10 Easy Off-Road Trails You Need to Explore in Southern California

Southern California has a massive amount of public lands that allow off-road enthusiasts the opportunity to explore some spectacular places and over the years we have taken our Jeep Wranglers out to some unbelievable off the grid destination. You don't need a rock crawler to explore the trails in this list. Here is my list of 10 ease 4x4 trails you can easily access and have some great adventures on.
Adventure videos highlighting these trails:
1. Black Mountain Trail • I Can't Believe We Had...
2. Sandstone Canyon • Epic OVERLAND ADVENTUR...
3. Mortero Wash • This Is Why Family Off...
4. Gold Fever • Deep in the Snow - Go...
5. Oriflamme Canyon • Adventure in Oriflamme...
6. Mica Gem Mine • How Far Can I Off-Road...
7. Burns Canyon • First Time Off-Road Ba...
8. Thomas Mountain • First Time Towing Off-...
9. Palomar Mountain • 8 Lessons We’ve Learne...
10. Jasper Trail • Jeep Wrangler Shakedow...
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0:00 Introduction
0:25 BLACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL
1:58 SANDSTONE CANYON TRAIL
3:40 MORTERO WASH
4:56 GOLD FEVER TRAIL
6:07 ORIFLAMME CANYON TRAIL
7:34 MICA GEM MINE TRAIL
9:01 BURNS CANYON TRAIL
10:35 THOMAS MOUNTAIN TRAIL
12:09 PALOMAR DIVIDE TRAIL
13:44 JASPER TRAIL

[@brawnto]

This level of quality is rare. Thank you for taking the time to create such well produced content.

[@dtrn750]

So glad you made this video. I’m just getting into overlanding and my off road experience is very minimal. I’ve been trying to find beginner trails I can explore and gain experience on and you helped out with this. Thank you

[@TrailRecon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrislsx]

Same here I purchased a 98 xj with a 3inch lift and been looking for trails to begin with this winter.

[@sleeks9939]

Let’s all link up! Trying to find some trail buddies lol

[@aldairzapata9314]

Can all these trails be done on a 2wd?

[@edgarsanj]

@@sleeks9939 I’m down

[@ramoneortiz]

Got to say, this is one of my favorite videos. You provide GPS coordinates for those of use from out of state and the fact that they are “easy” is very helpful to those of us that are beginners.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you are able to get the opportunity to explore some o them.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

*** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@benjamindavidson4033]

Thanks! What a wonderful video! Thank you for taking the time to create and share it.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate this and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos! 🙏

[@hughwolfe1176]

Brad great recap of a variety of trails your familiar with…. Thank you for sharing

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timreynolds2935]

Another great video Brad. I really enjoy watching your work! Thanks

[@cmckulka]

Considering a move to San Diego and am loving your content. Thank you fort creating such a useful and entertaining library of content!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you very much and best of luck with your move!

[@matthewlewis-zw3tf]

Great video. I am looking forward to exploring these trails. Thank you!!!❤

[@awalktowardsglory]

Great information! I appreciate the details you share on each trail. I’m looking forward to checking these trails out. ✌🏽❤

[@CorridorCulprit]

Love this video. This will help tons of people get out more easily. Hopefully we can get some more like it for out of state trails!

[@TrailRecon]

I hope so too!

[@vernvartdal6479]

Thanks Brad, I love the thoughtfulness to your community that you put in these videos including safety and rules messages. I would never take a trail because it is easy, or hard. The destination is why I chose the routes, the journey is why I go and This list is completely within that philosophy no matter how experienced, or risk averse your viewers are. Good job. I'm a Texas guy so it may take me a while to do all 10, but I'll be retiring in less than 2 years and plan to be migratory.

[@awalktowardsglory]

Hoping the 2 years go by quick for you. Godspeed on your journey!✌🏽❤

[@daviddyogi8279]

thank you for sharing, these are awesome!!

[@brads.3674]

Thanks! It is nice to see some trails I might be able to do in my stock Subaru...that last one in particular looks like it would be no sweat. Thanks too for mentioning the dispersed camping opportunities. Thanks again and safe travels.

[@wardperozuk2288]

Just what I needed! I like this type of informative video, just enough info to let us do our own homework, but a great place for us to start! Cheers.

[@demisx]

Very helpful. ❤ I don’t like rock climbing, so these trails are exactly for me!

[@stevenpricela]

Thanks for the tips, Brad. So Cal weekends!

[@scotthamilton1794]

Mahalo for creating this! Well made video to introduce off roading beginners like myself!

[@ChargeOverland]

This is great info! Will definitely have to check these out👍

[@Jodywshelton]

I would love to see this for other states! Awesome work every time man!

[@dannnny4]

Really enjoy your videos man!! keep it up. can't wait to explore these trails

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM ME SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@debbieflores5385]

Awesome video! We love having all these trails in our back yard. We have done a few of them, now to make plans to hit them all.

[@djsugarbear6079]

Very cool video and informative. Definitely going to hit some of these trails for a quick get away!

[@nathansanchez8819]

Awesome video !! I know what I’m doing on my day off this weekend

[@robfrasier9412]

Awesome...thanks! We have done 3 of 10.

[@mcsslover1987]

Hey Brad. Thank you so much for all your great videos. I enjoy all of them. One day I hope to get into a 4x4 and do some trail exploring. Would love to have you come up to the Siskiyous/Mt Shasta area some time.

[@Oli.tiene.alitas]

Thank you for the info!! Liked and subscribed! 😍

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Great video!

[@jb6536]

I love all your videos and how you show people what you can do anything whether it’s a easy dirt road or hardcore trail. I use to live in California and miss how easy to find a trail I’m in Idaho now and it not as easy to find easy trails. Plus I recently had to sell my yj and only have my wife’s grand Cherokee L which is no rubicon.

[@garyeitel6850]

Great video. Looking forward to seeing you again at expo East.

[@fernandobarba998]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@TrailRecon]

My pleasure!

[@fernandobarba998]

@@TrailRecon airing down needed?

[@joelopez1286]

Brad it was a pleasure running into you guys on the trail. Went there after watching one of you previous videos. Keep up the good work we appreciate you guys

[@avnerbraverman5608]

Awesome video. Already planning how to hit these trails

[@toddshook1765]

Also, getting a sense of trail ratings. Some say Easy, Easy 2, etc then moderate and so forth. This video helped get an idea of the ratings,

[@MrSammyk98]

Keep up the great work.

[@youaskedforit7973]

It would be very helpful to show what cars and clearance you recommend on each trail. Ppl might get the wrong idea and take their daily sedan or minivan and get stuck

[@FBCTrona]

Brad thank you for making this video. Wish you would’ve included coyote flats. That is my absolute favorite trail that you turned us onto. I was so excited about going and we got on the road, arrived to coyote Flats and Of all things ran into you. Still have the sticker on my jeep that you gave me. Love your videos thank you for all the time and effort you put into these they are a blessing to me and my family

[@TrailRecon]

Coyote Flats is great trail but I’d rank it as more moderate which is why it didn’t make this list. Glad to hear you still have your sticker! That’s pretty cool. Thank you so much for watching the channel and your kind words. Safe travels!

[@snapsbymeli]

Thank you so much

[@Simplelifehappyadventures]

coming to this area with my family for the first time this xmas all the way from Canada! this video has been super helpful! Thanks!!

[@nathanielguthrie4620]

WeIl done! I’ve run several of these and they are great trails for easier efforts. In the SoCal area I also like Rattlesnake Canyon and Old Dale Road in JTNP.

[@gearlist]

Good list Brad!

[@peteacevedo3411]

Great job Brad all those trails were awesome.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks 👍

[@charleshicks3492]

Great information and a good list; now you need to do a list of difficult trails.😎😎😎👍👍👌

[@TrailRecon]

Working on it!

[@billcumbie2620]

I just rewatched this video. I love it. It is a really good summary guide for visiting the area. We are planning to go visit some of these this winter. Thanks for providing such a nice resource.

[@TrailRecon]

Happy to help and hope you have a great time there!

[@Handle4477]

Nice to see the mellow yellow out on the trails.

[@user-sg7rl4ez2q]

You are great adventurer!!

[@juanzuniga5976]

great video, I'm going to have to try some of these trails. just got me a JT and need some beginner trails.

[@MrJohney]

awesome set of trails 👍. thomas mountain was one of my favorites i went on camping trips there when i was in the boy scouts

[@TrailRecon]

There are a few hidden gem camping sites up there, love that place!

[@jeffreybischof315]

Love those trails. I remember back in the 1970’s during training I did trails in a 1970 K5 blazer with 35’s

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM ME SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@Colorado392family]

This was a great video, Brad! 🤘🏻

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chriscapezza3264]

My favorite to bring people who are thinking about getting into off roading is the Nate Harrison Grade at Palomar Mountain. It's about 8 miles and drops you off by the fire ranger lookout for some great views of Southern California from LA to Mexico. If they are enjoying the trip, you can take Palomar divide back down and make it to Julian for lunch and pie before heading back

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM ME SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@dnape420]

Great video sir! You should do a Northern California one too! Thank you

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Great narration.

[@brunnie]

Love the idea of quick trail reviews of easy trails. Makes planning trips a bit easier... or maybe a bit harder since there are so many.... but anyway something to look forward to. Thanks... and until next time... Travel Safe.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Nice recap of your previous KZbin videos. Great way to remind viewers of those trails. This style would be a nice way to prerecord episodes highlighting the years videos to upload at the end of the year when family time is a high priority during the holidays. Great work.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@aaronfuentes5919]

Video giving me an itch for adventure.

[@erice6416]

There’s plenty more you can add too! The ones by Lytle Creek, Cleghorn, Skyline Drive, City Creek and plenty more! Definitely going to go to some of these!

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@Jnez32]

Wow great video idea! Your top 10 hard trails would be amazing, maybe next? Awesome vid as always

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! A hard trail video may be something down the road.

[@Steven-zx7uo]

Another great video! Would love your difficulty score on these.

[@erikbasil2787]

Very well done, an excellent list. One thing, friend: It's "Baldwin Lake", rather than Lake Baldwin. 😉

[@21dieselrubicon]

Great list, thanks Brad and Regina! I think we will hit black Mtn today.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@DanFalandys-lt9mw]

Thanks Brad,I can't wait to get out to the Anza Berego and wheel down to see the mud caves it looks awesome I really enjoyed your segment on that one. I am not an advanced wheeler and I'm always looking for new adventures that won't be too extreme for me..greatly appreciated

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Fishcreek Wash (where the wind caves are) and Sandstone Canyon are perfect for beginners. Nice easy trails with plenty of scenic views.

[@starbucks10v3r]

Beginner info is hard to find, this was great!

[@terrain4x4adventures]

Excellent video! Now I have 10 things to do!😂

[@TrailRecon]

Adventure videos highlighting these trails: 1. Black Mountain Trail kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppialHieoLCnqdk 2. Sandstone Canyon kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpbZYXqbr7x_j6s 3. Mortero Wash kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn_KhYqBYt2prKM 4. Gold Fever kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp-qhaGQaMt9l9E 5. Oriflamme Canyon kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn6Qf2h3q52CrK8 6. Mica Gem Mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqOxpZSBeL-gbdU 7. Burns Canyon kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGa0pYR7acl-nZo 8. Thomas Mountain kzbin.info/www/bejne/ambaeYaQi69gbMU 9. Palomar Mountain kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIGwmJ2Ar5hnmqM 10. Jasper Trail kzbin.info/www/bejne/mF7HkqiwmKeGmpY

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

what an awesome video Brad! Such great suggestions. We almost moved to Idyllwild in 2017 and I was so looking forward to check Black Mountain trail out in person. Still in Oregon ;-)

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@reyflores4606]

Brad thanks for the easier trails guide. My truck is also my daily driver. I can't beat it up too much.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

** BEWARE TELEGRAM ME SCAM **** The second post is NOT Brad but uses his TR moniker OFFERS LIKE BELOW ARE SCAM _ DO NOT FALL FOR THE TELEGRAM ME SCAM. **** I attempted to do this from another offer on a sister channel and they started to mine my CONTACTS when I signed up for Telegram. Deleted all immed, scary stuff

[@fdoepke]

Great Video. I wish you could share something like this for Northern California.

[@mithrandir1313]

Awesome... I live in HD... Big Bear trail looks like a nearby option!! Thanks!

[@AdventureAwaits4u]

Great video title and I hope to see you out on the trail sometime. #AdventureAwaits

[@OMGAS]

8 out of 10!

[@tomassanesson902]

So awesome beautiful 👍🤘❤

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much 😀

[@toddshook1765]

Thanks for sharing the easy beginner trails. Followed your advice on a previous video about GPS and maps of trails by looking online at these type trails. Don’t really want to get to rock crawling type trails( yet) but want a good place to start since I live in high desert just north of Wrightwood. Thanks

[@afifthofjackgaming]

lol I need this for michigan... that would be amazing

[@joshuacooper446]

This is a great vid. Can you please do a medium difficulty trails next.Thanks

[@Benmendoza1]

Don’t forget all the socal (mainly Orange County) high schoolers favorite trail: Saddleback lol. It’s pretty easy even the right 2wd truck or vehicle can make it up. It’s just go up and come back down or take one of the other trails that’s up there to Corona.

[@Benmendoza1]

The road itself is called Maple Springs Truck Trail, it’s Silverado Canyon Road which turns into Maple Springs Trail

[@TravelWeekend]

Super

[@icepicktaco]

Masters chief I converted my navy sea bag into a budget trasharoo works great

[@mini2nut67]

Another superb video. Brad, any issues since owning your Wrangler 392?

[@avavanpelt926]

Thank you for this video! Ill research more soon! I drive a Toyota Tundra 4x4 that has been raised and has some sick tires. I dont wanna keep my sweet truck pretty and clean. I want to use it what it was built for. Camping, hauling, and off roading!

[@avavanpelt926]

Ive already been having fun driving through some mud and massive puddles with it. I want more and its only been 3 days of owning a truck.

[@corksauve4949]

Will definitely travel from Tucson to check some of these trails out. The Mica Gem mine is on our way to San Diego, we've gone rockhounding near there (closer to the Coyote's flying saucer retrieval and repair). Do you ever have to worry about flash floods in the sandstone canyon tail?

[@YOMPoutdoors]

You gotta come out to the Indian reservations in so cal some time! Have some dope trails not open to public 🙌

[@dstephan34]

Just picked up a Rubicon 4xe, but that last one looks like we could take the Tesla. We took the Tesla on the Mortero Wash trail, but had to turn around just before hitting China Camp. We'll be able to keep going now with the Rubicon, maybe go hit up the Piedras Grandes hike and see the cave paintings.

[@VegamiteQQ]

Would love too see a video with trails north of LA

[@jaym3934]

Thanks for sharing these locations. I have a four wheel drive Silverado Z71, which isn't as nimble as your Jeep. Would these trails still be a good choice for me? An honest assessment would make me a novice/moderate skillset looking for fun day trips.

[@ashutoshsorab429]

@TrailRocon, loved the list. When you refer to something as easy trail. Do we need a35inch off road tires all the time or can we get it done with a 20 inch AS tires? I am only asking these for trails that are marked easy... Thank you!

[@steviehernandez158]

Loved your vid and your 10 recommended trails. Your voice fits the topics , too ! From what I saw, do you think a 2WD lift Tacoma can handle any of these trails ? Thank you again for a great vid and new subscriber !😊

[@JeffCanyon]

Hey Brad, love your videos….. In thinking I love the overview of these offroad trails, but what if you wanted to take your Power Wagon which is a full-size truck. Your reviews were taken driving a Jeep. I have a F250 and you also have a camper on a Power Wagon it would nice to know if a full-size truck can navigate these trails. Keep up the great work and keep those videos coming…..

[@TrailRecon]

Will try to make mention of that going forward. Thanks!

[@e.c.8668]

About to take my kiddo and nephew out to Oriflamme. I think that trail is a little closer than Palomar (which you say is the closest to San Diego). But it always depends on where in San Diego you are. Black Mountain is probably the absolute closes to down town.

[@ahsnap9103]

Ah, Thomas mountain was one of my favorites when I lived in the area. Not all that easy with a foot or two of snow on the ground.

[@briandbaier1469]

Great job! I’m assuming my 2wd Tacoma with A/T tires would be ok on these easy trails?

[@gokuspride7440]

Jaw bone canyon is an amazing trail starting about 1,500 miles about sea level and elevating to around 9,000 miles above sea level it has amazing views the higher you go beautiful wild life growth you go up and around the sequoia national forest mountain and back down end up at lake Isabella were you can relax swim and if you are luck and can find it some pretty cool little hot springs the trail is about 3-4 hours long but if you take your time and enjoy the scenery it is ez 5 hour+ i highly recommend it its a very ez trail but beautiful nonetheless

[@TrailRecon]

I'm going to have to give that trail a closure look, thanks for sharing!

[@HammerHed13]

Agreed, this trail is a gem, although pretty long, at almost 50 miles to Isabella from the historic Jawbone Canyon Store. We've done it in a day, but prefer to make a weekend out of it, camping in the forest or down at the lake .

[@ahsnap9103]

Used to camp in jawbone canyon in the 60's when I was a kid, awesome place and good memories.

[@joecanis484]

I am in orbit over this one. 😁

[@TheMachoGabacho]

This is one of my favorite Trail Recon videos! Which of these trails would be ok to do with a 2WD Jeep XJ? I keep thinking of converting it to 4WD, but I just never seen to find the time. Work gets in the way of my adventures!

[@Gothic1Actual]

Hi Brad. Do you know of any easy trails in Central Coast California. I live near Santa Maria. Thanks

[@Slaxsvo]

What an awesome video. I echo what @brawnto said. Thank you so much. Liked and subscribed!

[@hotshtsr20]

Sadly, Sandstone Canyon has been closed at the first obstacle. Loved running up that canyon…

[@castlefreak80]

Hi. Thanks again for another amazing and informative video. I’ve been itching to go disperse camping and graduate from controlled, recreational camp grounds. Ever since I saw your Thomas Mountain video, I’ve saved it on my maps and I’ve been wanting to go. I know the description said “easy trails.” However, I’ve never been on a trail. I have a 2019 Jeep JLU, and aside from my camping gears attached on the it, the Jeep is stock. Would you still recommend Thomas Mountain to be my first adventure, or do you have another for someone like me who’s never been on a trail? Thank you for your time Brad. Hope you and your family have a great holiday weekend.

[@TrailRecon]

Thomas Mountain is a great first trail to explore. You'll be just fine on all of these trails in a 19 stock JLU!

[@castlefreak80]

@@TrailRecon thank you. That just gave me the biggest confirmation that I need. My fear is gone!

[@chillis28]

👍👍

[@redliz89]

Any trails you recommend towards lancaster/palmdale area?

[@markmcgonigle1982]

Can we get a list of intermediate trails as well? Almost done with this list and ready for something a little more challenging.

[@MrCrayonkid]

Hi How bout trails for trailers only. But hard enough to have fun but not get in trouble. Thank you. Keith P