Home > California > Rice Canyon |
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Other Names | Antelope Mountain |
Last Known Status | Open |
This off-road area offers 120 acres of desert trails, hill climbs, a play area/makeshift motocross track for beginners plus a long ATV trail that heads northwest and ends at Hwy 139.
The staging area offers graveled parking with plenty of room for large trailers to turn around. Recent upgrades include an informational kiosk stocked with paper maps, picnic tables, BBQ grills, trash receptacles, clean vault toilets and loading ramps.
Primitive camping is permitted but RV hookups can be found a few minutes away in Susanville. There is no fee charged to camp or ride and the trails are open year-round.
Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
Dates Open | Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
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) |
Whip Flags | Not Required | |
Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
![]() | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
![]() | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
![]() | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
![]() | Permitted | |
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Some Areas | CA OHMVR stickers required |
2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
![]() | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) Limited to 14 days. |
![]() | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) Permitted with current campfire permit - call (530) 257-0456. |
Night Riding | Yes | Not Recommended |
Trail Blazing | Some Areas | Permitted in Rice Canyon OHV open area boundary. |
Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic |
Approx Size | 120 acres | |
Miles Of Trail | 5 | |
Climate Type | Desert | |
Elevation | 4200 to 4300 ft. | |
Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
Loose Dirt | ![]() | |
Hard Pack | ![]() | |
Sand | ![]() | |
Mud | ![]() | |
Dust | ![]() | |
Rocks | ![]() | |
Trees | ![]() | mostly juniper trees and sagebrush |
Steep Hills | ![]() | |
Water Crossings | ![]() | |
Small Jumps | ![]() | |
Large Jumps | ![]() | |
Berms | ![]() | |
Sand/Gravel Pits | ![]() | |
Single Track | ![]() | |
Roads | ![]() | |
Intersections | ![]() | |
Rider Traffic | ![]() | |
Shade | ![]() | |
Ranges/Gunfire | ![]() | shooting prohibited but area still used for practice |
Hazards | ![]() | (hazards not marked) steep hill climbs |
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Area | Motorized Trails |
Land | BLM |
Features | Public |
Max Engine Size | 65 cc Max |
Min Engine Size | 50 cc Min |
Comment | PeeWee Track |
![]() | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Johnstonville Quality Foods (530) 257-4268 |
![]() | 5-20 Miles (W) | Shell (530) 257-2856 |
![]() | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Susanville RV Park (530) 251-4757 |
![]() | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Susanville RV Park (530) 251-4757 |
![]() | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Susanville RV Park (530) 251-4757 |
![]() | Susanville, CA | |
![]() | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Johnstonville Quality Foods (530) 257-4268 |
Parking | (None) |
Entry | (None) |
Riding | (None) |
Camping | (None) |
Pros | free, nice amenities |
Cons | no water, located close to prison |
Our Rating | ![]() |
Recommended Stay | Full Day |
Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
Nearest City | Susanville, CA | ||
Address | Rice Canyon Road, Susanville, CA 96130 | ||
| From: Reno, NV
1) Take US-395 north about 80 miles 2) Turn right (north) onto Leavitt Lane, continue about 1 mile 3) Turn left (west) onto County Highway A27/Center Road, continue .25 miles 4) Turn right (north) onto Rice Canyon Road, continue about 1.5 miles 5) Staging area is on the left (west). |
Contact Info | BLM - Eagle Lake Field Office 2550 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130 (530) 257-0456 blm_ca_web_el@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
In total, it is a relatively small area, but there are a number of very long and dusty hill climbs and one long ATV trail that heads northwest.
This is a view from the top of one of the chutes. Trails are two-way, so use caution.
The staging area has a kiosk with trail maps and some basic amenities such as restrooms, BBQ grills, and picnic tables.
The area offers some nice rolling hills covered with various juniper trees and sage brush.
Even though the area offers only 120 acres, there is enough variety for all types of riding.
Rice Canyon Road has a couple signs that will point you in the right direction. From here it is only .2 miles to the main staging area.
One of the several garbage and recycling receptacles that can be found in the area.
Most of the trails are hard packed and smooth with light to moderate elevation changes.
The trails are mostly hard packed with some sections of loose gravel and rocks.
From here you can set up camp and ride the trails or let the little guys ride on the peewee track.
This is the entrance to the beginners motocross track. Only small dirt bikes and ATVs are permitted.
Another view of the staging area. Camping is permitted but is limited to 14 days.
From here you can set up camp and ride the trails or let the little guys ride on the beginner track.
Even the beginner loops offer some tight and windy turns, making it a fun place for all skill levels.
The beginners track forms a small loop that is perfect for new riders on small machines.
Some loops follow wind through the valley floor but eventually branch off into hillclimbs.
The high desert scenery is unique with the various juniper trees and sage brush covering the hills. Bring the camera!
The trails offer a nice variety of elevation changes and some decent high desert scenery.
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