Central CA trail heads

Hello TW!

Looking at taking some trips on trails with the family in the central California region. Locations looking at are basically anything in, around or east of Sacramento, Modesto, fresno/Bakersfield areas. Open to Nevada trails as we have travel plans out that way too several times a year.

Between fs.fed.us, OnX off roads, and Gaia Maps I'm getting conflicted information regarding what's open and closed.

Any one have good trail locations ( lat, long coordinates, GPS files, etc) that would give us a good start at picking out adventures to begin? Could be overland, day trails, or a weekend getaway adventures.

As always, any info is greatly appreciated!

 

For forest service roads I have fount the best resource to be the interactive visitor map.
https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/
If you click on a road it will generally list the road type (paved, gravel, dirt, dirt high clearance not suitable for passenger cars) and when it is open, either yearlong or seasonal closure dates and it may also list allowed use by vehicle type. Most national forests close the native (dirt) roads from some time in Dec to some time in April. If it is listed as a 4x4 trail then it is likely a more technical trail that a stock Tacoma without armor would struggle on. In stock form I have not had any problem on any forest service road listed as high clearance.

Keep in mind that seasonal closures could be extended due to weather and there could be other closures for other reasons at any time so always check the National forest website for alerts and closures before you go.


The Merced River Recreation Area is a cool space for day trips or camping and some great adventures could be started from there.

 

Thank you for all the info, this is a great start! I used to trail ride all the time on 4x4, atv, and dirt bikes with my dad and brother when I was younger. Unfortunately I was never taught a damn thing. Would love to give my family the outdoor adventures I experienced growing up!

 

@Kwikvette

tons of stuff in the Fresno area if you travel east a ways toward the Sierra

 

Where are you exactly? Or where are you heading?

I ask because I lived in the Central Coast for over 11 years, and now reside in the Fresno area.

Depends what kind of trails you're looking to hit.

 

That's what I'm seeing from Gaia maps and fs.fed.us sites. Found side Cutter Trail in Stanislaus National forest that I'd like to plan on going some time. Wonder if there's any groups that would be accepting of a taco fam

We're looking for just about anything that a stock taco can do, maybe a little more. I'm an experienced off roader, just not familiar enough with trail locations and mapping currently. Eventually will get a lift and bigger tires, but would still like to take the fam off the beaten in the mean time.

 

Wrong thread

 

LOL! no problem - I'll take the free bump!

@CemenTRDgen

I'm looking at the following location on Gaia maps - Is the correct area you are referring to? This area according to www.fs.fed.us/ivm/ is vastly unpopulated regarding information, assumingly because it's not part of the forestry jurisdiction...