Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Mi-Wok Ranger District

Off-Highway Vehicles

Within the following use areas, roads and/or trails are marked for easier OHV use. Trail maps are available at the Mi-Wok Ranger Station or in map boxes at riding area kiosks.

These three riding areas offer a variety of terrain and vegetation from brush fields and rock to dense forest and open grasslands. Operator difficulty ranges from beginner routes on forest roads to most difficult on numerous trails. Opportunities exist for motorcycles, ATVs, and four-wheel drives.

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.

CRANDALL

A popular motorcycle riding area with 40 miles of signed trails and 140 miles of road open to OHV use extending from north of Crandall Peak to the Deer Creek area northwest of Highway 108. The riding area ranges in elevation of 3500 feet at Deer Creek to 5500 feet at Crandall Peak. Four-wheel drive and ATV trails are limited, but use is allowed on the 140 miles of road. A camping area located at Crandall Peak near Spring Gap off Forest Roads 4N01 and 4N88, accesses these routes and offers dispersed camping and vehicle parking/off loading with restrooms, but no other services or potable water is available. Trails in the Crandall Peak area are usually closed in the winter due to snow blocking access. Four-wheel drive and ATV trails are limited in the riding area, but use is allowed on the 140 miles of road.

HULL CREEK

The Hull and Trout Creek area southeast of Long Barn is a popular area for ATV and four-wheel drive users to operate with 20 miles of signed trails and 100 miles of roads open to OHV use. Unlike the Crandall and Deer Creek area, few single-track motorcycle trails currently exist. The riding area ranges in elevation of 4500 feet near Long Barn to 7600 feet at Bourland Mountain. The riding area is closed during the winter due to snow blocking access. Hull Creek campground is nearby with 19 units, restrooms, and drinking water. Adjacent areas offer no-service, dispersed camping opportunities.

HUNTER CREEK

The Hunter Creek area east of Tuolumne City on the south end of the district offers 100 miles of roads open to OHV use. Future site specific analysis may result in trail opportunities being developed. The riding area ranges in elevation of 2500 feet at Hunter Creek to 5800 feet at Duckwall Mountain. The riding area is open all year, but access on some roads may be blocked due to snow in winter months. River Ranch Campground off Cottonwood Road offers full service camping facilities near the riding area. The campground is open March 1- November 30. OHV use is not permitted within the campground or on Cottonwood Road. Adjacent areas offer no-service, dispersed camping opportunities.

OHV ROUTE USE AND SAFETY

Even though roads and trails are open all year in two of the riding areas, 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). While operating on OHV routes, avoid excessive wheel spins while attempting hill climbs or traveling over waterbars. Please restrict use during periods of wet or muddy soil conditions to reduce damage to the route surface. Trees, rocks, and other debris may pose a hazard and restrict easy access on roads and trails.

Gates:

• Within the riding areas, gated roads may be open to OHV use.
• Gated roads open to OHVs will have a sign posted stating the route is open and what type of vehicle use is allowed beyond the gate closure.
• If no sign is posted, the road is closed to all vehicles including OHVs.