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Black Springs OHV Network

Monday, December 16, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Stanislaus National Forest, Calaveras Ranger District, Middle Fork Mokelumne River, Hermit Spring, Bailey Ridge, Flagpole Point, Motley Meadow, Cottonwood Gulch, Hay Gulch, Middle Gulch, Thompson Meadow, Bear Trap Basin, Corral Meadow, South Fork Mokelumne River

Last Known Status

Closed For Season

This part of the Stanislaus National Forest offers a large network of over 100 miles of connecting forest roads and trails that form nice long loops. Most of the trails are fast, wide and smooth, with some rocky sections here and there, but you can cover a lot of ground quickly.

The main staging area offers several sites for parking but is day use only, however a designated campground is nearby which features eight sites that can accommodate trailers up to 60'. Each site comes with a fire ring, picnic table and bear box.

The trails are usually open for riding between April through December but exact dates vary. During the winter months snowmobiles are permitted.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	CA OHMVR stickers required
Dates Open	April 15 - December 15	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
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
ATVs	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
UTV & SXS	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction	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
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	vehicles must stay on trail
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic	Dedicated Rangers/Officers Jeep/SUV Patrol

TERRAIN

Approx Size	41,600 acres (65 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	100
Climate Type	Forest
Elevation	5500 to 8000 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Mostly
Hard Pack	Little
Sand	None
Mud	None
Dust	Mostly
Rocks	Some	rocks in sections
Trees	All
Steep Hills	Few
Water Crossings	Few	dry in some
Small Jumps	Few	drainage bumps
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Few
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	None
Roads	Mostly
Intersections	Some
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	All
Ranges/Gunfire	None
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked)
Novice	Mostly
Amateur	Some
Expert	Little

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	National Forest

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (SW)	Camp Connell General Store (209) 795-1121
Diesel	5-20 Miles (SW)	Arnold
Water	5-20 Miles (SW)	Camp Connel Generall Store (209) 795-1121
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (SW)	Golden Pines RV Resort & Campgorund (209) 795-2820
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (SW)	Golden Pines RV Resort & Campgorund (209) 795-2820
Campground	On Site
Conv Store	5-20 Miles (SW)	Camp Connell General Store (209) 795-1121

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	Yes Tent: $15.00 RV: $15.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Black Springs OHV Campground Fee

RATINGS

Pros	not crowded, decent campsites, no fees, nice scenery, large area
Cons	no services at main staging area, mostly forest roads, some sections are very rocky
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	1-2 Days Spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Cottage Springs, CA

Address

Black Springs Road, Arnold, CA 95223

Trail Map

From: Stockton, CA
1) Take Hwy 4 East toward the town of Cottage Springs, about 80 miles
2) About 2 miles past Cottage Springs turn left on Black Springs Road
3) Continue .4 miles, campground will be on your left. Stage here.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact Info

Stanislaus National Forest - Calaveras Ranger District
5519 Highway 4, P.O. Box 500
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
(209) 795-1381
sm.fs.stanislausnf@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Black Springs Trail Photo

Most of the trails are actually old logging roads and are wide enough for ATVs and UTVs. With over 100 miles of designated trails to explore, expect to stay for a couple days.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

The trails are fairly easy (but fun!) on a motorcycle. Some sections even have a few soft berms.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike doing a wheelie at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

RV Trailer Staging Area and Camping at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

A view of one of the primitive campsites. You can ride directly from the campground to the trails.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Some sections of the trails have some loose chunk rock. Overall nothing too challenging.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Off-Road Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

While there is nothing too difficult on a motorcycle, the trails were overall enjoyable. If you are looking for a place with decent ATV trails with a peaceful atmosphere, then check this place out.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Terrain example at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Scenery from Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirtbike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Scenic view at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Trail Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail