Trail Overview
The Hauser OHV Trail is a 2.4-mile sandy corridor that acts as a premier gateway from the sheltered coastal forest directly to the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. Beginning near the staging area kiosks, this wide, deeply rutted sand route winds westward from the Hauser Hill Campground through the expansive Hauser Sand Camping Areas. As you navigate the unmaintained, shifting terrain through beautiful corridors of coastal pines, the trail serves as a crucial intersection, crossing the Coast Guard South OHV Trail (1343) and linking to the northern termini of the Bark and Horsefall OHV trails. While loosely guided by distinctive orange diamond markers affixed to white masonite stakes, the landscape is incredibly dynamic, featuring sprawling open dunes and a spiderweb network of side trails begging for exploration. The environment transitions wonderfully from the forest—which occasionally features large and sometimes deep seasonal puddles—out past scattered driftwood onto the vast, sun-drenched beach. This high-energy track is shared with motos, quads, and side-by-sides, making it a lively and unforgettable coastal experience.
Difficulty
The difficulty of the Hauser OHV Trail is entirely dictated by the deep, yielding sand that comprises the entirety of the route. To successfully traverse this shifting landscape and prevent your vehicle from rapidly bogging down, it is absolutely mandatory to air down your tires to between 10 and 15 PSI. This maximizes the tire's footprint, allowing your 4x4 to "float" over the soft terrain rather than dig into it. Drivers must maintain steady momentum, especially when navigating the deeply rutted sections or climbing the open dunes. Carrying specialized sand recovery gear—such as traction boards and a sturdy shovel—along with an onboard air compressor to re-inflate your tires, is strictly essential for a safe journey.
