Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Wawona, California

Chowchilla Mountain Road (FS 5S09) is the legendary "backdoor" into Yosemite National Park that every overland explorer dreams of finding. Starting from Harris Cut Off Road, the trail begins deceptively tame as a well-graded double-track.…
Learn more about Chowchilla Mountain Road - FS 5S090

Mount Raymond Road (FS 5S006) is a shapeshifter of a trail that offers a little bit of everything for the backcountry explorer. The journey begins innocently enough on a well-graded forest road, lulling you into…
Learn more about Mount Raymond Road - FS 5S006

An easy, two-lane forest service road that efficiently climbs out of the Fish Camp area and connects to the high-country Chowchilla Mtn Road network. The surface is a mixed bag of graded dirt, loose gravel,…
Learn more about Summit - FS 5S009

This is an easy, two-lane Forest Service road that efficiently climbs out of the Fish Camp area and connects to the high-country Chowchilla Mountain Road network. The surface is a mixed bag of graded dirt,…
Learn more about Summit Cutoff - 5S009X

This is a short, fun, and easy dirt Jeep trail through a dense forest environment. The trail features sections of powdery ruts and packed earth that can be driven quickly, making it an excellent connector…
Learn more about Battalion - FS 21E252

Buffin Meadow Road (FS 5S043) is the kind of trail that weeds out the casual weekenders right from the start. Branching directly off Highway 41 near the quiet hamlet of Fish Creek, this unmaintained two-track…
Learn more about Buffin Meadow Road - FS 5S043

Rainier Creek (FS 5S037) is a fantastic little connector that packs a surprising amount of visual drama into a short, 2.9-mile package. Think of it as the "scenic elevator" of the district. The trail surface…
Learn more about Rainier Creek - FS 5S037

Short, steep, and straight to the point, Tijuana Camp (FS 5S041) is a quick spur trail that serves as a fun traction test for your rig. Branching off the main forest road network, this route…
Learn more about Tijuana Camp - FS 5S041

Big Sandy (FS 6S007) is a diverse and dynamic journey that evolves with every mile. Starting near Fish Camp, the route begins as a well-maintained road that hugs the riverbank, initially guiding you through the…
Learn more about Big Sandy - FS 6S007

This is a short, single-lane connector through an area of severe wildfire impact, clearly evidenced by standing silver snags and burnt timber (visible in photos). The route is tight and overgrown due to rapid post-fire…
Learn more about Ten Mile Grade C Spur - FS 4S004C

This is a historically significant, long single-lane dirt road that is generally easy (Rated 1) but is NOT a through route due to closures. The surface is a mix of packed dirt, embedded rock, and…
Learn more about Ten Mile Grade - FS 4S004

Long Meadow (FS 5S022) serves as the scenic glue that holds the local trail network together, acting as a vital two-track connector between the bustling Big Sandy Campground (specifically connecting to FS 6S007) and the…
Learn more about Long Meadow - FS 5S022

Big Creek Fire Road - North (FS 5S048) is the northern twin of a route severed by private property boundaries, but don't let the interruption stop you--this section is a prime gateway to the high…
Learn more about Big Creek Fire Road - North - FS 5S048

This is an easy, scenic, and well-maintained dirt/gravel road that serves as a secondary access point from Highway 41 into the historic area of Sugar Pine. The route runs through a beautiful mid-elevation forest, parallels…
Learn more about Lower Speckerman Fire - FS 5S017

Roundup (FS 5S022X) serves as a rugged, scenic shoelace tying the Long Meadow area to the higher elevations of Mount Raymond Road. This 1.6-mile two-track adventure offers a distinct change of scenery as it climbs…
Learn more about Roundup - FS 5S022X

This is a scenic, 9.5-mile single-lane dirt road that rapidly gains elevation as it climbs through the forest impacted by the 2022 Oak Wildfire. The route offers dramatic, expansive views due to the lack of…
Learn more about Footman Ridge - FS 5S025

This 2.9-mile route is a tale of two trails, offering a relaxing cruise that eventually demands a bit more spatial awareness. For the majority of the drive, Dobler Meadow is a breezy, wide forest service…
Learn more about Dobler Meadow - FS 4S031

This is a short, easy, single-lane connector road that provides direct access from Highway 41 (near the Westfall Ranger Station) to the Lower Speckerman Fire Road (FS 5S017). The road surface is dry, packed dirt…
Learn more about Westfall Tie - FS 5S017X

This 1.2-mile spur is a short, intense climb that dramatically departs from the easier roads below to reach a great viewpoint of the surrounding Sierra and the valley below. Branching off Dobler Meadow, the trail…
Learn more about Signal Peak - FS 4S031A

This is a short connector route and bypass for the nearby portion of Ten Mile Grade that passes through the private property of the adjacent Yosemite Mountain Ranch. This is a fast, single-lane dirt Forest…
Learn more about Ten Mile Spur - FS 5S062

A primary, 6.4-mile Forest Service access road that transitions from graded gravel (easy, fast travel) to a rutted dirt track as it moves into the western end, which was affected by past wildfires. It is…
Learn more about Miami Mountain Road - FS 6S014

This is an unmaintained, overgrown dirt road through a severely burned and recovering forest. The route is defined by deep ruts, exposed rocks, and pinstriping brush. This road serves as a remote access or connector…
Learn more about Sugar Pine - FS 6S090

Hugh Ryan (FS 6S024) is the surprisingly scenic backbone of the Miami Mountain network, acting as a wide, welcoming bridge between Highway 41 and the western slopes near Highway 49/Worman Road. This easy, graded forest…
Learn more about Hugh Ryan - FS 6S024

China Wells (FS 6S015) serves as the primary "spinal cord" of the Miami Mountain OHV system. This wide, well-graded forest service road runs north-south through the network, connecting the popular Kamook Staging Area to the…
Learn more about China Wells - FS 6S015

This is an easy and short ATV trail through the Miami OHV Area that parallels China Wells Road (FS 6S015). The north end starts at a small pull-off off of Highway 41. It's mostly a…
Learn more about 21E235

Sonny Meadow (FS 5S016) acts as a rugged "sampler platter" of Sierra road conditions, serving as a key access point into the National Forest from the west side. The trail begins with a long, slow…
Learn more about Sonny Meadow - FS 5S016

This is a short and easy ATV trail with minimal features, making it an easy connector trail through the Miami OHV Area. It starts out on FS 6S015 at a small parking area/pull-off. It is…
Learn more about 21E227A

21E227B is a short half-mile loop at the north end of 21E227. The trail is deeply rutted in spots and overgrown with grass in the center of the two-track, but it is still easy overall…
Learn more about 21E227B

This is a very short ATV trail that departs from 21E244 on a deeply rutted path, then drops down and curves around the hillside on a shelfy, but wide and smoother path. The forest is…
Learn more about 21E245

This is a fast, fun, single-lane connector road that links the 10 Mile Spur to Miami Mountain Road (6S014). The route is predominantly hard-packed dirt under a dense canopy of pine and cedar. Driving at…
Learn more about Wolf Leap - FS 6S009