13 Off-Road Trails & Areas To Explore In Northern California

We’re back with new fan-favorite trails! This week, we’ll discuss popular trails in Northern California.

Northern California is home to many of the country’s most beautiful National Parks, making it a popular area for wheeling. From challenging trails, such as the Rubicon Trail, to the scenic simplicity of forest roads, there’s something for thrill-seekers of every level. Northern California has it all!

Note: The trails listed below are in no particular order.

1. The Rubicon

Submission By: Justin (@mgmyotas)

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The Rubicon Trail, nestled within the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, is a formidable challenge for off-road enthusiasts. Renowned as one of America’s most demanding trails, it lives up to its reputation. This hidden gem offers a captivating landscape and invites adventurers to embark on an unforgettable journey.

For those seeking the ultimate rock-crawling experience, the Rubicon is a must. I’ve explored only a section of this trail and was compelled to turn back due to my vehicle’s size and weight. However, it’s a spectacle to witness—trailered rigs converging for a day of exhilarating rock crawling.

The Rubicon Trail embodies the spirit of adventure, pushing vehicles and drivers to their limits. It’s a place where skill, determination, and awe-inspiring vistas converge.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

The Rubicon is consistently rated at an impressive 8-9 out of 10. While it may not feature the most extreme obstacles, it certainly doesn’t relent in its challenges. Each obstacle builds upon the last, progressively increasing in scale and difficulty.

For those who prefer to observe rather than participate, the Rubicon Trail offers an excellent vantage point. However, be forewarned: this trail is not for the faint of heart.

2. Plaskett Ridge Road 

Submission By: Erik (@chacataco)

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This trail and the dispersed campsites along the road are our absolute favorite spots. We’ve explored numerous trails, but there’s something about this one that captivates us like no other. The views here are unparalleled, offering a beautiful sight of the ocean, occasionally topped with drifting clouds.

What adds to the charm is the demeanor of the folks around—respectful and genuinely friendly. It’s a magical combination of stunning scenery and good vibes that keeps drawing us back here time and time again.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

I would rate this trail a 7/10. I suggest that you come prepared and have extra ground clearance to safely drive up to the top but nothing super crazy. This area is closed in the winter.

3. Concow

Submission By: Daniel (@t4r_daniel)

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Concow is a nice escape from the city. It has it all, from tall tree-covered mountains, rivers, lakes, snow in winter, and a variety of trails. Everywhere you turn, there’s nature in all its glory. It is also conveniently close to Chico, CA, which is a nice place to regroup after a day of wheeling. The winter months can present a lot of snow, so be prepared for that.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

There are several trails to choose from, some short, some long. Most are 2WD/beginner-friendly with some light obstacles. I would rate trails such as Barbees Bar Rd and Rim Rd a 3/10. The more technical trails have larger obstacles that stock vehicles may not make it through. Also, 4WD will be needed, especially if it is wet. For example, Crain Ridge Rd, Jordan Hill Rd, and Pulga Rd have a rating of 6/10.

4. Interface OHV

Submission By: Ian (@thebayareasequoia| The Bay Area Sequoia)

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We love trailing this area because it is less traveled and mainly only known by locals! It is part of the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest and offers many awesome views. The Stanislaus National Forest holds many trails and exciting views, along with the beautiful lakes it surrounds. You can get lost in here for hours and always find something new. White Pines Lake is the start of the trail.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

I would rate this a 1/10 in difficulty; it is mainly a fire road that takes you onto the other side of the mountain. It has great views and beautiful trees! This is a great trail to just relax and unwind for a quick day trip.

5. Eagle Lakes OHV

Submission By: Tony (@tk_4rnr)

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I like this area because the trail isn’t too long, you can go for the day and still make it back home. Or, stay for the night and make it a camping trip.

It’s also a great trail to test your rig. There’s lots of rocky terrain, so come prepared with the right equipment and make sure your rig can handle it. Plus, you’ll get a great view when you reach your destination, making the whole trip worth it.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

I rate this trail at 6/10 in difficulty because, with my truck on 35s, I still struggle in certain areas. I wouldn’t recommend it for stock trucks. You’ll want at least 2.5-3″ of lift and under body armor.

6. Slick Rock

Submission By: James (@dirtnasty4r)

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This is one of the best day trails within the Reno/Tahoe area. It’s a bit trickier and more technical, but a great place to see what your truck can do. While there are many obstacles throughout the trail, you’ll still get sections where there won’t be any. Of course, there are multiple optional lines to mess around on for hours. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend this area.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

This specific trail is easily a 7/10 if you take the hard lines. The trail is easy outside of the rock piles, though. There is one rock pile that’s harder than the rest with a tree on one side and a rock on the other. Other than that, there are many awesome lines to pick from.

7. Prairie City State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA)

Submission By: Justin (@mgmyotas)

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Prairie City SVRA holds a special place in my heart as it is my local OHV park. With a very affordable $5 entry fee, it’s a great place to hang out with friends, have lunch, and hit obstacles.

Often, you can find a huge mix of vehicles here, from the daily driver to full-on trailered rock crawlers. This is a great place to get out for this day and shake down the rig before a long trip.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

This location is rated a 1-10/10. It offers you the ability to choose what you want to get into. There are easy obstacles up to huge rocks and pits to climb into.

8. Dutch Flat

Submission By: Jack (@916yotas)

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The Dutch Flat area has lots to offer! A lake, rivers, fishing spots, swimming spots, trails, and amazing views! My favorite thing to do up there is grill some burgers, and enjoy the view with some buddies. It’s the perfect way to spend the day.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

I would rate this area a 3/10. The main trail mostly consists of dirt-fire trails along the power lines. There are many turn-off spots and obstacles you can drive up, so there is a good variety. Overall, it is very beginner-friendly.

9. Bald Mountain

Submission By: Thai (@arthaimage)

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I absolutely love coming to this area and exploring the trails. It’s a beautiful place to camp, especially since you’re in the middle of all the huge trees. There are also opportunities to do some crawling, which leads up to a tower with epic views. Overall, it’s a great trail that I think everyone should experience.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

Many different trails in this area vary in difficulty. Depending on your route, I would rate them between a 4/10 and 6/10.

10. Hollister Hills OHV

Submission By: Thai (@arthaimage)

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Like many OHVs, you’ll find tons of opportunities to go off-roading. No matter your skill level, there is something out there for everyone. There are also always others out on the trails just in case you get stuck. It’s a great place for a day trip to hang out and go wheeling with some friends.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

I would rate some of the trails in this area a 10/10. Some obstacles can push the limits of both yourself and your rig. Remember, know your limits, especially if you don’t have a trailer to bring your rig home.

11. Fordyce Creek

Submission By: Jimmy (@snailtrail4x4)

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Fordyce Creek Trail is located in the beautiful high Sierra Mountains range. The trail follows a creek, and you will pass by some fantastic swimming holes. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Expect to navigate large and steep boulders throughout the trail and more technical obstacles.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

This is probably one of the hardest trails in Northern California, but there are even more difficult trails out there. Because of that, I would rate the Fordyce Creek Trail a level 8/10.

12. Folsom Lake SRV

Submission By: Justin (@mgmyotas)

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The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, although not specifically designated as an off-road facility, boasts a network of accessible dirt trails surrounded by lush trees. The terrain is a harmonious blend of sand, rock, gravel, and earth. While most of the trails are straightforward, there are a few technical sections that provide an engaging challenge for enthusiasts.

Conveniently located near the main city, this recreational area offers a serene escape for those seeking a leisurely day by the water. What sets this location apart is the ease of access—visitors can drive directly to the water’s edge. Folsom Lake allows you to park alongside the shoreline, unlike some lakes that necessitate a walk.

Throughout most of the year, this accessibility remains consistent, providing a delightful experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

This location is rated a 1/10. You can get stuck or rub the slider in some locations, but most of it is a light, easy adventure.

13. Barney Riley

Submission By: John (@dyeypi_t4r)

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This is a great and super fun offroad trail, especially for beginners (Nevada side), with beautiful views along the way. The man-made hot springs are awesome, ranging from 70-100+°F, and you can enjoy them in any weather.

What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?

Depending on the weather, I would rate this trail between 5/10 to 7/10. We went here in February 2024 and got snowed in, which made the trail a lot harder.

There are a couple of ways to get into the campsite (California side & Nevada side), and we always take the Nevada side to get here. A lot of sections were rutted/washed out. The river crossing to the campsite is always fun, but it gets so deep sometimes you can’t even cross the river. Plan ahead if you are trying to hit this trail.

Final Thoughts

That wraps up these fan-favorite trails!

NorCal has so many amazing places to explore, and I’m sure there are many more. If you have any favorite trails or OHVs in this area, make sure to comment below!

And if you haven’t had a chance to see our SoCal feature, check it out!