Knoxville OHV

Hey all, I wanted to let you guys know how the day trip went on Saturday.

So the road leading up to Knoxville is extremely rough with patches all over it. This is the Berryessa Knoxville road coming from the northern side of Lake Berryessa. It’s about 30 miles or so from the turnoff where the free boat launch is. The road doesn’t get too bad until you pass the bridge. There may have been two bridges I can’t remember.

Anyways, eventually you will find a turn off to the left with a sign that says something like Knoxville OHV recreation area. Follow the dirt road up and you will find a staging area with a sign that indicates which way the trails are. If you turn right, it will take you down to the creek and a day use area. The day use area was full of trash which was a shame to see. It’s a perfect spot for parties I’m sure. Tables and a bathroom. Over hangs. Everywhere else wasn’t dirty, but this one spot was covered. If you go to the right there is a creek and a bridge. Lots of minnows in the water. You can follow the trail up the hill.

The trails to the left of the staging area are easy and a mix between rocky and dirt. Some areas are smoother than others. I think we went probably about 30-40 miles worth of trails. Actually we turned around in a few areas that the brush was over grown and I didn’t want to scrape up my new truck lol. There are some mild/moderate hills but nothing too crazy. I needed 4 low on one hill. I tried out crawl control it lugged me right up. One thing not sure about crawl control does it sound like the breaks are being pressed at the same time? It makes an unusual noise.

There’s a spot where there is a massive rock that over looks the canyons. I think that’s where the term Devil Head comes from. The area is real remote. Mixed canyons and hills. Lots of oaks and some really dense vegetation. Saw a snake and two deer. This is a spot for a beginner for sure. Lots of easy trails nothing too crazy, but there are some side hills that were real steep that looked like some people tried to climb.

The truck did extremely well. I’m curious to see how the new suspension feels compared to stock once it comes in. The stock wranglers slid around a little bit I wasn’t too impressed with them. I aired down to 18 psi. Don’t get me wrong they work, but a more aggressive tire would probably work way better.

There are some really rocky areas with some big ruts as well. We spent about 5 hours there and headed back. There was definitely more to do, I haven’t explored the right side by the day use area either so I’m sure we missed a lot. I would love to go back after a big rain or during the rain. I’d say it takes around an hour and 15 or so to get back to Vacaville.
I’ll post some pics once I’m back in WiFi.

 

Come out with me and the boys next time! I am sure we would like much of the same type of trails

 

Cool man let me know when the next big trip is. Just got my cmc done yesterday in Dixon at the chop shop.

 

How’s the water feel. Wanna find a place to wheel where the waters aren’t freezing

 

Water felt good it was hot as hell. I wonder if the whole place is on fire right now.

 

How tough was the trail?

I'm planning on heading out there sometime. I live about 12 miles away from there and haven't had a chance to go. Looks like you guys had a hell of a time!!!

 

When do you plan on going?

 

Probably on a Sunday once the weather clears up. Are you from the Napa Solano area too?

 

East Bay bro. Exactly Richmond

 

For sure, I'll hit you up a week or so before. I'm planning on sometime at the beginning of March

 

Im thinking of going to explore this area on Sunday with another buddy in his rig. Live a little over an hour away.

 

did you ever make it up? You come up again let me know, it's like 30 mins from me.

 

I could probably get a few of my tacoma buddies from Santa Rosa out if we get a group set up.

 

I did! Had a blast. Will definitely let you know next time.

I'm not too far away...ukiah. I could make it out there again

 

Right on OP. Nice write up about the Knoxville Area. I too adventured up there (from the Sacramento Area) a few weeks ago. I wanted to play with and break in my new 19 DCSB TRD OR 6MT. All stock but had a blast myself playing out there. Like you mentioned - only used 4hi/4lo because I wanted to and didn't really need it. I plan to head back in the coming months - its about 1.5 hrs from me. I figured out that driving the long way around for me is smoother - that road driving in from the South of Berryessa lake is rough as shit.

Post up if you plan another trip out and I'll have an excuse to head out! Cheers.

 

If you are in Ukiah Pillsbury is always fun. Trucks, guns, bikes

 

Definitely fun up there! Always finding more and more around pillsbury.

 

Reviving an old thread. I'm thinking of heading up there this weekend. For those that have gone, are you recommending going Devilshead Rd, crossing Cedar Creek, and getting to the bottom left corner of this map where it ends at foot trails?

http://www.4x4trailmaps.com/Files/Maps/knoxville.pdf

How much time should I expect in time spent on the trails from the entrance/end of trail/back?

 

Did you go?