Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Ballard, California

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Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV

Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV is a stunning route high up in the San Rafael Mountains, providing awesome views into Los Padres NF and the Lake Cachuma foothills. This forest route is accessed via the Upper…
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Total Miles
13.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Alamo Mountain Loop

Alamo Mountain Loop is a great escape from the crowds and heat of summer. At over 7,000 feet, this easy forest drive runs parallel to Hungry Valley State Recreation area. Camping is available, as well…
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Total Miles
24.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa

Liebre Mountain

Total Miles
16.6
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa

The Highest Peak of the Sierra Pelona

Take a quick, but pretty drive up to Burnt Peak. At 5,791' above sea level, this is the highest peak of the Sierra Pelona, which is one of the lower elevation ranges within California's Transverse…
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Total Miles
5.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

Maxwell Road

This is an off-road connector between Lake Hughes Road and the Liebre Mountain and Sawmill Motor Way (USFS Route 7N23). It takes you through the western Sierra Pelona Range, which is the lower elevation mountain…
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Total Miles
9.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

San Francisquito Motorway

This is a relatively easy dirt road just outside Santa Clarita. It is usually low-traffic, and the main road doesn't even require 4x4. There are however several side trails (mostly short) that are steep, rutted,…
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Total Miles
5.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

City Highline Road

This non-technical dirt road follows the power lines along the hills of San Francisquito Canyon. There are some neat views of the California aqueduct, and tons of little side roads. Most of the side roads…
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Total Miles
9.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Tule Divide

The Tule Divide is an easy, pretty drive through the Sierra Pelona Range. The trail mostly follows Burns Canyon Road and other forest routes, which can be linked to other local trails for more off-road…
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Total Miles
13.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Lake Hughes Truck Trail

This easy route begins just east of Lake Hughes in remote northern Los Angeles County, California, and connects the area to the Tule Divide trail. The drive is a mostly uneventful climb with pretty views…
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Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa / Wi / Sp

Jawbone to Lake Isabella

Total Miles
45.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Wi / Sp / Su / Fa