The Garage

Where to ride

Where to ride in California

9 official riding areas and the permits California asks for, each from the managing agency's own page and dated. Areas close for fire, weather, seasons and repairs, so check the page before you go.

The state program

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division, run by California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks).

The Mission of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division is to provide leadership statewide in the area of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation; to acquire, develop, and operate state-owned vehicular recreation areas; and to otherwise provide for a statewide system of managed OHV recreational opportunities through funding to other public agencies.

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Permits and stickers

What the state's own pages say riders need, residents and visitors alike, quoted word for word.

  • Residents

    OHV identification (Green Sticker or Red Sticker) issued by the DMV

    If you are going to operate a motorized vehicle off-highway only, you must have either a Green Sticker or a Red Sticker that has been issued by the DMV.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Non-residents

    California Nonresident OHV Use Permit

    If you are visiting California from another state and your vehicle does not have a current registration from your home state, you must purchase a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit before you recreate on public lands.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Non-residents

    California Nonresident OHV Use Permit (Arizona street-licensed OHVs)

    The Arizona street licensed OHVs are required to purchase a Nonresident Permit to recreate on public lands in California.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Street license or OHV registration

    All vehicles operated off-highway on public lands in California are required to be (1) street-licensed or (2) registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV).

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Riding areas

Places the managing agency describes for off-highway riding, grouped by who runs them. The list is a starting point, not every trail in the state: the Forest Service and the BLM publish motor vehicle use maps for everything else.

State 6

  • Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

    California State Parks (OHMVR Division)near Hollister

    Hollister Hills SVRA offers numerous off-highway vehicle (OHV) opportunities as well as designated hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails.

    Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

    California State Parks (OHMVR Division)near Tracy

    Located in the hills of eastern Alameda and western San Joaquin counties, this off-highway vehicle park has more than 1,300 acres of riding area with over 80 miles of trails for motorcycles and ATVs.

    Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

    California State Parks (OHMVR Division)near Gorman

    Hungry Valley offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dune buggies, and 4x4 recreation.

    Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area

    California State Parks (OHMVR Division)near Rancho Cordova

    OHV recreational opportunities include trails and tracks for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), four-wheel drive vehicles (4x4 vehicles), recreational OHVs (ROV/SXS/UTV), karts, and quarter midget vehicles.

    Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

    California State Parks (OHMVR Division)near Oceano

    One of several off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) offers visitors recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, surf fishing, camping and hiking.

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

    California State Parks (OHMVR Division)

    It is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle, and dune buggy use area.

    Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Bureau of Land Management 2

  • Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

    Bureau of Land Management (El Centro Field Office)near Brawley

    A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals.

    Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Jawbone Canyon OHV Area

    Bureau of Land Managementnear Mojave

    The Jawbone Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area provides a wide variety of riding opportunities including cross country play, trail riding, and advanced technical hill climbing opportunities.

    Jawbone Canyon OHV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

National Forest 1

Before you go

Each area's own page has its current status, seasons, fees and which trails take which vehicles. Rules differ between areas and change with fire danger and weather, so read it on the day.

Official maps

The state law behind the permits, helmets and young riders, cited: California electric dirt bike law.

Nothing on this page says anyone may ride anywhere: it points to the agencies that decide. Reviewed 2026-09-29.