Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

The Off-Highway Vehicle system on the San Bernardino National Forest is one of the best in Southern California. A variety of experiences and a large number of miles are available for 4-wheel driving, ATV, UTV and motorcycle use. The San Bernardino National Forest OHV system is comprised of designated routes and trails primarily in Cajon Pass, North Lake Arrowhead, North and East of Big Bear, and West of Idyllwild. The San Bernardino National Forest does not have "open areas" for hill-climbing activities, cross country travel or motor cross tracks for racing. The San Bernardino National Forest offers 24"-50" trails and forest roads available for green sticker/red sticker use. There are roads open to Sport Utility Vehicle and four wheel drive vehicle travel (some roads are primarily 4x4 routes). The OHV system offers a wide range of experience levels including novice, intermediate, and expert levels and signed easiest, more difficult, and most difficult.

OHV Road Riding

The Off-Highway Vehicle system on the San Bernardino National Forest is one of the best in Southern California. A variety of experiences and a large number of miles are available for 4-wheel driving, ATV, UTV and motorcycle use. The San Bernardino National Forest OHV system is comprised of designated routes and trails primarily in Cajon Pass, North Lake Arrowhead, North and East of Big Bear, and West of Idyllwild. The San Bernardino National Forest does not have "open areas" for hill-climbing activities, cross country travel or motor cross tracks for racing. The San Bernardino National Forest offers 24"-50" trails and forest roads available for green sticker/red sticker use. There are roads open to Sport Utility Vehicle and four wheel drive vehicle travel (some roads are primarily 4x4 routes). The OHV system offers a wide range of experience levels including novice, intermediate, and expert levels and signed easiest, more difficult, and most difficult.

OHV Trail Riding

Where to Go?

The Forest Service announced a new regulation on November 2, 2005, governing off-highway vehicles and other motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands.

The new rule requires each national forest or ranger district to designate those roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use.

The San Bernardino National Forest has had a system of designated Off-Highway Vehicle routes in place. These existing designated Off-Highway Vehicle routes, together with other roads designated "open for motorized travel" are displayed on recently published Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM). The Motor Vehicle Use Map is a requirement of the Travel Management Final Rule. The Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System routes (roads and trails) or areas designated open to motorized travel. The Motor Vehicle Use Map also displays uses allowed by vehicle class (highway-legal vehicles, vehicles less than 50 inches wide and motorcycles) and seasonal allowances. The Motor Vehicle Use Map provides information on other travel rules and regulations. Routes not shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map are not open to public motor vehicle travel. Routes designated for motorized use may not always be signed on the ground, but will be identified on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. It will be the public's responsibility to refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map to determine designated routes for motor vehicle use. The Motor Vehicle Use Map will be updated annually to correct mapping errors or discrepancies.

OHV Camping

Camping is permitted at designated OHV Staging Areas. Visitors must display a Recreation Pass (Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass) on all vehicles parked at the site for each day you plan to visit. Campfires (wood or charcoal) are not permitted.

In addition, visitors have the option of staying at campgrounds near OHV Roads and Trails. These sites have a per night fee and have more amenities such as campfire rings, and picnic tables per site.

Know Before You Go: When in doubt, contact your local Ranger Station for additional information.