Southern California riders have access to some of the best off-highway vehicle terrain in the United States — and most of it is within a few hours of Los Angeles. Whether you’re a parent looking to take the kids out for their first trail ride, an experienced rider planning a long weekend at the dunes, or someone who just picked up their first ATV and wants to know where to go, this guide covers every major OHV destination within reach of LA.
Every park listed here requires a California OHV Green Sticker on your vehicle. If you’re purchasing a new ATV, dirt bike, or scooter and need one that’s already CARB approved and Green Sticker ready, FE Motorsports at 2916 S Santa Fe Ave in Los Angeles carries a full lineup — fully assembled, same-day pickup, open 7 days a week.
Gorman / Hungry Valley SVRA — 60 Minutes from Los Angeles
Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area near Gorman is the closest major OHV destination to Los Angeles — about 60 minutes north on the I-5. At 19,000 acres with over 130 miles of marked trails, it’s also one of the most complete facilities in California.
The park has a dedicated ATV practice area, a mini motocross track, and trails that range from wide beginner fire roads to technical single-track terrain. Camping is available on-site with over 200 sites. For families taking kids out for their first OHV experience, Gorman is the go-to destination — close enough for a day trip, large enough to keep experienced riders busy all weekend.
Green Sticker required. Day-use fee applies. Full guide: Gorman OHV Riding Guide — Los Angeles
Rowher Flat OHV — 40 Minutes from Los Angeles
Rowher Flat is the closest OHV area to Los Angeles — approximately 40 to 45 minutes via the I-5 or Highway 14 — and it’s completely free to enter. No staging fee, no day-use fee, no reservation required.
The area has over 60 miles of trails including wide beginner fire roads, the Silverking Trail (a dirt bike-only single-track), and the intermediate Mine OHV Trail. No camping on-site, which makes it primarily a day-trip destination. For families in the LA area who want the easiest possible first OHV trip — close, free, and beginner-friendly — Rowher Flat is the answer.
Green Sticker required. Free to enter. Full guide: Rowher Flat OHV Guide — Los Angeles
Jawbone Canyon OHV — 1 Hour from Los Angeles
Jawbone Canyon OHV Area is a BLM-managed off-highway vehicle area off Highway 14 near Cantil, approximately one hour from Los Angeles. The area covers over 7,000 acres of high desert terrain — sandy washes, hill climbs, and open terrain that ranges from beginner-accessible to technically demanding.
Primitive camping is available and free. No entrance fee. Jawbone is particularly popular with Bakersfield and Antelope Valley riders but draws from across the LA area. The sandy wash terrain makes it a good fit for ATVs and dirt bikes alike.
Green Sticker required. Free to enter.
Dove Springs OHV — 1.5 Hours from Los Angeles
Dove Springs OHV Area is a BLM-managed riding area near Mojave, approximately 90 minutes from Los Angeles via Highway 14. The area covers around 5,000 acres of sandy bowl terrain with rolling hills — genuinely beginner-friendly, open layout, easy to navigate.
No entrance or staging fee. No camping on-site. Dove Springs is often combined with a Jawbone Canyon trip since the two areas are close to each other — riders who want a full day in the high desert can hit both.
Green Sticker required. Free to enter.
Ocotillo Wells SVRA — 2 to 2.5 Hours from Los Angeles
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is the largest SVRA in California at 85,000 acres — and it’s completely free. No entrance fee, no staging fee, and free primitive camping for up to 30 days. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The terrain at Ocotillo Wells is unlike anything closer to LA — sandy desert washes, technical canyons, rocky slopes, the Pumpkin Patch geological formations, and the iconic Blowsand Hill. The variety makes it one of the best value OHV destinations in Southern California for a long weekend trip.
For families looking to camp with their ATVs and dirt bikes without paying nightly fees, Ocotillo Wells is the best option within range of Los Angeles. Full guide: Ocotillo Wells OHV Guide — Los Angeles
Glamis — Imperial Sand Dunes — 3 to 3.5 Hours from Los Angeles
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area near Glamis is the bucket-list OHV destination for Southern California riders — 150,000+ acres of open sand dunes, 40 miles long and 5 miles wide, the largest OHV dune area in the United States.
Glamis is best experienced October through April when temperatures are manageable. A weekly pass is required during the season. No marked trails — just open dunes in every direction. A safety whip flag is required on all vehicles. Glamis draws riders from across Southern California and beyond for holiday weekends, with the Thanksgiving weekend run being one of the largest OHV gatherings in the country.
This is not a beginner destination — open dune riding requires experience and situational awareness. But for riders who are ready for it, Glamis is unlike anything else in California. Full guide: Glamis Sand Dunes OHV Guide — Los Angeles
Pismo Beach — Oceano Dunes SVRA — 3 Hours from Los Angeles
Pismo Beach’s Oceano Dunes is one of the only places in California where you can legally ride ATVs and dirt bikes directly on the beach. The SVRA covers over 1,100 acres of coastal dunes with beach access, ocean views from the dune ridges, and beach camping available.
The Central Coast climate keeps Pismo cool year-round — one of the few OHV destinations near LA that’s comfortable in summer. A small daily vehicle fee applies. Camping requires a reservation. For families who want to combine an OHV trip with a Central Coast beach experience, Pismo is the answer. Full guide: Pismo Beach OHV Guide — Los Angeles
What You Need Before You Go
Every public OHV area listed in this guide requires a current California OHV Green Sticker or Red Sticker on your vehicle. The sticker must be displayed on the vehicle and current — expired stickers are cited at most parks.
If you’re purchasing a new ATV or dirt bike before your first trip, every vehicle at FE Motorsports in Los Angeles is CARB approved and comes with the California Green Sticker. FE Motorsports is open 7 days a week at 2916 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles — Monday through Saturday 9AM to 6PM, Sunday 9AM to 2PM. Same-day pickup means you can stop in Saturday morning and be at Gorman or Rowher Flat before noon.
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