Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Calaveras Ranger District

Over Snow Vehicles

California State law defines snowmobiles as Over Snow Vehicles (OSVs). All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are not considered OSVs. Both ATVs and OSVs are considered Off-Highway Vehicles. Many areas of the Calaveras Ranger District are open and accessible for motorized oversnow travel during the winter months. The District offers 35 miles of groomed OSV routes, as well as many more miles of un-groomed trail and open cross-country riding areas. Motorized over-snow travel is prohibited in some areas.

Trail maps are available at the Calaveras Ranger Station. A downloadable map is available on this website. Please note the file is large and may take some time to open.

The map shows routes described below:

Groomed OSV Routes

1. Bear Valley Trail: 1.5 miles of groomed intermediate trail from Lake Alpine SNOPARK to Bear Valley Village.
2. Highway 4: During the winter months, Highway 4 (east of closure gate) is groomed for snowmobile use from the SNOPARK just east of Bear Valley to the top of Ebbetts Pass (approximately 15 miles) and to Highland Lakes. This trail has numerous segments, appropriate for different skill levels from novice to expert. As the trail climbs towards the pass, the views are spectacular. Opportunities exist for expert riders to continue riding on the un-groomed portion of the Highway on the east side of Ebbetts Pass. (Note: The groomed portion of Highway 4 is a multi-user trail, and is heavily used by nordic skiers as well as snowmobilers, particularly in the Lake Alpine region.)
3. Spicer Reservoir Area: This are contains approximately 20 miles of groomed trail appropriate for novice to intermediate riders. The trail begins 1/4 mile from Highway 4 at the Spicer Reservoir Road parking area. The trail descends gradually approximately 2.5 miles to the Stanislaus River, where it crosses a bridge then ascends quickly out of the canyon. From this point, the trail offers a gentle, level ride to a 3-way intersection, 8 miles from the parking lot. Riders may continue on to Union and Utica Reservoirs, Summit and Elephant Rock Lakes, or the Spicer Reservoir Power House. Very experienced riders may continue on the un-groomed route along Slick Rock Road to access Lake Alpine.

Ungroomed OSV Routes

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

• Black Springs Road (7N23)
• Poison Springs Road (6N45)
• Cabbage Patch Road (7N09)

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.

• Board's Crossing Road (5N02)
• Black Springs Road (7N23)
• Poison Springs Road (6N45)

4WD Routes

Under certain conditions, a few hard-surfaced roads on the District are appropriate for over snow use by full-size 4-wheel drive vehicles. Please check with the Calaveras 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 Area. In addition, motor vehicles may not enter areas managed for non-motorized recreation under the Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Direction. An "Ebbett's Pass Winter Recreation Guide," showing OSV and nordic ski routes on the Calaveras Ranger District, is available free upon request.