Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Summit Ranger District

Over Snow Vehicles

California State law defines snowmobiles as Over Snow Vehicles. All Terrain Vehicles are not considered OSVs. Both ATVs and OSVs are considered Off-Highway Vehicles.

Many areas of the Summit Ranger District are open and accessible for motorized oversnow travel during the winter months. The District offers over 30 miles of groomed OSV routes, as well as many more miles of un-groomed trail and open cross-country riding areas.

Groomed OSV Routes

1. Highway 108: during the winter months, Highway 108 (east of closure gate) is groomed for snowmobile use from the winter staging area to Kennedy Meadow (18.5 miles). Opportunities exist for expert riders to continue riding on the un-groomed portion of the Highway towards Sonora Pass. A developed winter SNOPARK, at the Highway 108 winter closure point, provides access to the Highway 108 groomed snowmobile route. A parking permit is required at the SNOPARK. Daily ($5) and Seasonal ($25) SNOPARK permits are available at the District Office as well as many local sports shops.
2. Eagle Meadow Road: groomed from Highway 108 to Eagle Creek (7 miles).
3. Road 5N09: groomed loop that ties in with each end of Eagle Meadow Road (5 miles).

Ungroomed OSV Routes

The following trails follow Forest Service Roads. They are not groomed or marked, and are recommended for intermediate to advanced riders:

• Clark Fork Road
• Herring Creek Road and Hammill Canyon Loop
• Eagle Meadow Road (beyond Eagle Creek)
• Highway 108 (beyond Kennedy Meadow)

ATV Routes

ATVs are limited to the following hard-surfaced roads because of their tendency to dig down through the snow and cause soil and vegetation damage. ATVs are not allowed on groomed snowmobile trails.

• Herring Creek Road (4N12)
• Road 4N39 (across from Herring Creek Road)

4WD Routes

Under certain conditions, a few hard-surfaced roads on the District are appropriate for oversnow use by full-size 4-wheel drive vehicles. When conditions allow, groups may apply for a Special Use Permit for a snow run on Road 4N39. Please check with the Summit Ranger District for more information.

Use and Safety

Motorized over-snow travel is prohibited in some areas. Federal law (36 CFR 261.16(a)) prohibits operation of any mechanical or motorized equipment within the boundaries of a Wilderness. In addition, motor vehicles may not enter areas managed for non-motorized recreation under the Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Travel Management Forest Plan Direction.

Dangerous avalanche areas exist on portions of Highway 108 above Donnell Vista and near the end of Clark Fork Road. Contact the Summit Ranger District for additional information. Due to pedestrian traffic and congestion, snowmobiles are not allowed in the Pinecrest/Dodge Ridge area.