NorCal places to offroad!

Hi All!!

Since I have a decent truck that I can take on trails now, I am looking for some trails I can take my truck on! Willing to drive pretty much anywhere in NorCal!!

Thanks in advanced!!

 

Hollister Hills OHV is probably going to be the closest for you.

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1179

If you're going to do trails now (this time of year, weather conditions) please do yourself a favor and make sure you are confident in your skills, preferably go with a friend, and invest in some decent recovery gear (and be reasonably comfortable using it).

I don't know your level of experience, so please don't take that as me questioning your manhood or anything... it's just a lot of people seem to get in over their head quickly this time of the year

 

Hollister is not that too far. Anything more north? Like santa Rosa/Ukiah or what what not.
Not a hit to my manhood at all! My exp is driving in white out conditions in snow to catch some freshhhh.. but other than that, I have not really done any off roading at all!

Any and all advice is welcomed! Even gear that I need! I def do not want to try to run before I can walk!

 

Right on

I'm not super familiar with off road spots on that side of the State. I normally stick to the Sierras... but at this time of the year, most of my favorite spots are closed.

There are probably others that can chime in for spots up near Santa Rosa etc.


As far as gear goes... I'd say at minimum you want a shovel, some traction boards, tow strap... and a portable air compressor (to allow you to air down for the trail but air back up when you get back on the road)... that wont make you invincible... but it'll make you somewhat prepared without having to spend a mint.

 

Cow mountain ohv is by ukiah. Haven’t been there so I don’t know what it’s like.

 

Checked out some photos of Cow mountain!! Looks like a great place! Going to make a trip out there!

 

Awesome! Already added those items to my shopping list!! Luckily, I already have a little shovel I got from OSH for the low when they were going out of business!

 

Oh wow! Berreyessa is real close to me! Ill try my best to avoid after an extremely rainy day. Those are for Tahoe anyways! Fresh snow will always have my heart!

 

I believe you!! That would not be fun at all!

 

So gear...

If its been raining and absolutely required if heading to Knoxville, be sure to take a good solid pair of MUCK BOOTS. Waders are optional

Joking aside, if you do plan on going out solo, be sure to review this - solid info.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/going-alone-single-vehicle-wheeling-safety.454083/

 

I figured if you're close to Cow Mountain. May want to check out Hull Mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ixLWTtM9No

 

I wouldn't say I'm close, but I am willing to drive!

 

Hull mountain looks fun WEEKENDERRRR

 

I see you're in San Mateo. Somehow I just assumed you were in the North Bay, when you exclaimed about Cow Mountain. I've never been to Cow Mountain, but it seems close enough to Mendocino Nat'l Forest.

 

Get it! Yewwwwww!!!

 

I think most spots are snow in up north. So summertime fun!

 

Yea! definitely some summertime fun!!

 

Yeah, I agree with you on that - gotta wait for the snow to melt. Reading various trip reports, it seems like snow prevented people from summiting in May 2019.