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Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users will find many opportunities for off-highway enjoyment in the Sierra National Forest.

Become familiar with State OHV Laws, restrictions, and closures. Respect private property, wildlife and other forest visitors. Always operate your vehicle in a safe, responsible manner and follow the USDA Forest Service Rules of Conduct.

For information regarding how you can help protect the forest follow this link and learn how you can Tread Lightly while using your OHV.

Use only the roads and trails designated for off highway motor vehicle use. 

OHV Trail Riding

OHV trails on the High Sierra District are:

Motor Vehicle use Maps (MVUM)

To locate roads and trails designated for vehicle use, and their opening/closing dates on the Sierra National Forest please visit the MVUM finder. It is your responsibility to reference the MVUM to stay on designated routes for motor vehicle use.

Open/Close dates are subject to change without notice and can be condition based due to weather and safety factors.

For more information regarding OHV Routes and Conditions, please Contact the following OHV District Offices:

Bass Lake Ranger District - 559-877-2218 ext.3125

High Sierra Ranger District - 559-855-5355 ext.0

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at High Sierra Ranger District:

Bald Mountain OHV Area Map

Bear Diversion and Hooper Diversion OHV Map

Onion Springs OHV Map

Red Mountain OHV Area Map

Brewer Lake OHV Map

Swamp OHV Map

Dusy-Ershim OHV Map

Spanish OHV Map

OHV Camping

There is no camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, trails, and meadows. Campfire permits are free and available at your local Forest Service office, or you can click here to get one online. A campfire permit is required for wood fires, charcoal fires, or portable stoves.

OHV Road Riding

The Sierra National Forest offers a variety of trail riding experiences. In general, off-highway vehicles can operate on any road or trail that is designated with a OHV marker (a jeep symbol). California Vehicle Code and Green Sticker laws apply on all National Forest roads.

OHV Trail Riding

Many people with different interests may be enjoying an area at the same time. Trail and camping courtesy are essential for everyone to have an enjoyable experience. Be a good neighbor and extend the same courtesy and consideration to those around you as you expect from them. If you are using a Off-Highway Vehicle please follow the rules below when using trails: 

  • Motorcycles Yield to All
  • Bicycles Yield to Equestrians and Hikers
  • Hikers Yield to Equestrians

Search for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 20 results

A30 Onion Springs Trail

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Onion Springs trail is 4.7 miles long. It begins near the High Sierra Pack Station and ends at Four Forks Creek near Wilderness boundary. The trail is open for the following uses: Off Highway…

Bald Mountain OHV Area

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Bald Mountain is a super scenic trail with minimal 4x4 rock crawling challenges on its main line. For those that want more challenge, the optional obstacles along Bald Mountain offer that too. And,…

Bear Diversion OHV Route

Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Fishing
Easiest; (2 miles; 1 hour).Bear Diversion is an old access road to the diversion dam, and a great picnic spot. Route is a narrow one lane road with few turnouts, be prepared to back up. Enjoy the…

Bretz Mill Campground

Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Located in a setting of pines and oak, Bretz Mill Campground is located alongside Big Creek. Some sites are located on the creek. The location of the campground makes a great get-a-way for…

Brewer OHV Route

Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Fishing
An easy drive to a good fishing lake. There are a couple of slightly more technical spots, and the last 50 yards is a large boulder garden. Be prepared to walk the short distance. The easiest parking…

Coyote Lake OHV Route

Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Fishing
Most Difficult; 3.5 miles, 2 hoursLength of routes and driving times are taken from the Red Mountain Trailhead. Must pass by Red Lake to access.This lake is in the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness. The…

D6 Coyote Trailhead

Hiking Fishing Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This shared OHV route is 2.2 miles long and features Coyote Lake which can be accessed by the Coyote OHV Route, by Willow Meadow/ Dinkey Lakes Trailhead 5.4 miles, and Badger Flat TH which is 7.6…

Dusy-Ershim OHV Route

Site Closed
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Fishing
DIFFICULTY RATNG: MOST DIFFICULT Length in Miles - 33A challenging route that follows a 300-foot corridor between two wilderness areas.Recommended for advanced drivers. A route requiring a high…

Hooper Diversion OHV Route

Site Open
Hiking Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Fishing
Easiest; (2 miles; 1 hour).A nice drive in a scenic area. It is an easy 2-wheel drive road after crossing the San Joaquin River. Enjoy the scenery and use Tread Lightly skills. "Leave no Trace" by…

Maxson Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Trails from this trailhead lead to Hobler Lake, Fleming Lake, Rae Lake, Red Mountain and Blackcap Basin

Last updated June 23, 2026