Stanislaus National Forest

Recreation Activities

Calaveras Ranger District

Off-Highway Vehicles

Within Off-Highway Vehicle use areas, roads and/or trails are marked for easier OHV use. Trail maps are available at the Ranger Station or in map boxes at riding area kiosks. Calaveras District riding areas offer a variety of terrain and vegetation from brush fields and rock to dense forest. Operator difficulty ranges from beginner routes on forest roads to most difficult on numerous trails. Opportunities exist for motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and four-wheel drives (4WD).

Please remember to operate your vehicle in a manner that will not cause soil damage or disturb wildlife or livestock. Stay on designated roads and trails, and Tread Lightly! on the land.

INTERFACE

The Calaveras Ranger District is now implementing new rules and regulations in the Urban-Interface area. A map and brochure is now available that displays the routes and areas that are open or closed to vehicle use. Motorized use is only allowed in the white sections shown on the map. Non-motorized use is allowed in the white and shaded sections. A brochure fully explaining the allowed uses in the Interface area is available at the Ranger Station.

BLACK SPRINGS

The Black Springs OHV network on the north side of Highway 4 is the main OHV riding area on the Calaveras Ranger District. With over 100 miles of connecting roads and trails, there is enjoyable riding for all levels and types of OHV users, including 4WD, ATVs and motorcycles.

The trail network is generally accessible to OHVs from early summer to fall; during the winter months, portions of the network are available for use by Over-Snow Vehicles. A map showing recommended OHV routes is available upon request from the District Office.

OHV ROUTE USE AND SAFETY

It is your responsibility to know and abide by regulations relating to motor vehicle travel. It is a violation of federal law to cause damage or rutting to roads or trails (36 CFR 261.12c). In addition, it is a violation to cause unreasonable damage to the land or resources (36 CFR 261.13h). 

Privately owned lands are intermixed with National Forest Lands in many places.  Some of these areas have cattle gates.  Please close the gates even if someone else left them open.  Please respect the rights of private land owners.

Some roads may be temporarily closed due to construction or logging activity.  Please comply with these closures for your own safety and for the safety of the workers.