Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Mohawk Vista, California

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This wide, accessible trail branches off the main arterial road, crosses open plains, and winds through a short section of forest on its way to Lake Davis. The route is generally easy to drive, with a few bumpy patches. Conditions can change considerably with the weather, as the dusty surface can be...
Learn more about FS 24N10B

This user-maintained trail branches off a nearby route and provides a scenic connection back to 24N10. The initial section is relatively straightforward, with one dip that adds a little interest before the trail continues through open forest. The surroundings are beautiful, and the route makes for a...
Learn more about FS 24N55

This well-maintained trail sees regular use from adventurers and offers a varied drive through the mountains and surrounding valleys. The route climbs through rocky sections before descending into lower areas with marshland and more open scenery. Although the surface is generally manageable, watch f...
Learn more about FS 24N74Y

This rugged trail starts relatively easy, then climbs a rocky hill that requires careful driving and a capable vehicle. Although all vehicles are permitted, high-clearance 4x4s, Side-by-Sides, and ATVs are recommended due to the steep climb and extremely rocky sections. A large rock near the entranc...
Learn more about FS 24N10C

Winding through the forest, Mohawk Heights Road - FS 21N21 is a largely unmaintained dirt trail that descends for the majority of its 1.2-mile length. The route is overgrown in several places, with branches hanging close to the roadway, and ultimately ends abruptly with several downed trees blocking...
Learn more about Mohawk heights road - FS 21N21

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 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

This trail varies considerably in condition depending on which direction you approach from. Coming from the north, the first two miles are rough, with rain erosion, washouts, rocky sections, and a steady climb. Farther south, the road has been graded and improved, with a much better gravel surface. ...
Learn more about FS 24N12

This trail is only accessible by Highway Legal Vehicles, so please do not take any other kind of vehicle on this road. This short, well-maintained trail provides an easy drive to a large parking area with access to a nearby fishing spot. The road is easy to navigate and leads down toward the water, ...
Learn more about FS 24N79Y

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. Some trees are too big and require alternate routes. Trail is fairly easy for most of the way. There are a few secti...
Learn more about Happy Valley Ridgeline

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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