Beginner Off-Road Trails Near California Hot Springs, California

This is a half paved, half gravel pass that cuts a shorter route through from Johnsondale towards Nobe Young Falls. This relaxed path passes by a smaller waterfall and is accessible by nearly all vehicles.…
Learn more about Last Chance to Lloyd Meadow

To get to this trail, you will first need to come down Black Gulch Jeep Trail heading West from Hwy 155. You will continue driving until the pavement turns to dirt at the last public…
Learn more about Kern River Getaway - 27S30

A long scenic route crosses the sprawling high desert from Jawbone OHV Area, climbs above 8,000 feet across the Piute Mountain Range inside Sequoia National Forest, and then descends quickly to Lake Isabella. There are…
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This is an easy wide-open access road across from Troy Meadow Campground that leads to some great single track trails in the area. It's a smooth, well-maintained road. It does have some sandy areas to…
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This is another fun scenic single track that comes equipped with a couple of rock sections and some sand. There are a couple of creek crossings, one of which could get a little spicy with…
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This is another great trail here--a nice wide single track winding through the forest. It passes through a couple of nice meadows and there are quite a few creek crossings to look out for. The…
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A nice, easy, and wide single track that has a really nice flow to it, this trail connects Troy Meadow Campground with Fish Creek Campground, another super fun single track in the area. There will…
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Monache Meadows is a beautiful scenic valley surrounded by wilderness areas. The road follows and crosses the South fork of Kern River. There are great camp spots along the route and at the end. Explore,…
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Starting at the PCT trail crossing parking lot, this sandy shelf road overlooks the valley below, creating elevated vantage points. Stunning wildflowers emerge in spring, transforming the landscape with color. Switchbacks guide descent into the…
Learn more about Bird Spring Canyon Road West BLM SC120

This is a fun loop that starts off with SC39 and SC47. It begins with long downhill sections of s-turns and the trail is several feet below the main desert floor with Yuccas on both…
Learn more about Hanging Rock Loop

Climbing over a thousand feet in just under 3 miles along a shelf road, this route delivers dramatic and stunning views of valleys below from elevated vantage points. Spring transforms the landscape with amazing blooming…
Learn more about BLM SC228

Dropping over 700 feet in under 2 miles, this one vehicle wide route combines mostly sand and gravel while descending rapidly. Lined with sagebrush, large groups of Joshua trees, and seasonal blooming wildflowers, creating a…
Learn more about BLM SC42

This route consists of two main trails, SC47 and SC328. The trail can be accessed on the West from Kelso Valley Road and from the East at the actual Dove Springs. My route includes the…
Learn more about Dove Springs Access Trail

Starting at BLM LA1, this fine sand route runs 1.5 to 2 vehicles wide along the Eastern Sierra Mountain foothills. Alternating between hard pack and deeper soft sand creates variable traction conditions. The trail is…
Learn more about BLM SC106

Winding into Bird Spring Canyon, this soft sandy route runs just over one vehicle wide through terrain lined with desert brush, Joshua trees, and blooming wildflowers that intensify deeper in the canyon. Various established campsite…
Learn more about Bird Spring Canyon Road East BLM 120

This is a fun winding trail that starts right off of SC173 and quickly drops down into a soft wide sand wash. The trail narrows with a tight s-turn between large boulders then opens up…
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This limited-use area trail cuts across Highway 395, starting just above the South Haiwee Reservoir, a private lake owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Hard-packed sand with embedded rocks forms…
Learn more about Haiwee Canyon Road - BLM SE776

This very sandy one vehicle wide route cuts through a small, shallow canyon surrounded by very small desert brush and a few Joshua trees. Interesting boulder rock formations appear throughout the canyon. Although mostly sandy,…
Learn more about BLM SC44

Starting at Highway 14 at Robbers Roost Mini Mart with public bathrooms, this sandy out-and-back trail heads to Cow Heaven Canyon on BLM limited-use land, requiring staying on designated trails. Fine sand surface can be…
Learn more about Cow Heaven Canyon Road BLM SC51

Starting just off Highway 395 on the north side with no access from southbound lanes, this sandy route navigates through lush desert flora, including large Joshua trees, smoke trees, and creosote bushes, creating unusually dense…
Learn more about BLM 37E402

This is a fun route in Indian Wells Canyon. This route includes the Nadeau Magnolia Mine and an amazing rocky peak overlooking the canyon below. This is the northern route that takes you through several…
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This one vehicle-wide loose sand route threads through terrain surrounded by creosote bushes, Joshua trees, other desert flora, and seasonally blooming wildflowers. The trail is prettiest traveling south to north for optimal scenery appreciation. Beautiful…
Learn more about BLM SC82

This is a fun ride up the canyon from Indian Wells Brewery that takes you to the Nadeau-Magnolia Mine. This is one of the few abandoned mine sites that still maintains its historical charm. The…
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This short connector starts off Highway 395, delivering access to the Aqueduct Access Road efficiently. Hard pack sand at 1.5 vehicles wide provides comfortable navigation room. Nice views of the Eastern Sierra mountains frame your…
Learn more about BLM SE105

Starting just south of Sage Canyon Trail, this sand and gravel route delivers great views of the Eastern Sierras to the west and the El Paso Wilderness Mountains to the east. The trail is lined…
Learn more about BLM LA2 Sage Canyon South

Following the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power aqueduct on BLM land, this seasonally graded soft sand route delivers stunning views of the Eastern Sierras and surrounding mountains to the south. The trail winds…
Learn more about Aqueduct Service Double Canyon

Starting at Highway 14 heading north, this two-lane wide loose sand route travels through the Jawbone-Butterbredt BLM limited use area, requiring staying on designated trails. Great views showcase the Southern Eastern Sierras, including Robbers Roost,…
Learn more about Horse Canyon BLM SC65 South

This 1.5 vehicle-wide sandy trail follows power lines while offering views of both the Coso Range Mountains and Eastern Sierra Mountains, creating layered scenery. Nice views of the Haiwee Reservoir appear as you navigate. The…
Learn more about BLM SE781

Starting off Highway 178 with immediate views of Robbers Roost towering at 4,200 feet, this sandy 1 to 2.5 vehicle wide route serves as an alternative to the aqueduct route. Ruts, off camber sections, and…
Learn more about BLM LA2 Highway 178 South

Climbing and dropping 300 feet in less than 2 miles, this shelf road clings to a cliff, delivering stunning views of the valley below, spreading to Ridgecrest, mountains in Death Valley, and beyond. The trail…
Learn more about Sand Canyon Cliff Road - BLM 117