Top 3 Summer Off-Road Trails Near SoCal (And Why the Ford Bronco Is Built for Them)
Quick Overview
Southern California is an off-roader's playground, and from Long Beach, you're only a short drive from sand washes, forest trails, and rocky climbs. The catch: you have to ride where it's legal. This guide rounds up three of the best designated off-highway areas within reach of SoCal, and explains why the Ford Bronco, with its G.O.A.T. Modes, available Sasquatch package, and trail tech, is purpose-built to tackle them.
In this article:
- Three legal SoCal off-road areas worth the drive
- The truth about "beach driving" in California
- Why the Ford Bronco is built for off-road
- Off-road FAQ
Adventure Starts Close to Long Beach
You don't need to drive to Moab to get dirty. Within a couple of hours of Long Beach there are thousands of acres of legal, designated off-highway trails, and the Ford Bronco is one of the most capable ways to explore them straight off the showroom floor. Here are three to put on your summer list.
Top 3 SoCal Off-Road Areas
1. Hungry Valley SVRA (Gorman): ~1.5 Hours North
About 60 miles north of Los Angeles off the I-5, Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area spans roughly 19,000 acres with trails for every skill level, from mellow dirt roads to more technical climbs. It's one of the most accessible big OHV park for Long Beach drivers, with staging areas, camping, and posted routes that make it a great place to learn your Bronco's capabilities.
2. Big Bear & the San Bernardino National Forest: ~2 Hours East
The San Bernardino National Forest has a network of designated OHV routes around Big Bear, Holcomb Valley, and Cajon Pass, with staging points like Cactus Flats off Highway 18. You get scenic, pine-lined trails at elevation, a cooler summer escape and a fun mix of dirt and rock that rewards the Bronco's ground clearance and traction.
3. Wildomar OHV Area (Cleveland National Forest): ~1.5 Hours Southeast
Tucked in the Santa Ana Mountains near Lake Elsinore, the Wildomar Off-Highway Vehicle Area offers a compact set of trails open to 4x4s, a solid, closer option for a half-day run. Always check current trail status and seasonal conditions before you go, since forest routes can close for weather or maintenance.
What About Beach Driving in California?
Here's the honest answer that many SoCal drivers don't realize: you generally cannot drive on California beaches. Vehicle access on the sand is prohibited at virtually all of them. The lone historic exception is Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area on the Central Coast (near Pismo Beach), and even there, recent court rulings have restricted or closed off-highway vehicle use in large portions. So if sand is your goal, plan around legal, designated OHV/SVRA areas, and use your Bronco's Sand mode where it's actually allowed. When in doubt, check the managing agency's current rules before you air down.
Why the Ford Bronco Is Built for SoCal Off-Roading
Highlights that matter on SoCal terrain:
- G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain): selectable drive modes (including Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja on equipped trims) tune the Bronco for whatever's under the tires.
- Available Sasquatch Package: 35-inch tires, beadlock-capable wheels, electronic-locking front and rear differentials, upgraded suspension, rock rails, and bash plates.
- Serious clearance and fording: with up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance and 33.5 inches of water-fording capability on equipped non-Raptor trims (more on Raptor).
- Capable EcoBoost power: a standard 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) or available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft) for confident climbs and highway hauls to the trailhead.
- Trail tech: available features like Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control help you manage tight switchbacks and low-speed crawls.
Browse current Ford Bronco inventory at Ford of Long Beach and ask about the trims and packages that match how you like to ride. Want to gear up? Check available Ford accessories too.
SoCal Off-Road FAQ
Where can I legally off-road near Long Beach?
Designated areas like Hungry Valley SVRA (Gorman), OHV routes in the San Bernardino National Forest around Big Bear, and the Wildomar OHV Area in the Cleveland National Forest are all within roughly two hours. Always ride only on open, designated routes.
Can I drive my Bronco on the beach in California?
Generally no. Driving on California beaches is prohibited almost everywhere; Oceano Dunes (Central Coast) has been the historic exception but is subject to current restrictions and closures. Stick to legal OHV/SVRA areas.
Do I need a permit or pass to go off-road?
Many OHV areas require day-use fees, passes, or adventure passes, and rules vary by location. Check the managing agency (California State Parks OHMVR or the relevant National Forest) for current requirements before you go.
Is the Bronco good for beginner off-roaders?
Yes, features like selectable G.O.A.T. Modes and Trail Control make it approachable, and areas like Hungry Valley have beginner-friendly routes. Start easy, air down appropriately, and never wheel alone on tough trails.
Which Bronco engine and package are best for off-road?
The available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 adds torque for climbing, and the Sasquatch package adds the hardware (35s, lockers, suspension) that serious trails reward. Compare options on the Bronco hub.
Build Your Adventure at Ford of Long Beach
Ready to trade pavement for dirt? Explore the Ford Bronco, browse inventory, or value your trade to get started. Ford of Long Beach is at 2950 N Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90815, serving Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Call (562) 358-3422 to schedule a test drive.