Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Iron Horse, California

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This looks to be the primary route accessing the summit from town. The road is wider and looks more maintained. These roads start at 5,000 feet and climb up to over 7,000 feet, so ...
Learn more about Sugarpine - NF22N55

Beckwourth - NF23N03 is an ideal introductory route for four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and high-clearance rigs looking to access the sprawling network of forest service roads on Beckwourth Mountain. Starting right outside of Portola, California, at an elevation of 4,875 feet, this 3.45-mile dirt a...
Learn more about Beckwourth - NF23N03

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This spur accesses the communications tower equipment on private property at the summit of Beckwourth Peak. There is an open gate, and there aren't any No Trespassing signs visible...
Learn more about Sugarpine Spur A - NF22N55A

Beckwourth Tie Spur (NF23N03YB) is an easy, 2.5-mile dirt Forest Service road near Portola, California, that offers offroaders scenic access into the rugged trail network of Beckwourth Mountain. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a straightforward connection, this route starts at an elevation of 4...
Learn more about Beckwourth Tie Spur - NF23N03YB

Dirt Forest Service Road accesses a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside Portola, California. These roads are seldom maintained and are occasionally clogged with manzanita overgrowth. Pinstriping is likely. These roads start at 5,000 feet and climb up to over 7,000 feet, so acc...
Learn more about Beckwourth Tie - NF23N03Y

This user-maintained trail is a great option if you want to escape the busier campgrounds around the lake and find a quieter place to spend time. The route is surprisingly beautiful and generally accessible, with one shallow dip you’ll need to navigate carefully. A Sprinter van was parked at the end...
Learn more about FS 23N15Y

Bonta Creek - NF23N33 is an easy, scenic dirt route for those seeking access to the deeper trail systems of the Plumas National Forest. Spanning approximately 7.8 miles, this well-graded Forest Service road winds through lush pine forests, offering a smooth drive that is accessible to most high-clea...
Learn more about Bonta Creek - NF23N33

This user-maintained trail offers a comfortable, easygoing drive through the valley and makes a great alternative to the main road if you want to avoid the steeper climb into the mountains. The route stays at a lower elevation, offering a more relaxed way to cross the area without the same ascent an...
Learn more about Willow Creek Road

This section of the Chapman Calpine road begins just off Highway 89 in the town of Calpine, serving as one of two distinct routes sharing this name that do not actually physically connect. The journey starts as a wonderfully smooth, wide dirt road flanked by evergreen trees before opening up into a ...
Learn more about Chapman Calpine - FS 52

While the entire road stretches for roughly 12 miles, this specific adventure covers the upper 7.5-mile unpaved segment as it climbs gently toward Chapman Saddle. This is a classic, highly scenic Forest Service road, featuring a wide, well-maintained path framed by towering pine trees that offer won...
Learn more about Mohawk Chapman Road - FS 22N98

Mohawk Creek - FS 22N42 begins off Mohawk Chapman Road and acts as a steady, twisting dirt climb up the mountain. Forest Service signage at the start indicates that this route was primarily used as a logging road, as supported by the wide, graded dirt surfaces and clearings with slash piles visible ...
Learn more about Mohawk Creek - FS 22N42

Haskell Cross - FS 21N91 is accessed from Haskell Sheep Ranch Road and connects to Mohawk Chapman. This route is a nice, winding forest road that functions mostly as a tree-lined "forest tunnel." While it lacks sweeping scenic views or major points of interest, it serves as an excellent, time-saving...
Learn more about Haskell Cross - FS 21N91

Accessed directly from Chapman Saddle, this route takes you on a peaceful journey through a dense, towering evergreen forest. Because the thick, tightly packed trees line the shoulders so closely, you will not find any sweeping scenic vistas or open clearings suitable for dispersed camping anywhere ...
Learn more about Mark - FS 21N83

Accessed directly from Highway 49 via Chapman Calpine, the beautiful Chapman Saddle Road takes you on a sweeping journey through a towering evergreen forest. As you cruise along this wide, inviting path, you will notice that the landscape periodically opens up to reveal areas of recent forest thinni...
Learn more about Chapman Saddle - FS 21N09

Haskell Sheep Ranch, a wonderfully varied loop that branches off the Mohawk Chapman route and reconnects just below Chapman Saddle. The journey begins with a flat, easy quarter-mile stretch before transitioning into a steady, gradual incline through beautifully dense pine forests. You will encounter...
Learn more about Haskell Sheep Ranch - FS 21N27

This beautiful, well-maintained road provides access to numerous dispersed campsites and several areas along Lake Davis. There are multiple spots to enjoy the lake, including fishing access and boat access points, with plenty of opportunities to spend time by the water. The surrounding scenery is go...
Learn more about FS 24N70Y

This scenic connector runs between Crocker Campground and the main road; the trail climbs steadily away from Crocker Campground, then winds downhill toward the lake through a series of zigzags. Although the first section can feel a little rough, the surface soon smooths out and becomes well graded a...
Learn more about FS 24N06

This short, scenic trail is generally easy to drive and accessible to all vehicles, though one section has a particularly high center median. To avoid bottoming out, keep the raised median beneath either your left or right tires, depending on your direction of travel. The road can also be very dusty...
Learn more about FS 24N10D

Bonta Ridge (Forest Service Road 23N05Y) is an approachable, scenic climb ideal for beginners and scenic tourers looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Plumas National Forest. Starting from Bonta Creek Road just off CA-70, this 3.6-mile dirt and gravel route features a steady ascent with an ele...
Learn more about Bonta Ridge - NF23N05Y

This trail offers some variety, starting with a gradual climb before winding around a bend to a separate trail used for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. From there, the road continues uphill into the mountains and gets increasingly rocky. The terrain isn’t particularly technical, but the loose...
Learn more about FS 24N61Y

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This looks to be the primary route accessing the summit from town. The road is wider and looks more maintained. These roads start at 5,000 feet and climb up to over 7,000 feet, so ...
Learn more about Sugarpine - NF22N55

Beckwourth - NF23N03 is an ideal introductory route for four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and high-clearance rigs looking to access the sprawling network of forest service roads on Beckwourth Mountain. Starting right outside of Portola, California, at an elevation of 4,875 feet, this 3.45-mile dirt a...
Learn more about Beckwourth - NF23N03

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This spur accesses the communications tower equipment on private property at the summit of Beckwourth Peak. There is an open gate, and there aren't any No Trespassing signs visible...
Learn more about Sugarpine Spur A - NF22N55A

Beckwourth Tie Spur (NF23N03YB) is an easy, 2.5-mile dirt Forest Service road near Portola, California, that offers offroaders scenic access into the rugged trail network of Beckwourth Mountain. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a straightforward connection, this route starts at an elevation of 4...
Learn more about Beckwourth Tie Spur - NF23N03YB

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This looks to be the primary route accessing the summit from town. The road is wider and looks more maintained. These roads start at 5,000 feet and climb up to over 7,000 feet, so ...
Learn more about Sugarpine - NF22N55

Beckwourth - NF23N03 is an ideal introductory route for four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and high-clearance rigs looking to access the sprawling network of forest service roads on Beckwourth Mountain. Starting right outside of Portola, California, at an elevation of 4,875 feet, this 3.45-mile dirt a...
Learn more about Beckwourth - NF23N03

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This spur accesses the communications tower equipment on private property at the summit of Beckwourth Peak. There is an open gate, and there aren't any No Trespassing signs visible...
Learn more about Sugarpine Spur A - NF22N55A

Beckwourth Tie Spur (NF23N03YB) is an easy, 2.5-mile dirt Forest Service road near Portola, California, that offers offroaders scenic access into the rugged trail network of Beckwourth Mountain. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a straightforward connection, this route starts at an elevation of 4...
Learn more about Beckwourth Tie Spur - NF23N03YB