Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Pearsonville, California

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…
Learn more about Aqueduct Service No name Canyon

Running parallel to Highway 395 in the foothills of the Eastern Sierra Mountains, this mostly sandy route enjoys slight grading that improves the surface. The trail faithfully follows the second aqueduct of the Los Angeles…
Learn more about Aqueduct Service Road Deadfoot Canyon

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.…
Learn more about BLM LAP No Name Canyon

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

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,…
Learn more about BLM LAP Grapevine Canyon

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

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

Starting in Sand Canyon, this single-wide narrow trail wastes no time climbing a shelf road above the canyon floor, creating dramatic views. Sandy surface with loose rocks forms the roadbed as you navigate various switchbacks…
Learn more about BLM 116

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…
Learn more about BLM SE125

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

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 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

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

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

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…
Learn more about BLM SE143

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

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…
Learn more about Nadeau-Magnolia Mine

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…
Learn more about Buena Vista Canyon

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

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…
Learn more about BLM LA2 Highway 178 South

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

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…
Learn more about Iron Canyon EP21

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

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 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 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

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