Miners frequently extended the barest of trails farther back from developed roads connecting communities and mines. Today many of these make not only good hiking or equestrian byways, but Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts also seek trails suitable and designated for their enjoyment.

The following list highlights major routes and OHV play areas in SierraOutdoorRecreation.com’s backyard. See Area descriptions and maps for additional details.

First a few details:

Designated Routes:

Most public lands are available to OHV recreation, but users are almost always required to stay on designated routes. Several routes are closed to OHV use, or restricted to certain vehicles such as ATVs instead of the wider 4WD vehicles. A slash across a symbol indicates use of that particular type of vehicle is prohibited.

Vehicle definitions:

4-wheel drive vehicles (4WD) are defined as jeep and similar models by other manufacturers, pickups, or dune buggies equipped with four-wheel drive. All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are three or four-wheeled motorized off-highway vehicles. Motorcycles are two-wheeled motorized vehicles less than 40” wide.

License and registration:

Each of these vehicles must be properly licensed (Department of Motor Vehicles [DMV]) and registered (displaying green or red stickers obtained through DMV). 4WDs and motorcycles displaying a proper highway license can generally be operated on 2WD roads. ATVs, due to their low heights and high speeds, are usually not permitted on general use Forest roads -- unless signed as permitted. When we indicate 4WD roads, these OHV routes can also accommodate motorbikes and ATVs unless signed otherwise. When in doubt, inquire locally.

Properly equiped:

All vehicles must have proper and working spark arrestors and noise reduction equipment. “Closed Course Competition” motorcycles usually don’t meet these requirements.

Trail courtesy:

Motorized vehicle operators should always yield to other trail users.

Useful maps:

SierraOutdoorRecreation.com as well as Forest Recreation Maps show trails and primitive roads designated for OHVs. U.S. Geological Survey topographic quads provide details but do not show trail designations for type of vehicles permitted. National Forest offices offer free recreational guides delineating designated OHV routes. These also show areas closed year-round or seasonally. They can be obtained at most Forest Service offices. Users are responsible for knowing what rules apply to the area they are using. Specific, detailed map brochures are available for Mammoth Bar OHV Area and Foresthill OHV Trails area.

Other useful sources of information:

We enjoyed and got some helpful information out of the 2001 edition of 4 Wheelers Guide -- Trails of the Tahoe National Forest by William C. Teie. We recommend it, and it’s available at many of the Tahoe National Forest offices.

AUBURN STATE RECREATION AREA (ASRA):

Arguably the best opportunity for motorcycles and motorized trail bikes lies within this state recreation area.

See Auburn State Recreation Area Map.

......Cache Rock OHV Road:

4WD, easy.

Steep drop into primitive camping and good fishing north of Volcanoville.

......Cherokee Bar Campground:

4WD, easy.

Although the Sliger Mine Road to the campground is not a designated OHV route, 4WDs are able to drop the last three miles to the Middle Fork much easier than 2WDs. This area is enjoyed mostly by OHV users.

......Cock Robin Point:

4WD, more difficult.

Access from Volcanoville to Cock Robin Trailhead is via 4WD roads to where hiking trail drops into Middle Fork canyon.

......Mammoth Bar OHV Area:

Motorcycles & ATVs, easy, more, & most difficult trails.

Fun collection of 15 trails totaling 10 miles and several longer links and loop options. Trails are rated and signed on-site plus pamphlet with map available at ASRA Headquarters. Oval track designed for “mini” and “motocross” riders also on site.

DONNER SUMMIT:

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed to all motorized vehicles and mountain bikes.

See Donner Summit Map.

......White Rock Lake Primitive Camping.

High clearance vehicles are all that is recommended to reach the lake over a rough road, but some campsites along the north shore have to be reached with 4WDs due to a short, but steep hill that drops down to the lakeshore.

EAST SLOPE:

Three separate areas have been designated as special areas for off-highway vehicles. Other areas have only one or two designated routes. Some routes are suitable for both traditional as well as OHVs. Others are strictly left to OHVs.

See East Slope Map and Area for all listings.

......Bear Valley OHV Loop Trail:

4WD, easy.

Over 18 miles of trail that makes good warm-up runs. Several pitches are more difficult, but bypasses are usually provided for novices. Best to follow loop clockwise starting at Bear Valley Campground (see Camping) -- the perfect base area for this system of trails. “Run-a-Muck” is an annual, family event hosted by Diablo 4 Wheelers. Sardine Peak Lookout (can’t miss it to the southwest) is a nice treat with great views. Babbitt Peak Lookout atop the Verdi Range is staffed summers and offers an easy drive with terrific views east into Great Basin and Reno areas.

......Prosser Staging Area:

4WD, easy & more difficult.

8-10 OHV routes in the Prosser Hill, Sagehen Hills, and Billy Hill areas some leading to Stampede Reservoir are easily accessed from this paved parking area with restroom facility. One trail is for motorcycles only, while the others are available to 4WD and ATVs also. Parking and camping also available at Prosser Lake.

Directions: 4 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89; turn left onto signed road.

......Verdi Range Area:

4WD, easy & more difficult.

Half dozen 4WD routes follow along this small Range from I-80 north to Lake Stampede Road. Verdi Peak is the centerpiece. Camping at Boca Reservoir (see Lakes & Reservoirs) and Davies Creek above Stampede Reservoir most popular for OHV enthusiasts.

GRANITE CHIEF:

Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail closed to all motorized vehicles and mountain bikes. As the majority of this area is Wilderness only a nearby area to the south has designated OHV routes.

See Granite Chief Map.

......Barker Pass:

4WD & motorcycles.

Parking area adjacent to Barker Pass with somewhat small, run-around area stretching east to Ellis Peak or south to Rubicon 4WD Trail and Richardson Lake. Mostly numerous logging roads -- several are gated closed. Both Ellis Peak and Richardson Lake trails are 4WD and moderately challenging.

The Rubicon OHV is extremely challenging and is the premier trail for the annual 4WD event from the Loon Lake area. Only the last part of the OHV route is included in this area. The route will be covered in detail with El Dorado National Forest activities.

See Granite Chief Map.

GROUSE RIDGE:

The Grouse Non-Motorized Area is closed to motorized vehicles -- except over-the-snow machines. However, several designated routes exist around outlying areas.

See Grouse Ridge Map for all listings.

......Fordyce Lake OHV Route

4WD, more difficult.

Leads from Fordyce Summit above Sterling Lake along the ridge to Fordyce Lake dam and on to Fordyce Creek/Meadows Lakes route. No crossing of Fordyce Creek required (see below) unless you want to link to the event trail.

......Eagle Lakes OHV Route:

4WD, more difficult.

When heading northeast on the Fordyce 4WD, about 2 miles in route, a spur branches to the left and heads to this popular area with fishing and hiking trail to lower Fordyce Creek.

......Fordyce Creek OHV Route:

4WD, extremely difficult, elevations: 5420’-5980’-5660’-7300’.

Used annually for “Sierra Trek” and considered one of the most challenging and fun OHV events (Contact California Association of 4WD Clubs). Warning: during events, Pacific Gas & Electric reduces discharge from Fordyce Reservoir sufficiently low to permit crossing Fordyce Creek at the three fords. At no other time is fording safe and is not recommended as water levels can be raised without warning, endangering vehicles or stranding them between crossings.

......Meadow Lake OHV Campground & Assembly Area:

Tables, vault toilets and parking area are completed for this site under construction: targeted competition by 2004. The famed Sierra Trek encamps on the other end of Meadow Lake; so this new site provides a nice overflow and assembly area away from the meadows and historic Summit City site.

......Old Meadow Lake Road:

4WD, easy.

This historic route is a fun shortcut between Meadow Lake and Bowman Lake or Jackson Meadows Reservoir. Each lake offers several campgrounds.

......Signal Peak:

4WD, easy or most difficult.

Two routes: the one climbing out of Rattlesnake Creek to the top of this peak (named for numerous communication facilities and historic concrete bunker lookout) is an easy trip. The second route connecting the Fordyce Creek OHV route from the assembly area to the top is most difficult. Going down is much easier than driving up over several steep pitches and washouts.

......Sterling Lake & Mossy Pond Areas:

4WD, easy to more difficult.

Designated OHV trails lead by numerous small and larger lakes such as Mossy Pond, northeast from Sterling Lake’s rustic campground. Wide variety of plants and animals.

LAKES BASIN:

There are very limited opportunities in this exceptional area that is popular for its hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed to all motorized vehicles and mountain bikes.

See Lakes Basin Map.

......Gold Lake:

4WD, more difficult.

There is an OHV campground at the head (west) of this large, wonderful high-country lake. Many drivers climb out of camp and over the Sierra Crest to Gold Valley country. The OHV campground, plus Squaw and Little Gold Lakes, are all accessed from the designated OHV road around south side of Gold Lake.

......Haven & Goose Lakes Primitive Camping:

These two delightful lakes are located only a few yards off Gold Lakes Road, but a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle is best for getting back to the rockier campsites.

See Lakes Basin Map.

NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER (NFA):

NFA canyon, including access trails to this Wild River, are all closed to OHV use. However, a terrific area for motorized trail bikes with several trails suitable for ATVs, lies along the broad Foresthill Divide to the south of the canyon.

......Foresthill OHV Trails complex:

Paste in file under OHV Activities.

NORTH YUBA RIVER:

High above the river canyon, especially in the headwaters of the major streams in the Downie River basin, are some great designated routes. Only the Little Deer Lake and Gold Valley routes offer technical challenges.

......Butcher Ranch Creek:

4WD, very easy.

Short route makes nice training ground for new 4WD drivers and a pleasant alternative heading toward Gold Valley.

See Lakes Basin Map.

......Chimney Rock:

4WD, more difficult.

Nice side trip when doing the Poker Flat trek. First part is easy; last part is more difficult. Gated a good mile before this interesting rock formation.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map.

......Craycroft Ridge:

4WD, easy.

Fun route leading to nice country and views below Needle Point.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map.

......Deer Lake:

4WD, easy.

Follows Sierra Crest north from Packer Saddle to reach Summit Lake and several challenging trails deeper into fantastic high-country lakes area. Accesses: Gold Valley, Smith Lake, Snake Lake, Gold Lake as well as a short spur diving down to a bench above Deer Lake. Many of these are popular with mountain bikers also.

See Lakes Basin Map.

......Downieville River:

4WD, easy.

Narrow road leading to nice swimming holes -- but respect mining claims and equipment.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map.

......Fir Cap:

4WD, more difficult.

Road branches right from Saddleback Road near Oak Ranch and returns south of Saddleback Lookout. Beautiful views along road or better yet from lookout especially during summer when it’s staffed.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map.

......Gold Valley:

4WD, more difficult/most difficult.

4-wheeling, wide-open backcountry at its best. The access routes are the most challenging. Heading up the valley by Hawley Lake (mostly privately owned by Boy Scouts of America and on to the A-Tree is the less difficult route. A short 4WD spur will take you into the Spencer Lakes. Bring your fishing pole. The A-Tree can also be reached via Jamison Creek heading northwest above Plumas-Eureka State Park.

See Lakes Basin Map.

......Poker Flat:

4WD, easy.

Road drops from north of Packsaddle Lookout down into Canyon Creek and historic mining town of Poker Flat. From there 4WDs can follow mining roads upstream or head north and join the LaPorte/Quincy backcountry road.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map.

......Red Oak Canyon:

4WD, easy.

Has a couple of sections that will encourage you to use 4WD, but the best part is Sunnyside Meadows country it accesses.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map.

......Sierra Buttes:

4WD, easy.

Fun route from downtown Sierra City to Packer Saddle, which leads on to even more fun country. Just make sure you first veer right on the spur leading to the hiking trail up to the lookout (half-mile walk). For some climbing the steel steps which are suspended over dramatic cliffs and rise steeply to the top are the most difficult part. But don’t pass up the views. The lookout is no longer staffed, but informational display signs tell which mountains are which. Mount Lassen is one.

See North Yuba River-Downieville Map. See North Yuba River-Sierra City Map.

......Smith Lake/Big Boulder:

4WD, more difficult.

A short diversion to nice camping at the lake lying west of Gold Valley. Big Boulder Mine road turns left after the route climbs to the ridge above Pauley Creek.

See North Yuba-Downieville Map and Lakes Basin Map.

......Snake Lake/Little Deer Lake:

4WD, most difficult.

Pack your winches, tow straps, high lift jacks, and travel with another vehicle; you may need them. Going down is easier than up, so driving a loop is very challenging: rocky, narrow, ledgy, constant bouldering, tight turns, and steep. Dropping down from Snake Lake to Gold Valley is the easier route out. Camp at the pretty lakes and try the fishing.

See Lakes Basin Map.

......Sunnyside Meadows:

4WD, easy to more difficult.

Nice camping spots in lovely meadows and peaceful views. Roads are usually gated through private lands into Canyon Creek via Gibraltar Mine or east over to A-Tree with its connections to Gold Valley trails.

See North Yuba River- Downieville Map.

SOUTH YUBA RIVER:

The majority of this river canyon does not have designated OHV routes. The exception is a terrific motorized trail bikes opportunity located on the broad ridge near Highway 20 and not far from Nevada City. Local clubs and volunteers made this area possible.

See the South Yuba River Map.

......Burlington Ridge Trails Complex:

Motorcycles no ATVs, easy/more difficult.

Trails shared by equestrians and others, but motorbike users favor Chalk Bluff Road trailhead.

See South Yuba River-Malakoff & Washington Maps.

Campgrounds with OHV - 4 Wheel Drive opportunities

Exceptional

OHV Routes with OHV - 4 Wheel Drive opportunities

Exceptional Best Good