Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Little Grass Valley, California

This trail is more like a fire road and features a few climbs and tight turns. It has a couple of areas designated for dispersed camping and offers some views of the canyon. The trail…
Learn more about Red Ant

This trail is rated as a Level 1 difficulty. It offers a relatively easy experience, characterized by a flat, well-maintained road predominantly composed of gravel and dirt. However, it should be noted that during winter,…
Learn more about Sly Creek Trail

The trail is wider, and most of the way, it can accommodate two vehicles. The west end is still single-wide and narrow, but they are clearing the trail. There are some washouts that are about…
Learn more about Upper Indian Creek

This new trail connects Indian Creek to Upper Indian Creek, replacing the decommissioned old trail. It's relatively easy to navigate, but be cautious of the deep drainage cuts, as they can be rough. The trail…
Learn more about Indian Creek Connector

The trail is a wide single-wide path that meanders alongside a creek for a portion of its length. Along the creek's edge, there are several dispersed camping sites. There's even an area beyond the end…
Learn more about Indian Creek

The trail varies in width, from single to double, and is freshly cleared. There's a sign advising against cars driving on the trail. There are drainage ditches and a couple of small washes, each less…
Learn more about Skinner

This wide, single-wide trail is freshly cleared and offers a scenic journey through tall, beautiful trees. There is a small, tight area where you may touch overgrown brush. Along the trail, there are several dispersed…
Learn more about Ditch Road

This trail is a wide, single-wide path that has been freshly cleared. There are a few dispersed camp areas along the trail. Along the way, you'll encounter a few washes and drainage ditches. Additionally, the…
Learn more about Indian Hill South

Mix of fire roads and old logging roads. The area has been scorched by fire recently. There are a lot of downed trees that cross the trail, be prepared with a chain saw or chain/rope.…
Learn more about Happy Valley Ridgeline

Graded Forest Service road above the CA-70 highway in Graeagle, California that accesses Bonta Ridge, Penman Saddle, and other points to the North in the Plumas National Forest. There is a great brewery - the…
Learn more about Bonta Creek - NF23N33

This trail starts across from Packer Lake. There is a staging area at the bottom if you need to trailer your rig. The trail heads up to Tamarack Lakes. The two lakes are almost the…
Learn more about Tamarack Lakes 12E33

Bonta Ridge is an occasionally maintained gravel Forest Service road that climbs from Bonta Creek Road above the CA-70 highway up to Penman Saddle and points beyond in this section of the Plumas National Forest.…
Learn more about Bonta Ridge - NF23N05Y

The trail begins just beyond the charming town of Washington, nestled among towering, lush green pine trees. Shortly after the town, the well-maintained gravel road winds through dense forests of pine and spruce trees, traversing…
Learn more about Washington Gaston

The first part of the trail is paved. About 2/3rds of the way in, it becomes rocky and dirty. High clearance is recommended. There is one tricky hairpin about 1 mile from camp. Other than…
Learn more about Bowman Lake

This trail is perfect for beginners and is relatively smooth, with shady roads and a small water crossing. It's pretty scenic and relaxing. Camping is available, but there was a fire restriction when I was…
Learn more about Austin Meadows

Meadow Lake Road is the continuation of the Bowman Lake Road trail. The scenery is breathtaking and the camping and recreational opportunities are plentiful. This area of the Sierra Nevada usually is snow-free sometime in…
Learn more about Meadow Lake Road

This trail begins just east of Bowman Lake at the Jackson Creek Campground. The trail is marked with a few signs and features a large pullout at the starting point. It offers a bumpy, rocky…
Learn more about Faucherie Lake

Sawmill Lake Trail begins with a gentle climb from the Faucherie Lake Trail. As you crest the first hill, you'll catch your first glimpse of Sawmill Lake. There are campsites on the lakeside of the…
Learn more about Sawmill Lake

Meadow Lake Road makes a loop from Webber Lake to Jackson Meadows, with Meadow Lake situated in the middle. The section that begins just past Webber Lake is a fairly well-maintained, graded road used by…
Learn more about Meadow Lake Road

The trail has smooth flowing sections, loose, rocky climbs, and hardpacked rocky roads with seasonal low water crossings. The road up to the lookout is steep with loose rock. Leading up to and past Taylor…
Learn more about Taylor Lake/Lucky S Mine/Kettle Rock Lookout Loop

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…
Learn more about Sugarpine - NF22N55

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. This is one of the primary routes into this section of the forest from town. These roads are…
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…
Learn more about Sugarpine Spur A - NF22N55A

Fulda Ridge (FS-19-028) is an easy, and well maintained trail just off of I-80 at Nyack. It's easy to get to and has cellular signal along the majority of the trail. It is a great…
Learn more about Fulda Ridge -FS19-028

Dirt Forest Service road accessing a network of roads climbing Beckwourth Mountain just outside of Portola, California. These roads are seldom maintained and are occasionally clogged with manzanita overgrowth. Pinstriping is likely. These roads start…
Learn more about Beckwourth Tie Spur - NF23N03YB

This 14.9 mile point-to-point trail takes you pass Lake Valley Reservoir up Monumental Ridge and towards Texas Hill. This trail has great views of the Big Valley Canyon. The trail is mostly single vehicle width…
Learn more about Texas Hill Road

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…
Learn more about Beckwourth Tie - NF23N03Y

This short 1.8-mile point-to-point trail connects Rattlesnake Road and Signal Hill Trail. Service vehicles typically use this trail to access the Signal towers on top of Signal Hill. It is also the back way out…
Learn more about Red Mountain Road

This route takes you through mostly wide gravel roads. There is a lot of moon dust/thick powder near the town of Westwood. You will be traveling through one of the largest burn scars in California,…
Learn more about Buffalo Chips