets, ultra-light aircraft, gyrocopters, parasails, and full-sized aircrafts. The areas of interest include the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, the Shadow Mountains, the El Mirage Basin, and the Twin Hills area that make up the 24,400-acre project area of public and private land. Elevation ranges from about 2,800 feet at the El Mirage Dry Lake to over 3,800 feet in the Shadow Mountains.

During summer months, temperatures can reach 120 degrees summer thunder storms can come in with spectacular force, although most of the minimal precipitation falls in the winter months. Winter lows can fall to 5 degrees F. at night, with highs in the 60 to 70 degree F. Check out all the rules and regulations here.

Wildomar OHV Area

Another national forest area, made available for use through an agreement with the US Forest Service and the California State Department of Parks and Recreation, this 360 acre OHV area contains over 8 miles of trails and is perfect for all experience levels, or those looking for single track trails. An adventure pass is required. Be sure to check for closures prior to going.

For those seeking overnight ventures, the Wildomar Campground is conveniently located a mile away linking to connecting OHV routes, and offering 11 individual sites, OHV parking, and standard amenities.

Bee Canyon Truck Trail

Bee Canyon Truck OHV Trail is a 15.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Hemet, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for bird watching and off road driving and is accessible year-round.

Vehicle registration and stickers are required. See more info here. Be sure to check for closures before going.

Stoddard Valley OHV Area

Located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, Stoddard Valley OHV Recreation Area offers a diverse landscape for off-highway vehicle recreation. It is characterized by steep rocky mountains, rolling hills, open valleys, and winding sandy washes.

The eastern portions of the area and the Stoddard Mountains are considered the most challenging places in the park to ride. The broad expanse of the central valley and southern portions are for the novice and are used to improve skill of the rider.

There are areas to the west of the Slash X entrance that become a challenge for the intermediate rider. This 53,000 acre open riding area will offer a challenge to every degree of expertise and type of vehicle from the motocross racers to the beginning Quad rider. Four wheel drive clubs offer events in this area because it has diverse landscape and a riding experience for everyone.

Be sure to read the rules and regulations, and check for closures before you go. Find more info here.

Want to Take Your Off-Roading Across The Country?

There are so many places throughout the US to take your Jeep off-road. If you are looking to expand your off-road palette to include more destinations, check out these other posts:

Check out these Bucket List Off-Road Destinations to Take Your Jeep!

Even more Jeep off-roading fun:

Thanks to John Elway’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for bringing us these great off-road locations in southern California.