If you’re looking to put your off-road driving skills to the test, explore epic adventures, and push your vehicle to its limits, California offers some of the best off-road trails around. I have compiled a list of 7 trails that you must check out.
For tails like these, you must take an off road air compressor with you, as you really need one of those to air down the tire for some rocky valleys.
Holcomb Creek & John Bull in Big Bear
The difficult route in Big Bear is not for the faint-hearted. It requires skill, patience, and a sense of adventure to conquer. This route is known for its rugged terrain, steep inclines, and numerous obstacles that challenge even the most experienced off-road drivers. However, the reward for completing this route is worth the effort. The breathtaking scenery of Big Bear provides a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Overview of Big Bear
Time on trail: 2-3 days
Location: San Bernardino Mtns
Terrain: Mountain Forest
Best time of year: year around
extra fuel: Not needed
One of the most significant differences between the difficult route and the easy intermediate route is the level of difficulty. The difficult route includes additional trails that require careful navigation and a keen eye. Drivers will encounter rock crawling, tight turns, and challenging climbs that will test their skills and perseverance. However, it is important to note that safety should always be a top priority. Before attempting this route, drivers should ensure that their vehicles are in good condition and that they have the necessary equipment and supplies.
Here is the list of overland path in Lake Bear. Among these, Holcomb Creek definitely should be on your bucket list.
1N09 – City Creek
2N13B – Butler Peak
3N14 – Coxey Road
3N93 – Holcomb Creek
3N14 – Coxy Road
4N16 – grapevine road
3N17 – White Mtn
3N16- Holcomb Valley Road
3N10 – John Bull
3N07A – The Sequeeze
2N02 – Burns Canyon
2N01 – Bloom Flat
2N61Y – Heartbreak Ridge
RC3331 – Rattlesnake Canyon
2N02 – Burns Canyon
Holcomb Creek Path
Located in the San Bernardino national forest just north of Big Bear Lake, Holcomb Creek trail is a challenging Jeep badge of honor trail that spans slightly over five and a half miles. The trail typically takes about three to four hours to complete due to the various obstacles you will encounter along the way. However, the trail’s diverse features make it worthwhile, with technical sections that will test your driving skills, beautiful scenery, small water crossings, and fresh pine-scented mountain air. The gatekeeper on the west side of the trail serves as an initial test for your vehicle and driving skills before progressing further down the trail. As someone who has run the trail multiple times, I find it endlessly engaging, and it’s a trail I eagerly anticipate visiting again. Be sure to explore Holcomb Creek trail when you have the chance. Moving on, the Defense Mine trail is an up-and-back trail on the western slope, which is incredibly popular among rock crawlers looking to venture into Death Valley.
John Bull Path:
The three-mile trail in the San Bernardino National Forest is widely debated as the most challenging. To reach the trailhead, you will need to travel several miles on connecting trails. Once you arrive, John Bowl awaits, which typically takes about four hours to run due to the slow climb up the mountain and navigating through some exciting technical sections. You’ll encounter various areas that will test your suspension, making you grateful for having rock sliders and under armor, which are essential for this trail. The trail is popular on weekends, and the terrain changes from year to year, especially during winter weather conditions. I ran this trail several years ago as a shakedown run for my jeep before tackling the Rubicon trail for the first time. If you’re searching for an engaging mountain driving experience, consider exploring John Bull on your next adventure.
Obstacles in Big Bear? Check these but note that some are just optional.
Rock Garden on Holcomb – required
Suicide Hill – optional
Hard Climb to North White Mth Peak – optional
Rock Gardens on John Bull – required
John Bull Gate Keeper – required
The Squeeze – required
Heartbreak Ridge East Rock Garden – required
Rock Gardens on Montio – required
Waterfall on Montino – optional
There are tons of beautiful Scenic WayPoints listed below:
Bear Creek & Water Control
Keller Cliffs
Plunge Creek Crossing
Butler Peak Fire Tower
Chair of off-road gods
White Mtn North Peak
Views on White Mtn Trail
John Bull Overlook
Coyote Crag
The Squeeze
Miners Cabin
Lucky Baldwin Mine
Arsenic Piles
Arrastra
Pontiac
Top of Hearbreak Ridge
Joshua Tree Forest
Viscera Spings
There are quite a lot of Camping Spots in this area, some are dispersed.
Bear Creek Crossing on 1N09
Big Pine Flats on 3N16
White Mth Trail
Western Part of 3N07A
Coyote Crag on 3N07A
Holcomb Valley Campground on 3N16
Top of Heartbreak Ridge
Despite the challenges that the difficult route presents, it is an experience that many off-road enthusiasts relish. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing this route is a feeling like no other. Moreover, the natural beauty of Big Bear is something that is hard to match. From the towering mountains to the crystal-clear lakes, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring vistas along the way.
Defense Mine in Death Valley
The trail that I enjoy is the path connecting Pet Valley and Death Valley. The color of Death Valley appeals to me because it lies mostly within Death Valley Park. While it may seem like a single trail, it consists of four different paths. It takes about two to four days to complete, and gas is required as there is no self-service available. Therefore, it is essential to bring equipment that works off satellites and be prepared for one of the most remote locations in the country.
Overview of this trail
Time on trail: 2-4 days
Location: CA east border
Best time of year: late fall to early spring
extra fuel: needed
There are a few of overland paths here, but I would like to talk more about Defense Mine.
Goler Canyon/Wash
Mengel Pass
Butte Valley
Redlands Canyon
Woods Canyon
Warm springs road
Defense Mine
The trail in the Panama Valley spans only a few miles, but it is fraught with rocks, ruts, and waterfalls that demand your undivided attention as you navigate the rugged terrain. As you ascend, it is imperative to stay focused on placing your tires carefully, as the rocks may shift beneath you, and gravity will work against you. Despite these challenges, the climb is an enjoyable one, culminating in a breathtaking view of the valley below and the opportunity to explore an 1885 gold mine. It is best to avoid the Defense Mine Trail in the summer due to scorching temperatures exceeding 120 degrees, but visiting during spring or fall promises an unforgettable adventure. The Pinion Mountain Trail, located in the Anza Borrego Desert, is another renowned off-road trail that has earned the coveted Jeep Badge of Honor. Its most famous section is well-known.
obstacles
small ledge in goler canyon- easy – required
Mengel pass- intermediate – required
Many exciting sites, such as cabins and mines, can be found along the way, including the Parker and Madison Ranch.
Must-See Scenic WayPoints
Newman cabin –goler canyong
keystone mine camp –goler canyong
barker ranch aka menson ranch –goler canyong
Carl Mengel Grave — Mengel Pass
Russel Cabin — Butte Valley
Mengel Cabin —Butte Valley
Geologist cabin — Butte Valley
Stripped Butte – Butte Valley
Woods Camp – Woods Canyon
Stamp Mill — Warm Springs
Warm Springs Camp — Warm Springs
My preferred camping spot is Butte Valley, which boasts breathtaking scenery. Although it is approximately 60 miles away from civilization, making it a remote location, it is still an ideal place to unwind and relax.
Camping spots:
Keystone camp in goler canyon
Russell Cabin in Butt Valley
Mengel Cabin in Butte Valley
Geologist Cabin in Butee Valley
Warm Springs Camp
Pinyon Mountain in Anza Borrego
Anza-Borrego, situated near the Salton Sea in Southern California, is a mostly desert area that requires adequate preparation. However, it is a place worth exploring for two to four days, if not longer, as there are numerous trails and scenic waypoints to visit.
Overview of the trail:
Time on trail: 2-4 days
Location: Near Slaton Sea
Terrain: Desert and Canyons
Best time of year: late fall to early spring
extra fuel: maybe
While there are a lot of trails, this route is fairly easy with only a few optional obstacles in Sandstone Canyon.
There is a trail called Pinyon Mountain. It is a brief section of trail where your vehicle is surrounded by large rock walls, while you navigate through rocky obstacles on the descent. It is important to take your time here, as you could damage your vehicle if you are not careful.
Pinyon Mountain is an eight-mile trail that gradually descends into Borrego State Park, featuring various obstacles that require careful navigation. One particularly challenging section is the steep and loose descent down Heart Attack Hill.
Completing this trail is a significant accomplishment, and it allows you to explore the scenic trails of Anza Borrego Desert. Bronco Peak, located in Corral Canyon OHV area in Campo, California, it’s also a difficult trail in California. While it is only two miles long, you must drive a few miles into the wilderness to reach it.
Overland Path:
Lower Coyote Canyon
Metal Sculptures
Blair Valley
Pinyon Mountain
Indian Canyon
Mortero Palms – Hiking to Goat Bridge
Canyon Sin Nombre
Vallecito Wash
Arroyo Tapiado
Arroyo Seco Del Diablo
Diablos Drop
Fish Creek
Sandstone Canyon
Split Mountain
The Slot
Must see Scenic WayPoints
Water Crossing – Lower Coyote Canyon
Oaisis – Lower Coyote
Metal Sculptures – Metal Sculptures
Indian Habitat Blair Valley
Goat Train Bridge – Hiking – Motero Palms
Mud Caves – Arroyo Tapiado
Diablos Tail – ArroyoSeco Del Diablo
Sandstone Cliffs – Sandstone Canyon
Wind Caves – Fish Creek
Split Mountain – Fish Creek
Camping in Anza-Borrego is straightforward as there are dispersed camping spots available, including Sheep Canyon, Indian Canyon, Canyon to Nombres, Sandstone Canyon, Bear Valley, and other areas with breathtaking views.
Camping Spot:
Sheep Canyon in Coyote Canyon
Blair Valley or Little Blair Valley
End of Indian Canyon South
Waypoints 3 – Canyon Sin Nombre
Sandstone Canyon
Rubicon Trail
The Rubicon Trail, situated just west of Lake Tahoe, is a highly sought-after destination for serious rock crawlers. It’s widely regarded as one of the most difficult trails in the United States, not only because of the extremely challenging obstacles it presents, but also due to its length and the relentless obstacles that dot the way. The trail spans over 16 miles and provides few easy sections, requiring constant attention to tire placement, approach and departure angles. After several hours on the trail, it can become mentally exhausting. It’s recommended that the trail be completed over two or three days, allowing for breaks to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Camping is allowed on the trail and highly recommended. It’s not advised to embark on this trail alone, as a winch and recovery gear are essential.
Overview of the Trail：
Time on trail: 2-3 days
Location: Near Tahoe
Terrain: Mountains(forest)
Best time of year: Spring to fall
extra fuel: Not needed
obstacles
GateKeeper – Required
Granite Bowl – Required
The Steps – Optional
The Soup Bowl – Optional
Little Sluice – Optional
Old Sluice – Optional
Big Sluice – Required
Cadillac Hill – Required
Must see Scenic WayPoints
All the obstacles
Buck Island Lake
Rubicon Springs
Little Sluice
Camping Spots：
Buck Island Lake
Rubicon Springs
this is not a trail that you should do alone you absolutely want a winch some recovery gear a complete tool bag some spare parts that could come in handy and having some good communication are all essential things just because breakdowns along the Rubicon are not uncommon while there are plenty of trails that are harder than the rubicon none are as iconic and many consider this to be the super bowl of off-roading be sure to add the Rubicon trail to your list of difficult trails to run
Slick Rock Trail in Bear Valley
Slick Rock, located just outside of Bear Valley, California, offers everything I enjoy in a trail. The stunning scenery, fun and challenging obstacles, and ever-changing terrain along the way, make it a great place to camp. The obstacles present on this trail will test the capabilities of even the most highly-built vehicles and skilled off-road drivers. However, there are also some lovely stretches where one can relax and appreciate the surroundings. I feel that it’s time for me to revisit this trail and put it back on my bucket list. For a fantastic adventure, gather some friends and set out to explore Slick Rock – I assure you that it will not disappoint.
Overview of Bear Valley:
Time on trail: 2-3 days
Location: between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite
Best time of year: Summer to fall
extra fuel: no needed
Dusy- Ershim Trail
The Dusy-Ershim Trail is a remarkable trail that promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to take on its challenges. Although it may be tempting to try and complete the trail as quickly as possible, it is recommended that you take your time and enjoy the journey. The trail is rated as severe and on average, takes three to five days to complete. Attempting to complete it any faster would not be enjoyable.
One of the unique features of the Duesey Trail is that fuel is required, meaning that you need to bring extra gas with you. The path is made up of just one trail, with no early exits or help available. Therefore, you need to plan for being on the trail by yourself. The trail comprises 33 miles of non-stop obstacles, making it different from other trails like the Rubicon.
Overview of this trail:
Time on trail: 3-5 days
Location: Near Shaver Lake
Terrain: Mountains(forest)
Best time of year: Aug -Sept
extra fuel: Required
overland Path
Voyager Rock
Dusy- Ershim Trail
White Bark Vista
Obstacles
Chicken Rock
Thompson Hill – Required
Tree Squeezes – Required
Dozens of Rock gardens – Required
Givens Hill – Required
White Bark Vista Turn – Required
The trail is breathtakingly beautiful, with scenic waypoints that include lakes, mountains, and trees. The camping experience on the Duesey Trail is also one of the best in the world. With all these highlights in mind, it’s easy to see why the trail is so loved by those who take on the challenge.
Must see Scenic WayPoints
Courtright Dam
Chicken Rock
Dog Tooth Mtn
Dusy Meadows
Log bridges
View from Thompson Hill
East Lake
Ershim Lake
Givens Hill
White Bark Vista Overlook
Camping Spots
Voager Rock campground
Thompson Lake
Ershim Lake
Mallard lake
Lake Camp Lake
Looking for easier trails in California? Click the link to see the Top 10 easy off-road trails.