The ATV Parks in Southern California

California is home to eight State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs) that are operated by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks. In addition to providing riding paths for off-road vehicles, the parks offer restrooms and camping, parts supply shops and first aid stations. Several of these off-roading parks are located in southern California, where weather conditions permit riders to the paths year-round.

  1. Hungry Valley

    • Hungry Valley is the second-largest of all of California's OHMVR division. It's located north of Los Angeles and offers more than 130 miles of off-road terrain for ATVs, 4x4s and motorcycles. Elevations range from 3,000 to 6,000 feet along the paths, making the trails challenging for riders. Weather can also complicate paths because snowfall is common during the winter months. The trails are good for both beginners and advanced riders and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Hollister Hills

    • Hollister Hills is located outside of San Jose and features an upper and lower ranch for off-roading. The upper ranch consists of 24 miles of off-road trails at elevations ranging from 660 to 2,425 feet. The lower ranch features 64 miles of trails for motorcycle and ATV use in a 2,400-acre lower ranch area of the park. The California OHMVR advises riders to call ahead before planning to ride in Hollister Hills because it periodically is a special event site for ATV groups. The park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.

    Heber Dunes

    • Heber Dunes is located in Imperial County, California just three miles north of the Mexican border. The 343-acre area is frequented by ATV, dune buggy and motorcycle riders. It offers winding trail paths through sand dunes and dry lake beds and features some trails with limited visibility, where riders are required to carry whip/flags for safety precautions. Heber Dunes is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. No overnight camping is allowed.