SoCal Trails

Hey guys!
I am new to both TacomaWorld and the world of Tacomas, recently picking up my first Tacoma last week! I'm upgrading from a 12yr old 4cyl 2wd Frontier. I am very excited to take her off road and explore the beautiful mountains and deserts we are surrounded by, but want to be smart about it. I'm a realist and know I am an inexperienced driver offroad, although I'm eager to learn, I'm not looking to roll my Taco into a Burrito down the side of a trail

Over the coming weeks I am working on getting together my recovery kit (first aid, snatch straps, basic tools, shovel and axe, air compressor, maxtraxx, bottle jack and some boards etc) I also plan on upgrading to a more aggressive off road tire, adding sliders and more reinforced skid plates, bumpers...all in due time.

My question for you guys is this: What are some good beginner trails/locations/destinations? Also, what are some good resources for finding this info out on my own? ie trail conditions/maps etc? total n00b here

If off road is anything like flying, there is no substitute for stick time/wheeling time and am looking for trails that will get me acquainted with placing my truck and learning how it handles in 4wd off pavement. I'm in no hurry to hit the gnarlier trails around here.

I was thinking if a 2wd truck or something like a stock Subaru Forester (awd but low clearance) could easily handle it, I should have a good fighting chance going out for my first time.

TT

 

I took mine to the top of saddleback this past weekend. It was an easy trail. Only tricky part is if you have to pass or be passed.

 

Rowher Flats is awesome!

Your truck is capable of even the difficult trails with a spotter, but plenty of easy trails that could be done in 2wd.

A small group is headed there this Saturday. Going to hit the difficult trail for sure though.

Also, Azusa Canyon OHV is mellow. I took my sister and brother in-law out there and they were in a stock 200 series luxury land cruiser with street tires and they managed fine.

If you don't feel confidant, going with another wheeler is your safest option. Someone to guide or save you if things get hairy.

 

^^ I was just getting ready to post about our group this Saturday, lol.

@TastyTacos check out this thread too.... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rides-bs-6-25-16.425646/page-63#post-12523096

that's where a bunch of us SoCal Tacoma owners talk about upcoming meets, this Saturday a few us like @MADSTEEZE mentioned are going up to Rowher off of Sierra Highway (out past Santa Clarita, sorta near Vasquez Rocks).

 

I'm only a few months into this wheeling hobby of mine and I think @MADSTEEZE is too, and we both survived Rowher even though it can be fairly challenging at times. If you have 4x4 you'll be alright.

 

Hmmm, I think I may have new plans for this Saturday That looks like a fun area! I really want to get some dirt under my wheels soon! I'm hoping for a low pinstripe-risk trail, I know its inevitable, but I don't want to scratch my baby just yet @MADSTEEZE @eon_blue

 

Indian Truck Trail off the 15S in the Elsinore area is a great starting point. @Launch21v is right, passing can be an asshole so be prepared to have to backup down a narrow road. @eon_blue & @MADSTEEZE are right, Rowher can be a challenge if you aren't good at picking your lines correctly. THere's some real easy (and real gnarly) trails in Big Bear, too. A good scenic drive is Skyline Drive is a good example of a nice and relatively easy trail.

Also: if you're good with sticking to the road (and I mean that) Cleghorn on the 15N in the Cajon Pass is a nice fire road when dry that you can roll on. AVOID THE OFFSHOOTS they can get... frisky.

There's also some hilly areas that are relatively well kept South of Lake Matthews (some shooting spots down there, too, if you know your way around) that make for some good trail riding.

I'd say check out your locale's thread: there's the OC Meetups, LA, IE/Rancho etc. threads around here that are definitely worth jumping into and becoming active in.

 

Rowher is 99% open trails, maybe a few tricky parts that are a little narrow. If you're careful in one or two spots you'll get out without any scratches no problem. Rowher's difficulty lies in it's steep inclines/declines, some with rocky terrain that you really need 4x4 to get through, if you're taking the "difficult route". Nice thing about Rowher as well is that it has plenty of trails surrounding the main OHV/staging areas that are good for 2wd or getting familiar with your rig.

Keep an eye on the thread I posted above, we'll be updating it with more info on Saturday a little later in the week!

 

@TastyTacos Rowher is a great trail if you're worried about pinstriping. Just know that the majority of trail paint damage you pick up can easily be washed off when a good rub and maybe a shot of wax. You'd have to really get into something to get through clear coat.

ALso: it has FANTASTIC visuals, so bring your lady and a camera!

 

A cool resource you might like:

$26 Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)

http://amzn.com/1934838071

Also: you can check out Dirtopia, you'll find though that a lot of the info that's out there about trails tends to be older. And don't be surprised when you find out about places like Maple Springs Rd in Silverado, drive an hour and a half to get there, and the gate is locked up tight. You can always check with local ranger's stations for trail availability. Also: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5276617

 

That's my book!

It really does come in handy, they map out all the common trails/OHV parks in the state of California and give you an idea as to what to expect with each one.

 

@digitaLbraVo Thanks a ton for all the info! I appreciate the insight into a few of the different trails I keep seeing discussed I haven't dug into the forestry website yet but it did raise a question, what legal requirements are there for exploring trails(permits/vehicle requirements)? Also, as long as not going around a locked gate or past a posted keep out/private property sign, fair game?

You guys are getting me excited about Rowher! Not sure if I can make the meet this Saturday (will do what I can though!) but its at the top of my list of places to hit. Bigbear is a close second, both are about the same distance from me

 

I'm about to nextday it to my house on Amazon!! Was looking at the desert and sierra nevada books as well

 

My truck is 6 weeks old. Not trying to scratch it at all. I just go real slow through the few tight spots. Came away easily with no scratches. Rowher is good to go!

So then we'll see you Saturday!

 

Most of these places are in National Forest areas which will require you to have a 'forest adventure pass' (at least that's what the Los Angeles forestry service calls it) displayed in your vehicle only if you plan on parking it somewhere and exiting your truck. If you're just driving through or off-roading and don't plan on camping or parking to go for an extended hike, you'll be fine without one. They're like $4 for a day pass though or $30 for the year if you want to play it safe or plan on parking your truck to camp or hike

 

Gorman is the only off-roading park out here I know of that charges for entry, I think it's like $5 or less

 

Well yes and no as far as legality.

A gate is a great "do not pass" sign, but technically, you can still be harassed for private land even if it's not posted. You have a good "claim" if there is not a "No Trespassing" sign near by, but you may have just missed it by chance. When in doubt? Tread lightly. If you stick to marked trails you're probably ok.

I would recommend a yearly forestry pass from your local Big 5. A daily is $5, a yearly is $30, when you buy the yearly you can ask for a second yearly for $5 more. You need to post the sign in certain "fee" areas (usually marked) or risk getting a ticket that I've heard is pretty nasty.

If you can swing the Rowher trail run I strongly recommend it: the guys going are awesome and will help you out at every question you may have. If you can't make this one there's a regular-TW-takeover planned for 6/4 in Huntington Beach. Worth it to come out, meet some folks, see some trucks, and hang out!

 

Asuza Canyon charges for entry as well.

 

Azusa Canyon is $8

 

Good to know! I would've rolled up to Azusa like "um, you guys take credit cards?" lol

...maybe they do?