Beginner off-road trails in socal?

Ouch! It wasn't that bad last week, but yeah there are some pretty deep ruts that can put you on your side (or worse!) "How hard can it be?" is exactly what I thought when I tried to charge straight up there from the highway. Didn't even make it to the first turn. Luckily there was nobody around to laugh at me as I backed down to the gate to air down.

 

Yeah the trails around here, especially in Drinkwater/Rowher, are super loose dirt and rock so even moderate hills can be problematic if you aren't aired down or have good tires. Not much traction on all that loose dirt

 

Check out the Geological Tour Road in Joshua Tree. Fun drive with places to stop and definitely a good bigger trail.

 

coral canyon ohv as long as you stay on the main trail. the side routes are insane.

 

Maple Springs Truck Trail is pretty mellow for your first time.

 

have you tried the Geology Tour Road in Joshua Tree?

 

also check out Pilot Rock Truck Trail. It starts at the dam next to Silverewood Lake and comes out near Lake Arrowhead. Its about 11.5 miles long. Any vehicle with decent clearance can do it. I saw a 2wd Rav4 do it. The first 3 miles are a bit bumpy but dont let that scare you.

 

It's been mentioned a couple times already, but I just wanted to say again that Santiago Peak is a nice beginner trail. About half way up to the peak is an open spot that I like to call "The Parking Lot". Good place to rest, talk, take some pictures, etc and then after that it gets a bit rocky with the small rocks. When I say small, they're definitely small, but MAN does your truck shake like a mofo, LOL!!! Other than that, very fun trail for sure and I've done it numerous times and have done quite a few night runs, even alone.

Now, if people would quit setting fires or do dumbshi* to cause fires, the trails would be beautiful to enjoy as well.

I like to use the link below to see what is currently open and what not... as of now, Santiago Peak is open.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5340229

The "trailhead" starts at the:
Maple Springs Visitor Center
31330 Silverado Canyon Rd.
Silverado, CA 92676

At the very top of the peak are the radio towers and it overlooks OC. You can see Catalina Island off in the distance.


Finally, I will also say that Oriflamme Canyon Trail is also a very nice starter trail. Personally, I would start from "top" to "bottom". The top being the entrance from the 78fwy. It is rocky as well and has one "step" that isn't bad at all, just choose a decent "line" and you're good.
Googl_e "Chariot Canyon" and the "trailhead" is like right there on the right hand side when going East on the 78fwy. All of the times I have gone, about 100yds or thereabouts there is a "locked gate". It really isn't locked... just open it, go through it, and close it how you found it. I've never had any issues going on that trail.

This is a short vid clip I made on one of my trips... it's pretty much rocky like that the whole trail. LOL!!!
https://youtu.be/YdPmPm_wOkc

 

Pioneer town to big bear is pretty easy. Goes from desert to forest. Have a picnic midway through.

 

Yeah, someone else above me recommended this. Fun one, super flat. Can get sandy though but it's for sure doable open diff and 2wd.

 

Ran up Maple Springs yesterday, to Santiago Peak then back down to Beek's place. Definitely beginner friendly (especially the first leg)
I would still recommend not going alone. Helped a jeep guy out with a family who got his diff stuck on a big rock. Always harder when you are alone.

 

Stuck on a big rock? I don't recall seeing any rocks that big on Maple Springs.

 

It's a Jeep thing

 

Yeah, his diff got hung up, it was probably close to 1ft off the ground. I guess he thought had enough clearance. It was also near a scree side so maybe it slid into the road at some point. I actually don't recall seeing it going up either now that I think about it.

 

Was the Jeep lowered? I don't remember seeing anything that would cause that, but who knows.

 

Nope, it had decent clearance. We had a backup of like 4 or 6 behind us coming down and 3 or so coming up. We were the first to arrive "on scene" so we got off to help. It was his first time using his Hi-Lift so I'm sure he appreciated our help.

 

Off-road 101.. Never go off-road riding alone!!!!

 

I go alone all the time, never had anything bad happen. Just need to be prepared in case something does. People that go alone with no recovery or communication gear, no tools, wearing only flip flops and no extra food/water/warm clothes are the ones that end up in trouble.

Also I will agree that beginners should not go alone. I only do trails I already know well by myself.

 

I did that trail alone, it really wasn't that bad, it is a fire road, don't even need 4WD, guess that guy just had bad luck.

 

I haven’t had any bad luck.. I just don’t go alone.. we had to pull a guy out one time that was alone.. he broke his rack and pinion.. NO BUENO!!