Bay Area Trails

Greetings. I'm new to the forum. Had a 2000 PreRunner for 15 years but had to reincarnate her into a 2015 TRD Offroad. I'm also new to this new fad the kids call 'off-roading'. Are there any trails around the bay area (San Francisco area) for a beginner? Any advice?

 

Anyone, anyone, Bueller?

 

Thanks!

 

There is a thread for a group going to hollister next weekend. Not sure which trails they are going on, but there is everything from dirt roads to "tank trap"

 

Nothing really in the Bay Hollister or one of the other parks would be the best bet. I here there is an old jeep trail by San Pablo lake but I've never seen it and I'm told it's "closed"

 

Thanks! [googling "tank trap"]

 

Yippee!!

 

You do't want anything to do with tank trap. I won't even touch it with my truck and it's got a few one of a kind mods on it

 

Got it. No tank trap.

 

As jerry had mentioned, the bay area is rather sparse for any "actual" offroading. Though all trails are man-made, the ones at the OHV parks are made specifically for crawling over obstacles and a lot less for adventure and exploration. However, there are better options nearby.

Lake Alpine, for example, is a quick jaunt 164 miles east of the bay area. The area is nestled right between Stanislaus National Forest and Tahoe National Forest. There are several trails in the area such as Corral Hallow and Slick Rock (ranging from beginner to advanced) which are perfect trips to bring the entire family or to go along as a part of a larger group. Many of the trails that we frequent are accessible by stock and unmodified vehicles (though we do recommend frame sliders at the very minimum) up to the camp site. From there we pile into each others' vehicles which are trail ready and subsequently attack the trails together for an afternoon of beautiful views, photography, chill hanging out, and other outdoorsy activities.

Just two videos of our previous norcal adventures.






Again, welcome to the group, feel free to ask any questions or peruse the forums for any additional information.

 

Wowee!! That looks like a blast. Makes me wanna take my new truck down to the shop and get a bunch of stuff I've never heard of put on just so I can join you. I showed my husband (he's Air Force) and he drooled a little bit. Thanks so much for the videos and the info - I really appreciate it!

 

Just a note, if you're afraid of trail damage (which absolutely will occur) there are plenty of used/pre-owned vehicles for sale on craigslist, this forum, and others (t4r.org, expeditionportal.com, norcalfj, customtacos, yotatech, pirate4x4) that are completely built (and then some). Perhaps your husband can look into a t4r (Toyota 4Runner) or FJ Cruiser. Why spend $22,000 in modifications when you can get it all done and enjoy the trails today? A small secret is that the 3rd generation 4Runners and 1st Generation Tacomas share similar suspension and body components, one of their best features is being able to run 35" tires without much modification beyond the standard 3" lift which saves a lot of time, money, and headache trimming away at body panels.

At any rate, Epicly Built 3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas typically run below $15,000 (below the cost of a typical econobox) and can be financed through USAA for the best rates.

Just an option to consids. ^_o

 

Thanks! I appreciate all of the info. No plans to do any 'mods' just yet. Baby steps. I really just want to take some basic trails to get a feel for the 4x4 and what it can do. Obviously, from your video - A LOT. All great information. Really appreciated.