Where to Ride Electric Dirt Bikes in California + Local Regulations and Trails

Beginner-Friendly Trails (Easy Terrain)

These trails are suitable for novice riders, with generally easy terrain (fire roads, gentle trails) and minimal technical obstacles. They are great for getting comfortable with your electric dirt bike. Always ride within your ability, even on easy trails, as conditions can change.

• Margarita Peak Truck Trail (Beginner) – Near Orange County (~1 hour): This is a 9-mile dirt fire road leading up to Margarita Peak, located in the southern Santa Ana Mountains on the border of Orange and Riverside County. The trail starts from the end of Tenaja Road near Murrieta. It climbs gradually through chaparral and offers sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding hills at the summit (elevation ~3,189 ft). Terrain is mostly hard-packed dirt with some ruts – generally easy for any high-clearance vehicle or dirt bike. In fact, “any vehicle with decent clearance can make it” to the top, which means it’s very beginner-friendly on a bike.
  Legality: This is an official Forest Service road (8S01) in Cleveland National Forest. Street-legal vehicles are allowed. Gray area for OHVs: Technically, because it’s a forest road open to trucks, you’re supposed to have a street-legal bike. That said, riders on Green Sticker dirt bikes have been known to do this trail quietly on weekdays. If you take an unlicensed electric dirt bike here, do so discreetly and yield to any trucks/4x4s.
  Parking: You can park off Tenaja Truck Trail (there’s a gate where the dirt road begins) and unload.
  Best time: Fall through spring. Summer can be very hot (little shade), and after heavy winter rains the road can have washouts (check forest closures if any). This trail is a hidden gem for beginners due to its scenic payoff with relatively minimal effort. It’s usually lightly trafficked – you might see a few Jeeps or hikers, but often you’ll have it to yourself.

Santiago Peak via Holy Jim Trail and Main Divide Road

• Main Divide Truck Trail to Santiago Peak (Beginner, but Street-Legal required) – Near Orange County (~1 hour): The Main Divide is the long ridgeline trail running across the Santa Ana Mountains, reaching Santiago Peak (5,689 ft, the highest point in Orange County). It’s basically a network of dirt truck trails (fire roads) that are technically easy in terrain – suitable for stock SUVs and thus beginner riders. Key segments include Maple Springs Road (3S04) up from Silverado Canyon and North Main Divide Road across the ridge. Riding up to Santiago Peak provides incredible 360° views from the ocean to the Inland Empire. However, this route is only legal for street-licensed vehicles. The Forest Service considers these “roads” open to highway vehicles (and they are well-traveled by 4x4s).
  Gray Area: Many dual-sport motorcyclists ride here, but if you take a purely off-road electric bike (no plate) on Main Divide, you are technically violating forest regulations. Rangers do patrol and have issued tickets in the past to unlicensed bikes. If you have a plated dual-sport e.g. an electric dual-sport with plates, you’re fine. Otherwise, attempt it at your own risk.
  Terrain: Graded dirt, some rocky sections, but overall easy to ride (rated 2–3 out of 10 in difficulty). Beginners can handle the ride; the challenge is more endurance (it’s a long climb) and exposure (steep drop-offs at the side in some spots). Parking: If unplated, you could truck your bike up Maple Springs Road as far as the public can go (to the gate) and maybe quietly ride from there – not exactly legal, but some do. Otherwise, best done with a plated bike from Silverado Canyon or Bedford Road.
  Best time: Summer nights or cooler seasons – it can be done year-round. In winter, upper sections occasionally close due to snow/mud. Note: Because this is a semi-gray area for non-street-legal bikes, it’s not very crowded – that aspect makes it a “hidden gem.” Just be very courteous to any hikers, mountain bikers, or vehicles, as illegal OHV use can lead to complaints.

Baldy Mesa Peak

Trestles at Baldy Mesa

Phot
Photo by Mike Roe

• Baldy Mesa OHV Trails (Beginner) – Near San Fernando Valley (~1–1.5 hours): Baldy Mesa is an open riding area in the foothills north of the Cajon Pass (technically in San Bernardino National Forest). It’s accessed from the Baldy Mesa Staging Area off Highway 138 near Phelan. This area features a web of easy, rolling trails and dirt roads through high desert scrub. Elevation is around 3,500–4,000 ft. The trails are mostly flat or gently hilly, with moderate elevation changes and loose sand in places, but no big rocks or technical obstacles on the main routes. It’s known for ridge-top trails with great views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Many trails follow old forest roads or ridge lines and are marked and rated for difficulty – the majority being beginner-friendly. For example, Forest Road 3N21 from the staging area is designated for green-sticker OHVs and is an easy ride suitable for kids and novice riders (just watch out for occasional 4x4 traffic). Legality: Fully legal – this is a designated OHV riding area in the National Forest. Green Sticker vehicles are allowed on the OHV routes here (some parallel routes are for street vehicles only, but they’re clearly marked). Parking: Baldy Mesa OHV Staging Area (aka “Trestles”) has a large dirt parking lot, vault toilets, picnic tables, and information boards. It’s free to use (Adventure Pass may be required for parking, check signage). Best time: Fall, winter, spring. Summers can be very hot and dusty midday, though mornings and evenings are still usable. Avoid after heavy rain as the clay can get sticky. This area is a hidden gem in that many LA riders overlook it in favor of bigger parks – but it’s much closer to the city and seldom crowded. It’s especially good for beginners to practice throttle control on easy terrain and for electric bike riders to enjoy a quiet ride (the area is quiet mid-week, with just occasional ATV or side-by-side traffic).

• Pinnacles OHV Beginner Loop (Beginner) – Near San Fernando Valley (~2 hours): The Pinnacles OHV Area near Lake Arrowhead has a mix of trails for all levels. Notably, it features a short Beginner Loop (Forest Trail 3W09) that is explicitly designed for novice riders. This loop is a fairly flat, meandering trail near the staging area, perfect for getting used to off-road riding. It winds through pines and manzanita at about 5,500 ft elevation. The soil is soft loam and decomposed granite – good traction and not much in the way of obstacles. New riders can practice turns and mild ups/downs without fear of big rocks or drop-offs.
  Legality: Fully legal – the entire Pinnacles OHV system is designated for OHVs. Parking: Pinnacles Staging Area off Highway 173 (north of Arrowhead) has vault toilets, picnic tables, and free parking (Adventure Pass required). Unload your bike there; the Beginner Loop trailhead starts nearby (check the info board map).
  Best time: Late spring through fall. In winter, this area can get snow, which might close the trails. Summer is great up here because it’s cooler in the mountains. Try weekdays or early mornings on weekends for fewer people. As a hidden gem, Pinnacles is somewhat known, but many off-roaders bypass the Beginner Loop for more challenging trails – meaning beginners often have it mostly to themselves. It’s a confidence-building trail in a lovely forest setting.

Intermediate Trails (Moderate Difficulty)

Intermediate trails involve some combination of rougher terrain, greater length, or specific challenges like steeper hills, ruts, rocks, or sand. They are best for riders with some experience who are comfortable handling the bike in varied conditions. Electric dirt bikes often excel on these trails thanks to their torque and smooth power.

Wildomar OHV Area (Easy to Difficult trails, mostly Intermediate) – Near Orange County (~1 hour)

Address: Los Alamos Truck Trail, Murrieta, CA 92562

Wildomar Trails

Wildomar OHV is a little-known gem tucked in the Santa Ana Mountains, just over Orange County’s border in Riverside County. It’s the only official OHV area in the OC/Riverside area, yet many local riders don’t know about it because it’s relatively small (315 acres) and somewhat hidden off South Main Divide Road. Wildomar offers about 8 miles of trails ranging from easy meandering routes to very challenging hill climbs. Most trails here fall in the moderate category – narrow single-track and 4x4 trails with loose dirt, some rocks, and ruts on hills. The signature challenge is “Bloody Jersey Hill”, a steep, technical climb with rock ledges and slippery sand, rated most difficult. But aside from that one, the majority of trails are fine for intermediate riders on a light electric dirt bike. You’ll encounter trails like Crowned, Diamondback, Sidewinder, etc., which wind through scrub brush and oak trees with moderate grades. Elevation is around 2,000–2,500 ft.
Legality: Fully legal – this is a designated OHV area in Cleveland National Forest.
Parking: Wildomar OHV Staging Area (Los Alamos Truck Trail) has a dirt parking lot, info kiosk, and vault toilets. An Adventure Pass or $5 day fee is required. There’s even a small campground adjacent if you want to make a weekend of it (first-come sites, no water except a well pump)outdoorsocal.comoutdoorsocal.com.
Terrain & Tips: Trails are mostly hardpack with loose topsoil. After rain, traction improves but watch for puddles. The area is on a hillside “bowl,” so you generally loop down then back up to the staging. Electric bikes will handle the short, steep climbs well (torque!), but be mindful of range – it’s a compact area, though, so range anxiety is minimal.
Best time: October through May. Summers get very hot (and there’s no ocean breeze this far inland). It can also be dusty in dry months, but electric bikes won’t add to the dust much since they have no exhaust. Weekends see some usage by locals, but it’s never as busy as bigger OHV parks – making it a true hidden gem for SoCal riders looking for a quick afternoon dirt session. Wildomar is essential for Orange County riders since it’s so close and offers a legal place to ride off-road.

Rowher Flats OHV Area (Easy to Advanced trails, many Intermediate loops) – Near West LA (~1 hour) / San Fernando Valley (~45 minutes)

Address: Santa Clarita, CA 91390 or 13845 Rowher Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390 on google maps

Rowher Flats is a classic riding area in the hills north of Santa Clarita (off Sierra Highway). It’s fairly well-known among dirt bikers but far less crowded than major SVRAs, and many casual riders in LA haven’t been there, so we’ll include it as a “gem.” Rowher offers 60+ miles of trails from smooth fire roads to gnarly hill climbs. For intermediate riders, Rowher is paradise: you can string together loops that are challenging but not insane. Examples: The Rowher Trail (3N24) and Lookout Trail climb from the staging area to ridgelines with moderate steepness and occasional ruts – doable with a bit of momentum. The East Walker Canyon Loop is another moderate route with some rocky sections. Elevation ranges ~2,500 ft at the base to ~4,000+ ft on the ridges, with great views of the high desert.
Legality: This is in Angeles National Forest and is a designated OHV riding area (no license plate needed). Green or Red sticker bikes permitted year-round (recently, red-sticker seasonal restrictions lifted as of 2025)uslegalforms.comuslegalforms.com. You must have proof of registration and an approved spark arrestor – the park staff does random checks at the main entrance or on trails.
Parking: Two main staging areas: Rowher Flats Main (with vault toilets and map boards) and Texas Canyon Staging (further up, smaller area). No fee to park; an Adventure Pass is not required specifically at Rowher (it’s free use). Plenty of space for trucks/trailers.
Terrain: Mixture of hardpack and loose sand/dirt. In summer it can be very dry and slippery on climbs. Intermediate riders will enjoy trails rated blue square here – e.g., Fall Trail or Pipeline – which have manageable challenges. There are also a few motocross-style play areas and hill climb sections where you can test yourself (some hills are advanced – watch or try if you feel lucky).
Best time: Fall through spring. Late spring brings wildflowers and mild weather. Summer gets hot (100°F days), so ride early morning or evening – fortunately electric bikes have no engine overheating issues, but heat can drain you and the battery faster.
Hidden gem factor: While known to the OHV community, Rowher is far less publicized than places like Hungry Valley. Mid-week, you might only see a couple other riders – you’ll have the trails largely to yourself. It’s within an hour’s drive of much of LA, yet many people don’t realize such a comprehensive OHV trail system is right there in Santa Clarita’s backyard.

San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area (Intermediate to Advanced) – Near West LA (~1 hour): Commonly called “Azusa Canyon,” this is a unique OHV riding zone in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Azusa.

Address: State Rte 39, Azusa, CA 91702 or 15200 San Gabriel Canyon Rd, Azusa, CA 91702 on google maps

It’s essentially a 160-acre open riding area in a riverbed. Here you won’t find long marked trails; instead, you get a large playground of sand, mud, water crossings, and hill climbs on the river banks. For intermediate riders, the terrain offers a mix: you can stay on relatively flat sandy washes and shallow stream crossings (fun and not too hard), or you can tackle steeper off-shoot trails and hills that range into advanced territory. The area even has a man-made obstacle course with concrete tubes, logs, and rocks to practice on. Electric dirt bikes do well in Azusa’s riverbed because there’s plenty of torque for sand and they handle water better (no air intake to worry about). Legality: This is an official OHV area managed by the Forest Service. It’s open only on weekends (Sat & Sun, 8am-4pm) and requires a permit: currently ~$8 via Recreation.gov reservation. Green Sticker vehicles are allowed; they will check that your bike has current OHV registration and a spark arrestor at the entry gate. Rangers also do a brief vehicle inspection (mainly for safety gear and no alcohol). Parking: There is a large paved staging area at the entrance with bathrooms and water. You offload there and ride down into the river wash. Note that on busy weekends, the area can reach capacity – hence the reservation system. Terrain details: The “easy” part is the broad sandy river bottom – good for beginners/intermediates to cruise and practice sliding in sand. The San Gabriel River flows through it; in spring you might get knee-deep crossings (fun splashes). Intermediate riders can handle these, but be cautious of hidden rocks in water. The west side has various dirt hill climbs. Some are short and steep (almost vertical – advanced only), but others have moderate slopes where an intermediate rider can challenge themselves. Because it’s open terrain, you can choose your own adventure – see a hill you like, give it a go. Just watch for other vehicles (4x4 trucks frequent the area too). Best time: Late fall through spring, when the water level is manageable and weather is cool. Summer is hot and the water mostly dried (just soft deep sand everywhere, which is harder to ride in). Also in wet winters the area may close due to high water, so check the Angeles National Forest alerts. Why it’s a gem: It’s one of the few open OHV areas close to LA – only ~40 miles from downtown. Yet, many people (even some off-road riders) haven’t been there or assume it’s only for trucks. On an electric dirt bike, it’s a blast to silently zip around the riverbed. Mid-summer it’s quieter (few people want to roast in the sun), so an evening ride or early morning then is pure freedom in the canyon. Just remember it closes by late afternoon and you must be out by 4:30pm.

• Hungry Valley SVRA – Hidden Corners (Intermediate) – Near San Fernando Valley (~1.5 hours): Hungry Valley is not exactly “hidden” – it’s one of California’s largest SVRAs (State Vehicular Recreation Areas) – but within its 19,000 acres are lesser-known trails and corners that feel secret. For intermediate riders, some of the best riding is on the eastern side of the park in trails that many casual visitors skip. For example, the Sterling Canyon Trail and Oak Flat Loop on the east end offer moderate single-track through rolling hills and oak trees that see light use. They’re marked as intermediate and have some rocky sections and switchbacks – enough to be fun but not extreme. The park also has a network of trails in the Grapevine hills (north end) where you can link ridge routes with scenic overlooks; again, intermediate difficulty with occasional ruts or steep bits, but nothing a competent rider can’t handle.
  Legality: Hungry Valley is fully legal (managed by CA State Parks). Green Sticker bikes are allowed year-round (and as of Jan 2025, red-sticker bikes from older model years are now allowed year-round too)dmv.ca.gov.
  Parking: Multiple campgrounds and staging areas exist. To explore hidden spots, it’s best to park deep in the park (e.g. Smith Forks campground or Circle Canyon) to start closer to the lesser-used trails, rather than at the busy south entrance. A day-use fee ($5 per vehicle) is required at entry. Terrain: Varied – from wide hard-packed roads to narrow sandy trails. Intermediate riders should be cautious of trail ratings in the park: green circle (easy), blue square (intermediate), black diamond (expert). Stick to green or blue trails if you don’t want surprises like “Widowmaker” hill (which is experts-only). Conditions can include whoops, loose shale, and mild rock gardens. Elevation is 3,000–6,000 ft; higher trails (e.g. Tejon Trail) have cooler temps and even some pine trees.
  Best time: Fall through spring. Summers are very hot (100°F+) and dusty, though mornings are doable. On weekdays the park can be nearly empty – you might not see another rider for hours in the back areas, which is amazing given its size. Hidden factors: Because Hungry Valley is well known, you have to seek out the quiet trails. Avoid the popular practice tracks and main roads; instead explore the perimeter. One hidden gem is the old Ridge Route that borders the park – it’s an interesting historic roadbed that you can ride as part of a loop, offering solitude and a sense of history. Electric bikes are great here because you won’t disturb wildlife or other campers as much – you can often spot pronghorn antelope or coyotes in the remote valleys if you ride quietly.

• Pinnacles OHV – Intermediate Trails (Intermediate) – Near San Fernando Valley (~2 hours):
  
  Returning to Pinnacles OHV Area (Lake Arrowhead) – beyond the Beginner Loop, it boasts several intermediate-level trails that many Southern California riders don’t know about. Trails like Devil’s Hole Trail (2W01) and Crab Flats OHV Route connect through scenic canyons and are rated moderate. Devil’s Hole in particular is a neat trail that descends to a creek crossing on Deep Creek. It has some rocky steps and a stream ford – definitely intermediate skill needed – but it’s short in length and rewarding (there’s actually a fishing spot and swimming hole at the bottom). Another trail, 3W33 (White Mountain Trail), offers a challenging climb over sandstone outcrops yet is still considered intermediate. Redonda Ridge (1W17) actually starts here but quickly turns into an advanced trail, so maybe not that one unless you want to push into expert territoryoutdoorsocal.com. Legality: All these are official USFS OHV trails in San Bernardino National Forestoutdoorsocal.comoutdoorsocal.com. The area requires the Adventure Pass for parking and has a seasonal closure for red-sticker bikes (electric bikes are fine year-round since they’d be “green sticker”).
  Parking: Same Pinnacles Staging mentioned earlier. From there, intermediate riders can head out on the Willow Creek Trail or Mill Creek Loop, which are moderate and less used.
  Terrain: Forest single-track and jeep trails with loose rocks, rutted sections, and some narrow shelf sections. Traction is generally good (DG soil), but watch for pine needles or wet patches near creeks.
  Best time: Late spring to fall (snow in winter closes many of these). On a summer weekday, you might not encounter anyone else on Devil’s Hole or similar trails – making it truly feel hidden. These trails are local favorites for experienced riders in the know, but they don’t get the crowds that Big Bear trails get. Just be prepared – in the “gray area” sense that some trails skirt near the Wilderness boundary or closed areas, so stay on the marked route to avoid any legal issues or getting lost. A GPS or map is recommended since these aren’t super well-marked beyond initial trailheads.

Advanced Trails (Expert Terrain)

Advanced trails are for experienced riders who want to test their skills and their machine. These involve steep climbs/descents, large rocks or boulders, deep ruts, very tight single-track, or other difficult conditions. Many of these “hidden” advanced spots are known only to hardcore local riders. Attempt these only if you’re confident in your abilities and your bike’s capabilities (and ideally ride with a buddy for safety).

• “Bloody Jersey” Hill at Wildomar (Advanced Hill Climb) – Near Orange County (~1 hour): Mentioned earlier, the Bloody Jersey Trail at Wildomar OHV deserves its own call-out as an advanced gem. This hill climb is famous locally for its difficulty, yet because Wildomar itself is under-visited, only a small circle of riders have conquered it. It’s a short but extremely steep hill with a mix of loose sand, gravel, and embedded rocks. There are also some rain ruts that can swallow a wheel. 4x4 drivers with heavily modified Jeeps use lockers and winches to get up; for a dirt bike, it requires full commitment, balance, and throttle control. An electric dirt bike might actually have an advantage in not stalling, but you’ll need to manage traction to avoid wheelspin on the loose sections. Many have attempted “Bloody Jersey” and had to turn back or even ghost their bike (let it go) to avoid a tumble. The hill got its name for a reason!
  Legality: It’s inside the Wildomar OHV Area, so it’s legal. Be aware of your surroundings – there’s no alternate easy route down, so once you start, you should finish to the top or carefully pivot around.
  Tips: Walk it first to pick a line. On an e-bike, use a moderate constant torque to avoid digging in. It’s best attempted in winter or spring when the soil has moisture (better traction). Dry summer conditions make it far more slippery. If you make it up, you join a sort of unofficial club of locals who’ve “bled” on Bloody Jersey – it’s a badge of honor and definitely qualifies as a hidden gem for advanced riders, since novices don’t even attempt it.

• *Rowher Flats – Black Diamond Trails (Advanced) – Near West LA (~1 hour) / SFV: Rowher has a couple of notorious black diamond trails that even seasoned riders talk about in hushed tones. One is the Rowher “Steer Clear” Hill, a very steep and whooped out climb visible from the main staging area. Another is Falls Trail (not to be confused with Fall Creek Trail) – it goes up a rocky ridge with large square-edged rock ledges. These trails are marked expert and have warning signs. They are legal and part of the OHV area, but rarely see traffic because of their difficulty. If you’re on an electric bike, you might appreciate not having to feather a clutch on the rock ledges – but you’ll still need excellent balance and possibly a trials-like approach for sections.
  Terrain: Expect loose shale, big rocks (10-18 inches), and near-vertical sections. In a few spots, you’ll be essentially rock-hopping your way up. On “Steer Clear,” deep whoops and ruts add to the challenge – the hill has multiple lines, none easy.
  Best time: Winter or early spring when a bit of rain firms up the dirt. In dry conditions, traction is minimal. Also go early in the day; picking your way through rock gardens is tiring – doing it in 95°F heat is brutal.
  Safety: Go with a partner; these trails are remote enough that if you crash badly, you’d want someone to help. They’re hidden in plain sight at Rowher, but most people are busy on the easier loops, so you likely won’t have witnesses if something happens.

• Redonda Ridge Trail (1W17) – Big Bear Advanced Single Track – Near San Fernando Valley (~2 hours): Redonda Ridge is a somewhat legendary single-track trail in the San Bernardino Mountains, often called one of the toughest legal single-tracks in SoCal outdoorsocal.comoutdoorsocal.com. It runs about 12 miles from the Pinnacles area toward Big Bear. The trail is narrow, with steep drop-offs, large rocks, and sections of very tight switchbacks. It’s an advanced trail not due to any one obstacle, but the sustained difficulty and exposure. On one side you might have a rock wall, on the other a shear drop – so mistakes are costly. Electric dirt bikes, being usually lighter, can be a good choice here if you have the skill, because balancing and lugging through technical bits is easier without stalling. However, Redonda is remote – an electric bike’s range could be a concern (make sure you have enough battery for ~25+ hard miles or a way to charge at Big Bear end).
  Legality: It’s an official OHV trail, marked with 1W17.
  Terrain: High-altitude forest (6,000–7,000 ft) with lots of rocks. You’ll encounter rock gardens, off-camber turns, roots, and possibly fallen logs. There are “escape” bail-outs partway, but once you commit to going through, expect several hours of intense riding.
  Parking/Access: Start either at Pinnacles Staging (Lake Arrowhead side) or Big Bear (at Crab Flats campground area). Many riders stage at Pinnacles, run the trail to Big Bear, then take easier forest roads back (or vice versa).
  Best time: Late spring to early fall (snow can block it in winter/early spring). Summer storms can bring down trees, so check trail conditions. Because it’s so challenging, you’ll rarely find traffic – this is a true hidden gem for expert riders seeking a technical single-track adventure. The trail feels almost like a wilderness enduro course. Do not attempt alone; ideally go with a small group of experienced riders.

• Stoddard Valley OHV – Technical Desert Sections (Advanced) – Near San Fernando Valley (~2 hours): Stoddard Valley (between Victorville and Barstow) is a vast open desert riding area that is relatively underutilized except during organized races. Its “hidden” nature comes from its size – you can find challenging terrain far from the main staging that few people ride. For advanced riders, one gem is the network of rocky canyons on the east side of Stoddard Mountain. These off-shoot canyons have boulder crawls and dry waterfalls that essentially create natural trials sections. There’s no official name – riders just explore and find these sections. You might be riding in a wash and encounter a 4-foot rock ledge followed by a series of larger boulders. Technically it’s all legal (open riding area), but these spots aren’t on any map – true discover-it-yourself gems. Another advanced feature at Stoddard are the sand dunes at the southern end – not huge like Glamis, but big enough bowls to challenge an expert (especially on an underpowered bike). Climbing the tallest dune on an electric dirt bike will test your momentum and traction skills. Legality: Stoddard Valley is open BLM land – ride anywhere within the bounds (watch out for private property signs near the railroad or mining areas). Terrain: Mix of hardpack, soft deep sand, sharp rocks. It’s an unforgiving desert – carry water and tools. Best time: Late fall through early spring. Summer is extremely hot (100°F+ and no shade). After winter rains, the sand is firmer and the rocky sections are slightly easier with damp ground. Navigation: GPS is your friend here. Because it’s open, you could easily get turned around or end up far from your vehicle. It’s best to mark interesting tough spots when you find them, to revisit or show friends later. The remoteness and the fact that casual riders stick to main trails make these advanced sections effectively hidden. Out in Stoddard’s back canyons, you’ll feel like the only person on earth. Just know that help is a long way off if needed – ride accordingly.

• Bonus – “Gray Area” Urban Trails (Advanced/Illegal): It’s worth noting a couple of infamous “secret” trail stashes that are technically illegal, which advanced riders on electric bikes have been known to poach because the bikes are quiet. One example is the network of trails in the Verdugo Mountains above Glendale/Burbank. These are mountain bike/hiking trails where some e-dirt bikers have snuck in early morning rides. The trails themselves (like Hostetter Fire Road or Stough Canyon) aren’t extremely technical, but the stealth aspect and the risk of hefty fines make it effectively an advanced mission. We do NOT encourage illegal trail riding – fines and damage to access relationships aren’t worth itohv.parks.ca.gov. However, it’s mentioned to clarify that some “hidden gems” whispered about (like a secret single-track in such-and-such city park) are often off-limits and being patrolled more due to complaints about e-motorcycles. Advanced riders may be tempted by the challenge of riding where they’re not supposed to, but the recommendation is: channel that urge into exploring legal hard trails in remote areas instead. The thrill will be the same, and you won’t jeopardize access for others or risk legal trouble.

Best Practices for Hidden Trails: When riding these lesser-known spots, always exercise Tread Lightly principles. Stay on existing trails (if legal), respect seasonal closures, and minimize noise (with electrics, you’re already ahead on that). Many “hidden gem” trails persist only because riders are respectful and keep them low-profile. Pack out trash, help maintain trails if you can (e.g. move a branch or rock obstruction rather than braiding a new trail), and be courteous to any other users you encounter. This will ensure these trails remain rideable for years to come.

Finally, here is a summary table of the trails and areas discussed, with their skill level grouping and approximate driving time category from the specified locations:

 

Each of these locations offers a unique riding experience, from the quiet forest single-tracks of the mountains to the open expanses of the desert. With an electric dirt bike, you have the advantage of near-silent operation – opening up possibilities to explore respectfully and enjoy nature without the loud roar of a gasoline engine. Always double-check current conditions and regulations (fire closures, permits, etc.) before heading out. Now charge up your bike, gather some friends, and hit the trail – California’s hidden dirt bike gems await!

Disclaimer:
VoroMotors is a leading distributor of electric dirt bikes across the U.S., supplying many of the shops you’ll find throughout California. While availability may vary by region, a significant portion of local inventory comes through us. Shop directly on our website to explore our selection and secure your electric dirt bike today.