Driving to SD...off roading?

Hey all,

I'm driving to San Diego over Christmas...is there anywhere out near Ramona, Julian or the like to go do some light off roading? cool fire roads or w/e

Thanks!

 

You can take a look at Banner grade - rodriguez trail, mud caves Anza Borrego, Corral canyon perimeter to start. Check out Trailsoffroad.com

 

outstanding thank you!

 

Another is Lusardi truck trail above Ramona. I haven't been but would like to check it out one of this days.

 

so my list looks like:

Lusardi, upper santa ysibel, grapevine canyon

if I have time - blair valley oriflamme


my wife is going to hate me hahaha

 

But it's going to be funnnn!!! That's a good looking list, she'll have a great time.

 

I really appreciate the help! i had never heard of trailsoffroad before....game changer

 

ocotillo should be fun

 

This is a good one for sure. It's easiest if you go from "top" to "bottom", meaning from the 78fwy "down the mountain" to the S2. Below is a small video clip just to give you an idea... and that is pretty much how it is all the way with a beautiful view of the canyon/mountains and there is only one spot that I know of where the "road" has a step-up/step-down (depending on which way you go, up or down the mountain. That spot is most definitely doable in 2wd, but just know it's there. Or put another way, it is NOT that bad, but just telling you because I really don't know your experience level?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdPmPm_wOkc

Here is that drop I was talking about. As you can see, NOT a BIG DEAL, just saying that it's a pretty good one if you don't watch your line as you will bottom out on the back end of your truck. The truck with the flag bottomed out as he was going down. Nothing bad, just saying to try to watch your line.


Here are some more pictures to give you an idea of the scenery.








If you go on Rodriguez Truck Trail, just to the North, there is a abandoned cabin, I've never been, I just know it's there. Plus, there is a "rock garden" (i.e. boulders in the road), but I heard that there is an "alternate" route (i.e. you can go around it).

Below is a map of the trail and some annotated pictures:


If you notice the gray box in the upper left corner of the picture, that is an address that you SHOULD be able to type into your navigator, if you have one, to get you to this spot.








I hope this helps a little?

 

holy crap thats awesome! thank you so much!

 

If you have time, go to "Fish Creek Wash". There are SOME spots that has really loose dirt/sand. If you have rear-lockers then it makes it easier as a buddy of mine was able to do quite a bit. If you look at one of the "annotated maps" I posted, it is in the lower-right corner on where the entrance is located. Just look for "Split Mountain Road". On the map, I used a place called "The Quad Shop" as a landmark, so to speak.

Also, off to the left, AT THE ENTRANCE of Fish Creek, is a primitive camping spot. If you look hard enough, you will see a small entrance in the small embankment/hillside. Just go up and follow that small entrance and it will take you straight into the primitive camp ground. You can't miss the primitive camping spot because, again, it is located just to the LEFT of that entrance. It has a brick outhouse that is fairly clean, but still pretty smelly as one would expect of anything like that.

Hope this helps you!!! Have funny and happy wheeling!!!

EDIT:
Btw, regarding Oriflamme Canyon (Mason Truck Trail), at the 78fwy entrance side, you will be going up the dirt road for roughly 100yds and come up on a "locked gate". I've been on that trail a few times now and not once has it ever been locked. Just make sure to leave it how you found it (i.e. lock/chain how you found it).

 

you're like a damn encyclopedia! I really appreciate all the information

 

Here's the cabin on Rodriguez. I don't know that it's abandoned, though. I think it's more of a shelter for through-hiker types since Pacific Crest Trail is nearby. Has kind of a Blair Witch feel to it if you ask me.

 

^^^^^^^^

This is my buddy!!! LOL!!!

You're very welcome!!!

 

Drove up Fish Creek Wash & Sandstone Canyon New Years day outstanding trip.

 

Yeah, that whole area is full of trails. My buddy knows WAAAAAAAAAAAY MORE than I do. Either way, I always have fun going to Anza\Ocotillo.

 

@LaRue Shooter You didn't move yet did you? I SHOULD be getting my new tires on by around Feb?

 

I like going there. I like coming from S2 to valecito creek rd, arroyo tapiado, mud caves, diablo drop off to fish creek.. Next trip is going to be pinyon mt-fish creek-diablo drop off-arroyo tapiado- valecito creek- s2- rodriguez trail- banner. That would be a great long day or 2 trip.

 

Haven't moved yet. Been going out to the desert seems like every other week to drive around and partake in other activities. Let me know when you want to go. Bring a rifle.