Beginner Off-Road Trails Near China Lake Acres, California

Red Rock InyoKern Road North runs parallel to Highway 14 and serves as a scenic alternative to pavement for those heading into InyoKern. The trail runs one and a half to two vehicles wide on…
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Uneven and rutted dirt trail with loose rocks and sandy washes. Use caution, some washes are narrow. Potential for mud holes and water crossings less than a foot deep. There are trail obstacles of up…
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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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Starting off the Highway 395 feeder south of Brady's Mini Mart, this connector delivers you to the trail accessing Short Canyon Trailhead as well as other trails in the area. Sandy surface alternates between loose…
Learn more about Short Canyon Road - BLM SE138

This seasonally graded sand route runs along one of the LADWP aqueducts as a mostly wide shelf trail. Great views emerge above of rock formations, while the valley below and mountains on the far side…
Learn more about Aquaduct Road 2 Highway 178 North LA1

Starting in Short Canyon, this route gradually leaves the canyon floor and heads up toward a shelf road perched above. Hard pack sand with embedded rocks forms the initial surface as Joshua trees appear along…
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Starting on the feeder road off Highway 395 north of Brady's Mini Mart, this sandy alternative route heads west toward Short Canyon, serving as another option to reach Short Canyon Trailhead beyond BLM SE139. The…
Learn more about Leliter Road - BLM SE137

Following power lines for a reliable navigation reference, this sandy route navigates terrain punctuated with ruts, off-camber sections, and uneven spots, creating varied challenges. Great views unfold of Sand Canyon in the Eastern Sierra Mountains,…
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Starting off BLM SE138, this sandy route features lots of off-camber sections, ruts, and articulating whoops while going up and down small hills in decidedly non-flat terrain that will test your suspension thoroughly. The trail…
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This seasonally graded two-vehicle wide sandy route starts on the feeder road accessible right off Highway 395. Heading west into Grapevine Canyon, the Eastern Sierra Mountains serve as your dramatic backdrop. Whoops and ruts punctuate…
Learn more about Grapevine Canyon Road - BLM SE128

This 1.5 to 2 vehicle wide route alternates between loose sand and packed sand surfaces, creating variable traction. Runoff ruts up to 6-8 inches deep cut the trail sides, requiring awareness to avoid catching wheels.…
Learn more about Aquaduct Service Road Grapevine Canyon - BLM LA2

One of the highlighted trails in the area, this hard-pack sand route runs about 1.5 vehicles wide into Short Canyon. Climbing into the canyon reveals dramatic, beautiful views of Eastern Sierra Mountain peaks rising dramatically.…
Learn more about Short Canyon Trailhead - BLM SE139

Part of Jawbone-Butterbredt BLM, this route follows large power lines for reliable navigation reference while running parallel to Highway 14. Lots of washboards create constant jarring throughout the journey. Various sections feature ruts ranging from…
Learn more about BLM LAP Highway 178 South

This loose sand trail follows the aqueduct infrastructure. Best to travel on the sand side of the route. Beautiful views showcase the Eastern Sierras, including the Scodie Mountains, with mountains to the east and south…
Learn more about BLM LA1 Highway 178 South

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…
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This is the Western section of the Murano trail as it enters the Spangler Hills OHV area and leads in from BLM land that borders the town of Ridgecrest. It continues past this part 1…
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This trail begins or ends outside the town of Ridgecrest at a large, seemingly out-of-place rock formation painted in roses. Use caution when approaching as there are many nails in the dirt and broken glass…
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A fun run one to the boundary of the OHV area. The trail has lots of bermed corners and many sandy sections. There is a great camping area with a nice view and a high…
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Starting off BLM SE120 near Grapevine Canyon Road, this sand and gravel road runs just over one vehicle wide while traveling mostly on a shelf road perched high above the valley below. Serving as access…
Learn more about Aquaduct Service Road Grapevine - BLM LA1

This trail is a fun blast through the hills with bermed corners, some washes, and occasional deep whoops. This trail just kisses the boundary between the Spangler OHV Area and BLM land. The trail is…
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Following double power lines for navigation reference, this mostly sandy route starts near Sand Canyon and travels through No Name Canyon. Occasional rocks appear in the middle of the trail, requiring attention and line selection.…
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It's a generally sandy two-track trail with plenty of bermed corners and some deeper washouts. The trail progresses and crosses through some impressive large rocks. Watch for desert tortoises and military planes buzzing the deck…
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One of the more established boundary trails in the area. A generally easy connector trail to attach with other trails in the area. The trail has some whoops and bermed corners and crosses some sandy…
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A mostly easy trail that cuts across the BLM land from Trona Road over to Highway. This easy trail, with mostly sand and washouts, leads to lots of dispersed camping and connects Trona Road to…
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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

This 1.5 vehicle-wide soft sand route enjoys seasonal grading that helps during maintenance periods. Following the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Aqueduct while running parallel to Highway 395 in the foothills of the…
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The trail starts off at Red Rock Randsberg Road on this limited-use trail, staying on established routes throughout. The corridor is lined with creosote bushes and desert grasses as we pushed north on a gravel…
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This trail starts out easy for larger rigs to access dispersed camping areas. It should be very doable for trailers and Motorhomes. Be sure to stop at the last large open space on the NE…
Learn more about Easy Way to Camp From Trona Road

This loose sand trail transitions to rockier surface as you climb a shelf road along a cliff up the mountain edge. Climbing 600 feet in just under 2 miles creates serious grades with stunning views…
Learn more about BLM SE115

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