Pinnacles to Spangler Hills OHV Area

Pinnacles to Spangler Hills OHV Area is a 5.3-mile direct connector route designed for offroaders seeking a straightforward link between the iconic Trona Pinnacles and the Spangler Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area. This easy-rated trail, carrying a technical rating of 2, is suitable for high-clearance vehicles, four-wheel-drive trucks, SUVs, and SxSs looking to navigate the transition between these two prominent desert recreation hubs. The path consists primarily of a sandy dirt surface marked by frequent washouts, deep whoops, and persistent washboard sections that require a moderate pace to handle the constant bumps. Climbing gradually from an elevation of 1,781 feet to 2,115 feet, the route offers around 365 feet of cumulative elevation gain as it heads northeast, providing expansive views of the surrounding valley and the unique tufa formations of the Pinnacles. Along the route, travelers will find remote dispersed camping spots that make excellent base camps, with select locations offering panoramic vistas over the valley and toward the Pinnacles. This desert environment is critical habitat for the state and federally listed threatened desert tortoise, meaning users must drive only on designated routes, check under parked vehicles before moving, and avoid disturbing any tortoises. Weather in this region is extreme, with summer temperatures regularly ranging from 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter lows can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for travel. Due to the clay content in some sections, the trail can become slick and impassable when wet, and offroaders should be prepared for limited cellular connectivity, typically finding only one to two bars of LTE service in certain spots.