Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Ridgecrest Heights, California

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

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…
Learn more about Murano Trail Part 1

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…
Learn more about Fun Boundary Rip

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…
Learn more about Boundary Circle 1

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…
Learn more about Kiss The Boundary

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

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…
Learn more about Lower Murano Road

The trail starts at the north end with a hard-packed dirt road. It passes through an open meadow before coming to a massive, open, dispersed camping area with many fire rings. It then continues south…
Learn more about Old Railroad Grade to New Tracks

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…
Learn more about Rosebud Rocks to Wagon Wheel OHV

This appears to be the main cut across the road for dispersed camping. There are plenty of fire rings and flat spots to pick from. The road is mostly graded, and some washboard with plenty…
Learn more about Old Searles Station Road

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…
Learn more about Milford Road Cutover

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

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

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 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

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

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

This sand and gravel route departs Highway 395 running parallel to railroad tracks through terrain lined with diverse desert brush including creosote bushes, smoke trees, and other flora. Nice views showcase surrounding mountains including Galileo…
Learn more about BLM RM26

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 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

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 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

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

EP132 is a recently opened motorized route, formerly designated non-motorized, now marked and posted by the BLM. The single-vehicle-wide trail cuts through a small canyon filled with low brush and desert grasses. Overgrown vegetation along…
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A solid hardpacked trail across the middle of the valley. Many of the trails are whooped out and very sandy in the area. This trail leads to Pinnacle road and has a few steep hills,…
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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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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

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…
Learn more about Mesquite Canyon South

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

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