Easy Off Road 4X4 Trails In Southern California

[@travelingsulls]

Good video, I've been on most those trails. One thing I'd like to add, the cattle in Rattle Snake Canyon are not just free range cattle. They are owned and raised by a great guy named Billy and they are how he feeds his family. So please show respect (as you should anyway) to the live stock. Thank you.

[@faustinoocampo6161]

How can I get to rattle snake what’s an address cant seem to find it .

[@bumfit5491]

Maybe just a small cow? A one seat cover size?

[@edwardhanson3664]

Did a few of these trails in the 1980s in my 79 Ford F-150, 3-on-the-tree.. I lived in Phelan and did the dirt road from there to Lytle Creek Middle Fork a lot.

[@14bolt]

Just bought my first Jeep Rubicon... getting it lifted and modified next month. Then i'm off to explore all these trails... thanks for posting this list.

[@KTMcaptain]

This is the not a rubicon channel. How dare you!

[@jimmarshall3066]

Man oh man ! What a trip! I was born in '61 in Fontana, Ca, aka the I E ❤, ive been all up an down the great state in vehicles, on foot, air and sea! I could live another 5 lifetimes and still not see all of Cali, baby! 😂

[@NayNayNV]

Thank you! I haven't taken my Jeep out in a while and was looking at some trails to dust off my driving. Very nice, very well communicated.

[@Alderoffroad]

Great trails, right...!

[@escomag]

Ok, you have mentioned a trail I have driven. Done both Lyttle and Bradshaw. Bradshaw goes near Wiley well, my favorite campsite in that area. A place to look for geodes is near bye.

[@vicc6744]

Cleghorn is one of our favorites- great fun

[@dennyscales]

Denny Scales .....................will this Cleghorn trail take you all the way up to Arrowhead / Big Bear,.....with a stock jeep ?

[@matthewmartinez716]

Thank you for this great list of trails! I’ll be hitting these trails with the family in our Forrester.

[@anthonydraper1231231]

How’d it go? Is it a stock forester?

[@jeremyglenn1552]

Just did cleghorn road on black Friday and it was a blast! Watched your videos on it. Thanks!

[@jiminoc]

decent for a beginner?

[@randyalbright7212]

Keep these spaces open. Take care and spread it as you go.

[@Crespofutbol]

Thank you very much for this. Can someone overnight camp on these trails?

[@andrewmeyer90]

This is an awesome list of easy courses. I didn’t even know half of these existed. Definitely on my to-do list now!

[@1958PonyBoy]

I have a problem with #1 cleghorn trail. Depending on what kind of weather the area has experienced, certain areas can be severely rutted out and the optional bypasses aren't marked. Unless you've been down the trail before, you can find yourself going down the wrong trail and wind up facing some fairly nasty terrain for a beginner with no option to turn back. I know. it happened to me.

[@saintjames8018]

Did you make it down the nasty trails? I assume?

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

Yup 2 jeeps flipped 2 days ago

[@anthonyzamora3031]

Cleghorn and lytle creek both got rough

[@KEVING1TIME]

Cleghorn Trail was fun.. just got to know which sections are the obsticals vs main road or you'll end up having a heart attack like I did down a few sections hahaha.

[@swoopjunky]

Did Old Dale rd recently. Went up into BLM land great trail after crossing the lake bed. Also really fun leaving JT was Berdoo Canyon from Geology Rd leaving south bound and dumping out on Dillon Rd next to the 10. Informative Radio info 🙏🏻 insights on the new 50V2 would be awesome. Yes reading my manual 😂.

[@joeyau2428]

Thank you! I have more trails to go with my family now.

[@Autophysn]

Great info! Thanks! I will have to check these out....just as soon as I get the CJ7 smogged LOL!

[@Ezrider359]

your making me kinda homesick....lol grew up in the high desert. iv run a lot of these trails subscribed!

[@CityPrepping]

Great info...thanks!

[@Alderoffroad]

Great trails, right...!

[@BrandonSimmons-do6jq]

I was just telling me wife that we need to go into Socal for for trails. We live in Vegas, so, not far. Excellent video, my dude!

[@StrictlyPlinking]

Thanks for posting this! I will bookmark it and refer back. Us noobs need something like this!

[@blacksheepwinder1]

new to off-roading.... thank you very much for making this video🙏

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Welcome 👍

[@xmo552]

@@TheNotaRubicon Do you have any leads for stuff between Pismo and SF Bay?

[@geejoe911]

@@xmo552 Turkey flats

[@terryandteresa]

I highly recommend the upper coyote canyon in the Anza borrego desert state park. 2 wheel drive with a little skill can do it.

[@paulairola7041]

Nice 4x4 trails out here ,also old shacks, old trailers , homesteads , also Houser Geobeds . The roads are Milapitas road ,Skyline Rd. Butterfield trail . A word of caution some roads are all deep sand wash roads .

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Another good (and relatively unknown) trail is heading out of Joshua Tree via Geology Tour Road to Dillon Road. It is a moderate trail except for an S-section in the middle that requires 4WD and decent clearance. We take this path out of J Tree whenever we visit. 2008 JKU, 35s, ARB lockers, Warn, etc.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

"Berdoo Canyon" - one of our favorite trails, that we've made several videos of.. We didnt add it to this list of 'easy' trails because of that one 'bumpy' spot in the middle.

[@christophermichaelson9050]

NotaRubicon Productions just saw your video when I searched KZbin for "Berdoo Canyon Road." We left CA many years ago, so I've been reliving our memories through your videos as of late. Thanks for the videos!

[@Gonz.0]

Can a full size truck make it though that spot ?

[@fishslayersocal9345]

Are utvs allowed on these routes? Appreciate you sharing. 👍🏼

[@GettingBentWithBo]

You know of any easy spots that might have some fishing to be had? Looking to take my family out into nature and love fishing!

[@MattsGarageMiscDIY]

Cool shot at 3:14-3:18 of an old building with CA flag. Would love to check that out!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

That’s the Sunset Mine - a very interesting sight in the desert! More about it and another nearby mine in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXalpVsnsuMaqc

[@giovannibonanno5655]

My 2wd Toyota pickup can do half these trails. I have General Grabber AT2 offroad tires & drove all of Holcomb Valley & Big Bear to San Gorgonio dirt forest roads. Need to air down for sand but i avoid sand, mud & snow now.

[@ramsoncole4605]

I've always wanted to get into off roading..and have recently bought my first Jeep, an '04 TJ...but when I see a trail like Black Bear Pass, it makes me second guess cause i'm not real good with heights. It was really nice to know there are some trails to start off on that aren't quite so extreme :)

[@macshumway9315]

Ramson Cole try the trails in southern Utah , around st.george. It’s the Sand Hollow rec area.

[@paposanchez9521]

@@macshumway9315 by where

[@anthonyvuong]

Extremely informative. More vids like this please!

[@serjkeshish7]

Love this channel one of my favorite man Specila this video

[@davidpugh5826]

Thank you for compiling this list! Rainbow basin is first on my list to try. Do you think I'd have trouble with any of the other roads (Kramer's loop, etc.) in a stock '05 AWD Honda CR-V?

[@BeachballVolleyball]

Thanks so much for making this video! I really want to take advantage of the trails that I can with my Nissan Rogue to hold me over till I can get a truck

[@BeachballVolleyball]

It’s not the stupidest thing in the world to go solo on one of these, right? Simple and busy enough? Going after a Dream here and I don’t wanna do stupid. Safety third.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

None of these would we call “busy”, and virtually all of them have no cell service for all/much of the way. Our credo is never go alone but if you DO go alone make sure you are prepared and able to deal with the worst case scenario.

[@mega-hb4re]

Nice!!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Just what I was looking for👍👍😎🇺🇸

[@joseromero344]

Will be taking my yj to all these this summer!

[@VentureAHighway]

This is awesome and the exact type of off-roading I am looking to do, thank you for sharing! Getting my first Jeep soon!

[@Alderoffroad]

Great trails, right...!

[@artm6723]

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed.

[@owadog]

Great info! Watched the cleghorn video and I can’t wait to tackle all these trails. Keep the videos coming 🤙🏽

[@bumfit5491]

Can you eat the wild cows? Steaks and seat covers?

[@carlosaleman4451]

I own a 2005 2wd Toyota Tundra I lifted it and put some thick tires in it csn I off road any small road in SoCal out here lol?

[@iamapigeyedtraitorthatisin1319]

I’ve never been off roading before and I just got a 2015 Nissan Armada 4x4. Can I go on these trails with it? I mean can it handle them? Sorry if it’s a dumb question but I’m totally new to this.

[@scottluna4249]

Can you do any of this trails on a small SUV like the Tiguan?

[@mithrandir1313]

Great video... I hope to eventually do each one of these!! Thanks again!!

[@ericwilkins4945]

I want to do all of these trails but only have a 2019 Ford F-150, 2WD with an LSD Eaton truetrac in the rear that I upgraded from stock open diff. I’m thinking I can do all of these trails correct?

[@gm4x4]

Good video, good trail list!

[@californiasounddesign3921]

Sooo i have an AWD Rav4 w All Terrain tires but everything else is stock....are these trails suitable for my vehicle still? I'm most concerned with ground clearance. Any info you can provide on these trails or others in southern CA area is appreciated! Thanks!

[@boxingeddy]

Nice job. Can you make one for Northern California please. Thank you

[@Kiss__Kiss]

I totally agree!! One for Norther California/Nevada Mountain region would be Awesome!!!!!

[@escomag]

WELL? Wink, wink nod, nod. Do the Rubicon and include radio.

[@danieldarling1025]

Lots of great intel. However I have some questions; is there a list of easier trails on video or books/maps I should look for? I’ll be traveling NM to Northern Cali. I’m leaving Tx in June, taking NM from S to N and then E to W through to the Grand Canyon. Depending on fire season will determine our trip to N to Eureka via W or E side of the Sierra Rockies. Our travel back will be E on 80 to Cheyenne. A jog N to Mt Rushmore n back again. After there we’ll head S past Denver to Pikes Peak area Fire Fighters Memorial. Once done we’ll travel straight back S to home. Any books or maps fr the easy trail would be great for beginners. I own an F-150 King Ranch 4x4 2013. Thx Ret Disable Vet DC1(SW) DW Darling

[@AlfredoBondigas22]

Just one way ? Can you expect vehicles coming from other directions , especially the narrow spots?

[@gtkiller]

This was a great video as I'm a new comer to the off roading scene. I have a 03 4Runner and was wondering if 2WD would be doable on these trails. Thanks.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You can easily do Rainbow Basin in 2WD.. Cleghorn also, as long as you stay on the main fire-road.. The rest are recommended 4WD only.

[@gtkiller]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thank you very much for replying.

[@davidcastellanos2492]

NotaRubicon Productions can you please make a video or list of 2wd friendly trails assuming people have appropriate tires and suspension

[@highcaliberworkingdogstv6190]

Do you have to complete the whole trail or is it possible to turn back on some?

[@davidwyby]

How about close to San Diego? Lots of folks asking that one.

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

Which ones of these are doable with a Subaru Forester with 8.7" clearance?

[@raulmartinez213]

I have a 2001 Toyota Sequoia two-wheel drive what is the best trail out of the top 10 for me to go and try out and when should I stop on the top 10 I would like to try to do them all if possible?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

For more information and free .GPX file dowloads for the trails, see our website: Cleghorn Trail: www.notarubicon.com/cleghorn-offroad-trail-review-and-information/ Rattlesnake Canyon: www.notarubicon.com/rattlesnake-canyon-4x4-trail-review-free-gps-gpx-file-download/

[@chillingwithmono6710]

Great video do you think a RAV4 awd 2019 will make it

[@TheNotaRubicon]

With the exception of Rainbow Basin and possibly Cleghorn (IF you stay on the main fire-road), none of these trails are recommended for 2WD vehicles.

[@goldspike1]

Are these trails open to side by sides like Razors ? Very cool video and thanks for posting it.

[@exceleratorjoshua]

Surprised Bee Canyon in Hemet isn't on here.

[@177usubi]

I have a bone stock 2002 4Runner 4WD. I'm definitely a rook/novice, which do you recommend for a first go around close to LA/OC county (Family friendly trail would be a plus). By the way, so glad this video was made, thank you. Love the great content and production that went into it.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Nothing near OC county - your public officials have chosen to close off must of our public lands to the public.. The closest would be Cleghorn, but you will have to be SURE to stay ON the fireroad and not venture onto any of the offshoots! Rainbow Basin might be worth the extra 45 minute drive (past cleghorn) .. flatter, and MUCH prettier..

[@antoniotelarroja9356]

Closer to oc there is one called holy Jim very scenic. And there is a hike a few miles in if your into that sort of thing too

[@romanodboyz]

Excellent review

[@cjyeh1]

The video indicated 'any stock Jeep', which Jeep is it referring to? All I see is Wranglers. I have a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X 4x4.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We were referring to any stock, 4x4 Jeep, so your Grand Cherokee Jeep would do fine.. However take note that since this video was recorded, the Phillips Loop trail has become very rutted and difficult, so we would not recommend that trail unless you have a lot of 4x4 driving experience.

[@methemonkeyking]

Thanks for the video. Great job.

[@mendozapop]

Do you think a Subaru Impreza premium manage #9, #8, and/or #6?

[@roadscountryforets]

DISFRUTA QUE EL TIEMPO VUELA

[@RufiXcon]

AMAAAAZING VIDEOS LIKE ALWAYS MAAAAN 👍👍👍 What are the trails that u could recommend me to do WITH MY 3 INCH FJ CRUISER WITH ONLY THE REAR LOCKERS THATS ALL I HAVE RR DIFF LOCKERS OOH AND I HAVE A 3INCH LIFT AND I HAVE 33'S 75 16INCH TIRES SOO LOL WHICH ONES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ME WITH WHAT I HAVE MAN ????? IN ADVANCE I SEE ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND IM LOOKING FOWARD ON BUYING A JEEP LIKE YOURS MAAN👍👍 to hang out on your TRAIL DRIVING 👌👌👌

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You could do any of these easy trails, no problem..Wait for our list of "moderate/harder" trails - those will give you some challenges!

[@RufiXcon]

NotaRubicon Productions thanx I WILL BE WAITING I HOPE I CAN DO THIS WITH ONLY MY REAR LOCKERS WICH IS WHAT MY TRUCK ONLY HAVE THANX

[@Rbg1542]

I have a BMW X5 all wheel drive. Any on this list I should not do?

[@MaldonadoRobDeb5]

Is this a jeep only club? I have a 2020 4x4 Taco..

[@toddamon6742]

Not a fan of switchbacks (fear of heights) which should be avoided??

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You would want to avoid Cleghorn, Lytle Creek Ridge, and Burns Canyon Road

[@arturocervantes3738]

Would it be safe to take my 2016 Silverado diesel z71 to all these trails? Or you think it’s too heavy too off-road?

[@DH-gp3gp]

Any recommendations for Western parts of Southern California? Angeles Forest or Los Padres?

[@pauldimascho964]

Love the list. Can I go with stock tires on Tundra or def need KO2 type?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

all of these trails (technically "dirt roads") can be done on stock tires with the exception of Phillips Loop, and the "offshoots" at Cleghorn (ie; dont leave the road on Cleghorn).

[@pauldimascho964]

@@TheNotaRubicon Cool. Thanks. Will try my first family offroad one of your list.

[@Ssurge04]

@@TheNotaRubicon hi, I have a Nissan xterra s 2x2 stock, any super easy trails I can go on?

[@kevinbroadway5398]

ever go from sun luis az. to rocky point mexico

[@macariusfreestyle8521]

Some of these look like good moderate prerunner trails. I live in TN, not alot of good prerunning places here, more 4x4 trails than anything else.

[@ifixsmartphone9079]

Which trail would be ok for all wheel drive SUV? I don’t have 4x4 but l’d love to go out there

[@Huguito1212]

Is my stock 2019 chevy Silverado with city tires make it there, its a 4x4 but I've done no mods at all

[@michaelmckay]

When in doubt just air down for stuff like sand.

[@mrkld99]

Can a Stock 2019 Jeep Renegade do these trails? They look fun to drive.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Any 4x4 vehicle should be able to do these trails assuming the driver is skilled enough.

[@nahavandi89]

Hi there and thanks for the video. i have a q. isnt red canyon in nevada las vegas? also wondering which of these places mentioned have wild burros/donkeys. i love to see them. thanks in advanced

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Different Red Canyon.. This one is between Salton Sea and Interstate 10... We've never seen any burros or donkeys on any of these trails but Rattlesnake Canyon often has herds of cows..

[@elizabethpalacio3288]

I just bought a 2020 4runner SR5 premium 4x4. I bought this suv to haul my 3 kids. My son wants to go out on a trail, but I have no experience at all. The most exciting thing I ever did was get stuck in the sand in my Acura TSX. (reason for the 4x4 purchase). So in your experienced opinion, is the main trail on the Cleghorn Trail safe enough for me to get some dirt on my stock suv? Is the trail super busy in June? and are off-roaders friendly and patient with newbies?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

IF you do not go alone and have another vehicle with you, and IF you stay on the main fire-road, you should not run into any problems.. The main Cleghorn road is a very well-trafficked road especially on the weekends, and is wide enough for two vehicles in most areas so the impatient jerks can go around you easily if you're going too slow.

[@TylerSabbag]

Great video, thank you for making it. I have a '77 F-150 4x4 with a 6" lift and 35" all-terrain tires. Do you think it could make it through all of these, or are there any where a full-size truck is too big? What about Kramer's Arch? Hard to tell what sort of clearance that offers. Thanks again!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We would recommend avoiding Phillips Loop/Kramer's Arch in a full sized truck unless you are a skilled 4x4 driver. The rest, should be ok.

[@TylerSabbag]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thank you, I really appreciate the reply.

[@georgebucio8110]

I have a lifted 2014 Tacoma 2WD with KO2 can i go to any of these ?

[@Dritydave]

I have a stock Jeep Liberty (4x4) would it be able to do all for these

[@kazansky22]

Do you know what the dispersed camping rules are around cleg horn trail?

[@xxsocalzfinestxx3487]

Wasn't this video posted a while ago? Either way, keep it up

[@zaq55555555555555555]

XxSocalzFinestxX yeah... i have seen this before.

[@raymondlin6111]

Any of these trails good for someone with 0 /nada off road experience?

[@adriandelcastillo1263]

Own a 2500 Dodge Ram 4x4 a little lifted want to know if theres a dodge truck offload club that adventures these trails?

[@DonyDyno]

I have a Ram 2500 as well. Any luck with off-road clubs?

[@aongch]

Great info! As far as the more local trails to the LA area for day trips, which do you recommend? Is 3N45 scenic enough? How about Lytle Creek, is it open? Nissan Xterra 4x4 lifted 2.5” w skids and sliders. Thx!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Neither Lytle Creek or 3N45 are very scenic most times of the year.. Burns Canyon Rd in the Big Bear area or Rainbow Basin are probably the most scenic.. your Xterra would be find on any of those.

[@Alderoffroad]

Great trails, right...!

[@rosiemedel2444]

Is there an app that I can download that provides the trails info?

[@ian5080]

I have a 2WD 98 Tacoma, but I put a 3 inch lift and some bigger all terrain tires. Do you think I’ll be ok in some of the easier ones? I know I can’t go on most the offshoots off of the main trail but I’m just making sure I’ll be alright for most of it.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Rainbow Basin, Burns Canyon Rd, Lytle Creek Rd, Cajon Bypass are all fairly 2WD friendly as is Cleghorn IF you stay on the main fire-road.

[@nightdrv]

@NotaRubicon Productions: What editing software are you using for the drone work and others?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We do all our editing in Final Cut Pro.

[@rickhjrcj]

I have a full sized truck. Is the truck to big or can it manage the trails, including driving thru the arch?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It is has 4-Wheel drive it should be fine on all of these trails except maybe for Phillips Loop, which has become rougher since we filmed this video.. You probably dont want to try squeezing it through The Arch without bringing a tape-measure ..

[@jimbray264]

Great video can you drive UTV on these trails?

[@HungDuong-ul7rh]

Thank you. This video was very informative. I just bought a used 2007 Lexus GX470 with All Terrain tires. Do you think I can try out these easy trails?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It depends on your driving skill-level.. but, probably.

[@YeepLife]

Hello, do you have a GPX with waypoints i can follow for Rainbow Basin? Would like to get out there tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No, but it’s a well marked road.

[@alexpantoja2042]

Does anyone know if I can take my fully stock 4Runner SR5 premium w part time 4x4????? I’m excite

[@Crgardner90]

Hey! Recently tried the Burns Canyon Trail in my 16' Subaru Outback. The JT forest was beautiful but had to turn around at around mile 8.5 due to boulder clearance issue. Any other trails in this video I'd have trouble with my stock 8.7 inches of clearance?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You should be able to do most of these trails. You might have trouble on Phillips Loop in Calico, but the rest are flat/easy. If you do Cleghorn, remember to stay on the main fire-road.

[@Crgardner90]

Awesome, thanks! Might retry Burns once I get a lift kit and skid plate. Appreciate the advice!

[@davidgeorgiades7308]

Interesting. Wonder if they did some work on the road. We did burns last week and there were no difficult spots.

[@zinzun222bear]

Thanks for the great info. I'm sure someone as asked this but would my stock jeep gladiator sport make it without a problem on most of these trails.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Depending on the driver's skill level it should make it through all of the trails listed here.

[@zinzun222bear]

NotaRubicon Productions thanks.