Beginner trails near Santa Clarita?

i just got my truck I’ve been wanting for a while, 18 TRD 4x4 sport and want to take it somewhere to have some fun. I haven’t been on trails or off-road before so I have no idea where to go and what my stock taco can take. Any pointers and locations would be awesome!

 

Hungry Valley SVRA in Gorman, just up HWY 5 from you. Lots of trails and a 4x4 Practice Course. Your stock truck should be able to handle just about anything up there. Mine was stock while making these videos.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGfY7bTWPB0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYi8892_v0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyF1_vVWXQQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA2W5czascs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PftIvCyONvY

 

Rowher flats is a good starter area also and it's around the corner from SC.

 

Okay thanks guys, I’ll get to one of them this weekend hopefully I’ll have time for both!

 

I went there and did a blue trail with my stock Sport 4x4. Let me know when you go maybe I'll join you!

 

Thats cool you bought a new truck and want to test it out. Just based on your location I'd recomment Rowher Flats. Its super close, very big and has every kind of terrain (winter for water) you'd be looking for. Look out for bikes and ATV's at either location. You're going to pay $5 to get into gorman Vs "free" at Rowher Flats. Gorman does have a cool 4wd test area in the center of the park and if you like sand, they have lots of it. Gorman's trails are very similar to rowher imo just a bit more busy and run down. If you have specific questions feel free to post them up there are lots of knowledgable members on both spots on here.

 

Yes, on any weekend and even worse on holiday weekends, you will find bikes, ATVs, UTVs, SBS, buggies and trucks on the trails. Unfortunately, the intelligence levels of these other drivers/riders vary as widely as the terrain. Be careful...

 

If you're willing to have another beginner tag along let me know!

 

I am interested too! If you guys plan to go there this weekend let me know too! I am in the area. I can be a test mule for everyone peace of mind

 

Welcome to tw. I do miss wheeling in socal.

 

I am about 2 hours from there but would be willing to drive up one weekend!

 

Keep me posted as well.

 

I wouldn’t mind testing out my new Pro, I’m in the South Bay. Lmk!

 

Thanks giving weekend is usually super packed! Especially at Gorman. I plan on going next Tuesday to Gorman. I have a 2wd first gen.

 

Sorry I'm late to the discussion. There are TONS of trails in the western Angeles range (in the National Forest). The only problem is that everything is behind a closed gate!

So my advice is this: Explore the nearby mountains on the paved roads, and whenever you find a potentially interesting trail blocked by a gate, get out of your truck and see if it's actually locked. Most are locked, but eventually you might find one that's left open or at least unlocked. Once you get through, you can explore a vast network of fire roads, some of which are easy graded roads, and others of which are washed out boulder fields. Just obey all posted signs, don't get stuck, don't do anything stupid, and don't interfere with any firefighting/forestry operations.

I'd recommend heading south on Sand Canyon to explore Little Tujunga Canyon. Look for an open gate eastward, there are several access points. Or, if you take the paved road west from the saddle, it will take you to an old Nike site and to a helicopter base for the firefighters. No real 4x4 stuff, but a beautiful drive and unpaved beyond the fire camp. Or if you are lucky you can watch the the helicopters in action.

 

I am thinking about heading to Gorman next weekend (12/14 - 12/15).
They got some rain this past storm, so conditions should be great and the campfire restrictions have been lifted.

 

Sawmill Camp ground is a cool destination with a few detours, fire roads with lots of dirt to travel and views to boot. Haven't been up there since the rain and snow last week but its a easy drive and phone reception, AT&T, and Verizon work well. Short drive to Lake Hughes from the SCV.

 

I'm also new to the off road world and am looking to get out more this winter in preparation for some trips this spring. Anyone have a recommendation for good beginners book on off roading?

 

Drinkwater Flats and Rowher Flats. Rowher 4x4 trail can be pretty tricky if you're brand new. But there are a lot of fire roads out that way.

 

Any of these 2wd friendly? Im local.