Home > California > Lark Canyon

Lark Canyon OHV Area

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Mccain Valley, In-ko-pah Mountains, Manzanita, Cottonwood, Sacatone Spring

Last Known Status

Open

The occasional host of trials events, this trail system is specifically designed for motorcycles. The trails are narrow but have widened a bit over time, but rules prohibit ATVs over 40 inches wide.

The self-pay campgrounds are private and comfortable with great views, fire rings, stone tables, clean restrooms, and non-potable water. There are 15 developed campsites in the first campground, with more campsites further up the canyon where OHVs are not permitted.

Note that larger RVs and long travel trailers will have difficulty with the latter part of the main access road and that campground turnarounds are fairly compact. Collecting firewood is permitted, but bring your own because you won't find any.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	CA OHMVR stickers required
Dates Open	Year-Round	CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted from 10/1 to 4/30
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Yes	Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY)
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (96 dB)	CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) silent hours 9pm-8am in camp area
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	Yes (40 inches)	has entrance gate or posts
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
ATVs	Prohibited	CA OHMVR stickers required 40 inch width limit, trails designed for motorcycles
UTV & SXS	Prohibited	CA OHMVR stickers required
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Prohibited	40 inch width limit, trails designed for motorcycles
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Prohibited	CA OHMVR stickers required
2 Stroke Engines	Certain Times	CA OHMVR restrictions apply
MX Helmet Required	Yes	helmets required by state law
Camping	Some Areas	(camp in developed sites only)
Campfires	Some Areas	(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night Riding	Yes	permitted, but silent hours are 9pm-8am in camp area
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	vehicles must stay on trail
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic

TERRAIN

Approx Size	19,200 acres (30 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	40
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	3700 to 4500 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Not Marked, Not Rated, Not Maintained
Loose Dirt	Some
Hard Pack	Some
Sand	Mostly
Mud	None
Dust	Little
Rocks	Little	trails are very smooth, loose, granular
Trees	Few	Some trees in camping area
Steep Hills	Few
Water Crossings	Few
Small Jumps	Few
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Some
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	Some	most trails are 4-5 feet wide
Roads	Few
Intersections	Few
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	Few
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards are marked)
Novice	Some
Amateur	Mostly
Expert	Little

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land

BLM

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (S)	Mountain Top Market and Gas (619) 766-4530
Diesel	1-5 Miles (S)	Mountain Top Market and Gas (619) 766-4530
Water	On Site	non-potable water
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (SW)	Live Oak Springs Resort (619) 766-4288
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (SW)	Live Oak Springs Resort (619) 766-4288
Campground	On Site	Lark Canyon and Cottonwood Campground
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (S)	Mountain Top Market and Gas (619) 766-4530

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	Yes Tent: $6.00 RV: $6.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Lark Canyon Campground Fee

RATINGS

Pros	nice trails, fairly narrow, little traffic, trails are smooth without many rocks, campsites are well maintained, private, and comfortable
Cons	camping area with trail access is tight with narrow roads
Our Rating	Very Good fun and pleasant, but not very challenging
Recommended Stay	1-2 Days late spring for best scenery, winter for most privacy
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Live Oak Springs, CA

Address

McCain Valley Road, Boulevard, CA 91905

Trail Map

From: San Diego, CA
1) I-8 East to Boulevard exit
2) Turn right off exit ramp (south)
3) Turn left at first stop sign on Old Hwy 80 (2 miles)
4) Turn left on McCain Valley Road (north)
5) Follow straight ahead to staging area. Continue further for camping.