With the ample outdoor adventures in California, it’s easy to forget about the vast network of Jeep trails sandwiched between Oregon and Mexico. But the number of options might surprise you.
In fact, we’re convinced that the Golden State reigns supreme when it comes to these off-road destinations.
We’re conquering some of California’s top Jeeping destinations that any driver can handle.
Let’s hit the trails!
What’s the Big Fuss About California’s Jeep Trails?
Thrill seekers on the West Coast have access to some of the country’s most stunning and exciting off-road trails. From arid desert terrain to emerald forests of towering redwood trees, there’s a landscape for every outdoor enthusiast here.
California’s diverse network of Jeep trails reflects the extensive variation in the state’s terrain and geological features. Of course, routes range from level, straight shots to the kind that could make professional off-road drivers get sweaty sweaty. Undoubtedly, there’s a track for you somewhere in the Golden State, no matter your experience level.
To help you get started, we’re offering ten of the best Jeeping locations California offers at technical grades just about any driver can handle. Take your pick of these destinations to test your skills and get comfortable navigating unpaved roads.
We’ll begin our tour of these easy California Jeep trails in the state’s northern end and work our way southward.
#1 Webber Mill Road
Webber Mill Road, sometimes written as Weber Mill, is an easy gravel track on part of the historic Pony Express Trail. In addition to the area’s historical significance, the eight-mile stretch comprises a small portion of the Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route, a network primarily for motorcycles.
It’s a well-maintained route that offers striking views of the American River and the surrounding valley. If you take your time, it should take about an hour and a half to complete.
Find It Here: 38.784782, -120.419904
#2 Sherwood Road
Our second California Jeeping destination is also the longest on our list. Stretching over 40 miles along Mendocino County’s dirt logging roads, this track begins in Willits, winds through redwood forests, and finally terminates near Fort Bragg on the Pacific Coast.
Even though this trail has a technical rating of 1/10, we’ve heard of folks coming across washes that require four-wheel drive. As with any expansive journey into the wilderness, it’s possible to encounter downed trees and other unexpected obstacles. We suggest traveling with a winch and a buddy or two just to be safe. After all, off-roading is more fun with friends, right?
Find It Here: 39.4923168, -123.5840932
After working up an appetite Jeeping, be sure to hit the Great Taco Trail in Concord, California!
#3 Fish Slough Road
Fish Slough Road is a wide, graded dirt path in central Chidago Canyon. However, if you visit during the rainy season, you might encounter washboards and running water throughout the region. That said, this 11-mile route offers an easy way for four-by-fours to explore the arid landscape. You’ll have unrivaled views of the Sierra Mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
What makes this California Jeep trail unique is the surrounding petroglyphs, which date back thousands of years. In fact, you’ll find research sites and wilderness study areas all around the valley.
Find It Here: 37.656257, -118.439765
#4 Upper Lytle Creek Divide
Sometimes referred to as Gobblers Knob Spur A or Sheep Creek Truck Trail, this California Jeeping location presents a fairly easy track with the occasional obstacle. The six-mile gravel path travels through part of the San Bernardino National Forest. Here, you’ll traverse a mix of shrubland and towering evergreen trees.
Some parts of the course also include steep drop-offs. These can be particularly dangerous in winter and early spring when snow and ice are on the ground. At the end, the route meets the Pacific Coast Trail, where you might encounter pedestrians.
While we recommend only attempting this one in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, we hear plenty of people have managed in standard front-wheel trucks with decent clearance.
Find It Here: 34.320894, -117.574162
#5 Upper Holcomb Creek Road (3N08)
Upper Holcomb Creek Road, just north of Big Bear Lake, might be the most challenging of our California Jeep trails. It features a 40-degree hill climb littered with large boulders. You’ll need to pack your grown-up pants for this one, especially if you’re new to off-roading.
Aside from this obstacle, the route is relatively easy. You’ll pass through dense forest and wide-open shrubland along the five-mile tour.
If you’re unsure of your ride’s abilities, consider traveling west to east to take the obstruction downhill rather than going against gravity. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle no matter how you approach this track.
Find It Here: 34.31355, -116.93552
#6 North Main Divide Road
The North Main Divide Jeep trail offers a respite from the congestion of Southern California along the border between Orange and Riverside Counties. Located in Cleveland National Forest, this little slice of heaven begins near Lake Elsinore and weaves its way to the Santiago Peak Lookout.
During your journey through the 12-mile entanglement, you’ll climb over 2,200 feet of elevation. This heavily wooded region is prone to downed trees, so it isn’t uncommon to encounter a roadblock or two. Once you arrive at the top, you’ll enjoy some of the finest scenery around, with sprawling views of the Santa Ana Mountains.
Find It Here: 33.70227, -117.48778
#7 Painted Canyon Road
Just outside Mecca, California, is a Jeep trail you won’t want to miss! Painted Canyon Road cuts through the desert into a colorful, picture-worthy slot canyon. It’s a five-mile out-and-back route with a modest technical rating of 1/10. However, you won’t want to underestimate the power of nature.
When thunderstorms pop up, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation as the narrow valley fills with water. That’s why we suggest checking the weather and only attempting this drive in a 4×4.
Nevertheless, off-roaders who take on this track will get up close and personal with the famous destination.
Find It Here: 33.59032, -116.01707
#8 Grapevine Canyon Trail
If you’re looking for an obstacle-free Jeeping route in Southern California, Grapevine Canyon Trail is worth checking out. The track passes through the gorgeous Anza-Borrego Desert. While the terrain consists primarily of hard-packed dirt, occasional patches of loose sand might necessitate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
We hear extra-wide vehicles may get some pinstriping in narrow areas, but most of the 13-mile route is roomy enough to accommodate without damage. Be aware that the first four miles of the northern end include private property, so you’ll want to be respectful as you travel.
Find It Here: 33.15195, -116.47070
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#9 Imperial Gables
Off-roaders looking for a break after exploring Imperial Sand Dunes can find solace in the abandoned mining town of Imperial Gables. The Southern California Jeeping trail of the same name covers three miles of arid landscape along hard-packed dirt. It’s just outside of the Chocolate Mountains in the dazzling Sonoran Desert.
You’ll pass historic, albeit dilapidated, buildings that once served as hubs for the local gold-mining community. While you may not strike it rich, the real treasure lies in the surrounding scenery and the abandoned ghost town’s vibrant past. You can imagine what life was like for early miners who made this area home once upon a time.
Find It Here: 33.12429, -114.91219
#10 Otay Mountain Truck Trail
Our final California Jeep trail takes us to the San Ysidro Mountains, right outside of San Diego. This 14-mile gravel and dirt track follows the powerline. You can access it from the north or south entrance, and strategically placed mirrors make it easy to see around the many tight corners.
The heart of the Otay Mountain Truck Trail lies above the marine layer at over 3,000 feet of elevation. That means you can enjoy the SoCal sunshine even on hazy days. However, when the skies are clear, you can see San Diego and sometimes even Tijuana in the distance.
Find It Here: 32.60402, -116.81483
Prepare for your journey with a Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails!
Is Jeeping in California Worth It?
Throughout California, you’ll find countless places to put your Jeep into Sport Mode and explore the wilderness via off-road trails. In addition to the outdoor thrills, views of rocky coastlines, verdant forests, and desert landscapes await you around every turn.
Even on accessible routes with low technical ratings, you can test your mettle on small obstacles and gain confidence in your California-sized Jeeping skills!
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