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Top 20 Off-Road Trails in Bay Area

As an avid ATV driver, I’m always looking for new trails to explore. The Bay Area has some great ones, and I’ve put together a list of the top 20 ATV trails in the area. Whether you’re looking for a challenging ride or a more leisurely cruise, there’s something for everyone here. So, pack your lunch, gas up your ATV, and get ready to explore some of the best trails the Bay Area has to offer!

Top 20 off-road trails in the Bay area include:

  1. Golden Gate Park Loop
  2. Batterie to Bluff Trail
  3. The Lands’ end trail:
  4. the Lower Huckleberry Loop
  5. Pilot OHV trail
  6. Ash meadows
  7. 20-the Lower Huckleberry Loop
  8. Knoxville Recreation Area
  9. Hollister Hills SVRA
  10. South Cow Mountain Recreation Area
  11. Frank Raines OHV park
  12. Rubicon Trail
  13. Red Lake Trail and Coyote Lake Trail
  14. Forest-hill OHV
  15. Corral Hollow OHV Trail
  16. Peligreen Jeepway
  17. Prairie City SVRA
  18. Old Coast Road
  19. San Luis Reservoir SRA
  20. Penny Pines

1-Golden Gate Park Loop:

If you’re looking for an enjoyable afternoon drive in San Francisco, look no further than the Golden Gate Park Loop. This scenic route takes you on a tour of some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, the De Young Museum, and Stow Lake.

Traffic is light, and there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic or a stroll. So grab your keys and head for the park!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

40 miles approx

Easy

California Palace

2-Batteries to Bluff Trail:

The audience, if you are an all-terrain vehicle driver that frequents the Bluff Trail System, then it is important for you to be up-to-date on the changes that have been made to the trail.

This post will provide you with information on the new batteries that have been installed to power the lights along the trail. So please read on and be sure to heed this information so you can enjoy your ride safely.

The Batteries to Bluffs Trail is a quintessential San Francisco hike on the western bluffs of the city, steeped in history and classic, coastal views.

At 1.7 miles round-trip, it is short enough to roll into your San Francisco sight-seeing day, or better yet, in the evening at sunset. The hike is moderately steep, with wooden steps carved into the bluff.

The rewards for your efforts are views of the Golden Gate Bridge, historic batteries, and secluded Marshall’s Beach. The Batteries to Bluffs Trail is part of The Presidio, which lies within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

2.2 miles

Easy

Flood lights, turns and bumps

3-The Lands End Trail:

The Lands End Trail is a great place for ATV drivers to explore. With plenty of twists and turns and some steep hills, it offers a challenging ride for those looking for something more exciting than the average trail. Make sure to take caution when driving on this trail, as some areas can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

3.4 miles

Intense

Tight turns and steep slopes

4-Hollister Hills SVRA:

Hollister Hills SVRA has over 13,000 acres of scenic terrain. The area offers trails for all skill levels and terrains. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing ride or have an adrenaline-filled adventure, Hollister Hills is the perfect destination!

For more information about this beautiful place, visit www.hollisterhills.com

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Have multiple trails

Easy to Moderate

Hilly areas, slopes

5-The Knoxville Recreation Area:

The Knoxville Recreation Area is a fantastic place to take your ATV. The park provides a wide variety of trails for the adventurous driver, and there are plenty of amenities available for those looking to spend some time relaxing at the campsite. The staff is always friendly and will be sure you leave with a smile on your face!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Have multiple trails

Easy to Moderate

A mixture of terrains rocky, mud, and woods

6-The Carnegie SVRA:

The Carnegie SVRA is a huge recreation area that has been open to the public since 1925. The park offers countless trails for ATV drivers and other off-road vehicles, as well as opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping.

This post will explore some of the many activities available at this unique location in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region.

The Knoxville Recreation Area is a fantastic place to take your ATV. The park provides a wide variety of trails for the adventurous driver, and there are plenty of amenities available for those looking to spend some time relaxing at the campsite. The staff is always friendly and will be sure you leave with a smile on your face!

Hollister Hills SVRA has over 13,000 acres of scenic terrain. The area offers trails for all skill levels and terrains. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing ride or have an adrenaline-filled adventure, Hollister Hills is the perfect destination!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Have multiple trails

Easy

Multiple recreational sites

7-South Cow Mountain Recreation Area:

South Cow Mountain Recreation Area is a beautiful and serene public recreation area that offers ATV drivers plenty of trails to explore.

The park’s well-maintained, groomed trails are perfect for all levels of riders, and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside make it a popular destination for adventurers of all kinds. If you’re looking for an exciting new ATV riding destination, be sure to check out South Cow Mountain Recreation Area!

Frank Raines OHV Park offers a variety of activities for ATVs and dirt bikes. The park is located in the high desert, with scenic views of mountains, valleys, and lakes. It has 5,000 acres to explore! There are trails for different skill levels and camping spots with all the amenities you need.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Have multiple trails

Easy to Moderate

Well maintained and smooth trails

8-The Frank Raines OHV Park:

The Frank Raines OHV Park welcomes ATVs and dirt bikes every day of the week from 7 am-7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays until October 23rd. It’s just $10 per person or $25 per vehicle to enter the park during those hours. If you want to stay overnight, some campsites can accommodate anything from tents to large RVs at reasonable rates!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

4 miles

Moderate

Perfect mud for dirt biking

9-The Rubicon Trail:

The Rubicon Trail is a well-known and popular trail for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. It’s one of the most difficult trails in California, with steep inclines and many parts that can only be crossed by four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The trail stretches roughly 100 miles from Lake Tahoe to Highway 49 near Carson Pass. It features more than 200 creek crossings, 18 major climbs, 6 large waterfalls, 3 lakes, 1 mountain range, 2 deserts, and 1 forested area.

The name “Rubicon” came from Roman history when members of Caesar’s army were faced with an important decision: to cross the river or not. They knew crossing would mean war with Rome but decided it was worth it.
.
Red Lake Trail and Coyote Lake Trail are excellent trails for ATV driving. They offer a lot of different terrains to explore and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Both trails are relatively easy to drive, making them perfect for novices or experienced drivers alike. If you’re looking for an enjoyable ATV experience, be sure to check out Red Lake Trail and Coyote Lake Trail!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

35.41 miles

Moderate to Intense

Waterfalls, mountain ranges, forests, and desert

10-The Foresthill OHV Area:

The Foresthill OHV Area is a popular venue for ATVs and dirt bikes. This area is located northeast of Sacramento, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It features three trails with varying degrees of difficulty that can be ridden by experienced riders and novice riders under the supervision of an adult.

Riders must follow all rules and regulations posted at this site, including staying on designated trails only and not entering closed areas. All visitors to this site shall ride their vehicles responsibly and adhere to all safety precautions set forth by law enforcement officials or other public agencies.

Any violation may result in charges being filed against you personally, your parents, or both parties if you are younger than 18 years old. The Foresthill OHV Area offers camping facilities for those looking for some intense outings across forests and rocks.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Have multiple trails ( area 100 miles approx)

Moderate to Intense

Forest, rocks, and narrow passage

11-The Corral Hollow OHV Trail:

The Corral Hollow OHV Trail is a rugged, off-highway experience for ATV riders. The trail is approximately 3 miles long and has been rated the toughest level of difficulty out of all trails in Oregon. Riders can enjoy spectacular views from their vehicle as they traverse across steep hillsides and valleys that offer a great mix between open terrain and thick forest.

The first mile of the trail begins with a series of climbs on the uneven ground before it opens up into more wide-open terrain where you can take your time to explore some scenic viewpoints. The last mile will test your mettle with its rocky descents, sharp turns, and narrow spaces through deep gullies if you make it to the end without getting hung up.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

13.8 miles

Moderate

The open terrain and thick forest

12-Peligreen Jeep Highway:

In order to improve the safety of all ATV drivers, a new Peligreen Jeepway has been created. This Jeep-way runs from the entrance of the park to the exit and is specifically designed for ATVs. It is made of a special green material that makes it safe and easy to drive on. Please use this Jeep-way when driving through the park. Thank you!

The Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area is a popular off-road destination for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) drivers. The park offers over 8,000 acres of trails to explore, making it the perfect spot for ATVers looking for a challenging ride.

With its varied terrain and abundance of trails, Prairie City SVRA is a must-visit spot for anyone with an interest in off-roading.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Multiple trails of approx 15 miles each

Easy

Greenery and Mountains

13-The Old Coast Road:

The Old Coast Road is a scenic drive that leads from the West side of the California coast to Highway 1. The old Coast Road was a major trade route in the early days, and today it’s still one of the most beautiful drives on the coast.

It has been designated a National Scenic Byway by Congress because of its majestic views and historical significance to early American explorers.

This post will cover some interesting facts about this road, including where it begins, what makes it so special, what you can see along this route, why you should take your ATV for an adventure down this road, and more!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

10.1 miles

Easy

Coastal route

14-The San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA):

The San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA) is a popular destination for ATV riders. The levee roads provide plenty of opportunity for off-road fun, and the scenery is beautiful. However, visitors should be aware that the terrain can be challenging and that there are certain restrictions in place to help protect the environment.

Anyone planning to ride at San Luis Reservoir should familiarize themselves with these regulations before heading out.

A guide to the Penny Pines ATV Trail. This trail is a great location for those looking for a challenge and who want to test their skill on an off-road course with some dirt, mud, and swamps. For those of you not as adventurous, there’s still plenty of fun things to do at this park, such as hiking or biking!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

Multiple trails

Moderate

Dirt, mud, and swamps

15-Old Toll Road:

For ATV drivers, the new trail opened in the local area. The old toll road was no longer necessary, and it had been closed for years due to safety reasons caused by erosion. It’s poorly maintained and full of ruts from previous vehicles is now home to dirt bikers and off-roaders who keep on trying to get through with two-wheelers or dirt bikes.

In addition, there are too many intersections that have created more problems for everyday drivers than they solve because drivers aren’t sure if they should go straight or turn when coming up on an intersection. All this has led to a moderately difficult trail used for off-roading purposes.

So whether the county did their homework before building this trail and made some mistakes along the way, it is now a blessing for off-roaders.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

14 miles

Moderate to Intense

Rugged land, rocks

16-Ash Meadows ATV Trail:

Avid outdoors people and off-road vehicle enthusiasts – looking for new trails to explore has discovered the Ash Meadows ATV trail in central Nevada. This trail is a hidden gem, and I want to share it with you.

The Ash Meadows ATV trail is a 14-mile loop that winds through the hills and valleys of the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is well maintained and offers some challenging terrain for off-road enthusiasts.

Best of all, the scenery is spectacular, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging off-road experience, be sure to check out the Ash Meadows ATV trail. Thanks for reading.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

14 miles

Easy

Hills, valleys, rivers

17- The Bay Area Ridge Trail Sanborn County:

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Sanborn County offers a unique and unparalleled off-road driving experience. Spanning nearly 40 miles, the trail traverses some of the most beautiful and rugged terrains in Northern California.

From towering coastal redwoods to windswept expanses of grassland, ATV drivers will find something to excite them along every mile of this great trail system.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging backcountry adventure or a leisurely drive through some of the most spectacular natural scenery on Earth, the Bay Area Ridge Trail is sure to please. Get out there and explore!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

40 miles

Moderate

Coastal Redwoods, grasslands

18- The Sand Highway OHV Trail:

The Sand Highway OHV Trail is a challenging off-road experience that winds through the beautiful, sandy terrain of Northern Arizona. This trail is perfect for experienced ATV drivers looking for a thrill. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and gear, and plan for a full day of fun!

The Sand Highway OHV Trail is less difficult than most other trails in the area. The trail has a lot of large dirt and sandhills, but it’s not very bumpy so that you can get through them without too much difficulty.

There are also some smaller rocks and roots to watch out for, but they aren’t as bad as what you’ll find on other trails. It’s not an especially long trail either, with only about 3 miles or so from start to finish.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

10 miles

Moderate to Intense

Sandy Terrain, Rocks, and Mud

19- The Pilot Rock OHV Trail:

The Pilot Rock OHV Trail offers ATV drivers a challenging and fun experience. With its winding paths and steep hills, this trail provides a thrilling ride for anyone looking for an adventure.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, the Pilot Rock OHV Trail is sure to please. So if you’re looking for some excitement in your life, be sure to check out this trail!

The Pilot Rock OHV Trail offers ATV drivers a challenging and fun experience. With its winding paths and steep hills, this trail provides a thrilling ride for anyone looking for an adventure.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, the Pilot Rock OHV Trail is sure to please. So if you’re looking for some excitement in your life, be sure to check out this trail!

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

12.6 miles

Intense

Steep Hills, Slopes

20- The Lower Huckleberry Loop:

If you’re looking for an ATV trail that offers up a bit of everything, the Lower Huckleberry Loop is the one for you.

This trail winds its way through the forest and along ridges, providing riders with plenty of breathtaking views along the way. There are also plenty of areas where riders can test their skills on challenging terrain.

So if you’re looking for a fun-filled ride, be sure to check out the Lower Huckleberry Loop. ATVs provide a great way to enjoy nature and explore backcountry trails inaccessible by any other means. If you’re new to ATVing or need a refresher course on safety tips, you can check out the trail official page.

Trail Length

Difficulty Level

Main Attraction

4 miles

Easy

Forests, River

Final Thought:

The Bay Area has some of the best off-roading trails in California. It can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and effort with so many options. To help you decide on where to go, we’ve compiled 20 of our favorite spots for all levels of experience.

This list should have something for everyone, from dirt roads to the challenging terrain! If none of these sound like what you’re looking for, or if you need more guidance on how to tackle an area with steep inclines or deep ruts, let us know!

Our team is happy to talk about any questions that come up during your research process and provide recommendations specific to the type of trail desired. Best wishes out there- happy exploring.

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20 Best 4×4 Off-Road Trails in Ohio
Top 15 Off-Road Trails and Parks in Texas
Where Can I Go Off-Roading in Miami?

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