Trail Overview

An easy scenic route over mountain ridges through South Cow Mountain OHV that connects lakeport to Ukiah. This is the main dirt road through cow mountain that has multiple harder trails off either side and has multiple campgrounds that are easily accessible by 2WDd vehicles. There are excellent views overlooking all of Lake Clearlake and the city of Lakeport.

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Difficulty

easy dirt road with a couple rutted out areas that are easily driven though at low speeds

History

The South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area is located within the Mayacamas Mountains, east of the city of Ukiah and west of the city of Lakeport, in Northwestern California. The area offers beautiful views of Ukiah and Lake County; pockets of old-growth fir; several species of oak; willows; over 31 miles of stream; 13 reservoirs; and habitat for blacktail deer, bear, wild turkey, and other upland species.

Technical Rating

Bijou

Jun 02, 2026

Open

Luka Marcin

Apr 26, 2026

Open

Christopher Reed

Apr 18, 2026

Open

Gate at the staging area was bolted closed

Kirk Moon

Mar 18, 2026

Open

Road in decent shape with moderate rain ruts on steeper grades. No mud (hadn’t rained for 6 weeks). Travelled From Uriah end to Clear Lake end. The descent from the ridge down to Scotts Creek near Clear Lake is much narrower, steeper, and more beat up than the rest of the road. Was surprised by the need to cross the South Fork of Scott’s Creek at the very end of the trail in order to get to the pavement. No real challenge when I was there but might have been interesting if there had been recent rains. Just something to be aware of if coming from Ukiah and you think you’re done and then have to deal with a water crossing to get to the exit road.

Eric Kablanow

Mar 16, 2026

Open

Took way longer than expected. Saw a couple trucks and a motorcycle.

Randy Hunt

Jan 10, 2026

Open

Lake County side. No reopen date listed. Weather pending I believe.

Eric S

Jul 12, 2025

Open

Blake Mengotto

Jul 06, 2025

Open

Easy trail partially paved most of it is like a fire road. Was a nice scenic drive with great views of clear lake. The north western exit is pretty cool as you drive through a road with a lot of tree coverage.

Dean LemMon

Jun 19, 2025

Open

Easy trail couple of fun offshoots that went to hard in 4 low a few trails were less we’ll maintained but other wise a good spot for some fun driving

Randy Hunt

Apr 20, 2025

Open

Victor Aguilera

Mar 30, 2025

Open

Eric S

Jul 20, 2024

Open

Michael Manning

Jul 09, 2024

Open

Quality road, no problem for stock 4x4 or Subaru type. Other cars could do it with some effort. Didn't take the side trails/obstacles. Took maybe 90 minutes or less to do the 13 miles. Nice views of the lake.

JC B

Jul 05, 2024

Open

Jesus Requena

Apr 06, 2024

Open

Some water crossing due to rain, mud and big water