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Home > California > Foresthill

Foresthill OHV

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Forest Hill, Sugar Pine, Parker Flat, Big Reservoir, Morning Light Campground, Tahoe National Forest, China Wall OHV Area

Last Known StatusVariable Schedule  (Depends on daily conditions. Call (530) 367-2224 x 228 for recorded message.)

This off-road area offers plenty of shade, multiple staging areas, narrow winding trails and a nearby lake. The 100 miles of marked and rated trails are a bit rocky at the start, but get smoother as you go.

The trails have multiple creek crossings and the reddish color of the dirt goes great with the deep forest pines. Be sure to heed the trails stop signs when crossing paved roads because the corners are blind and the weekend traffic can be fairly steady.

There are some free primitive campsites along the stream, and some pay campsites at the campground near the lake, which fills up quickly on holidays. Make reservations if you want to be on the lake.

During very dry periods a deep layer of silt tends to build up on the trails making them extremely dusty. China Wall OHV Area is also just up the road.

(A Forest Service approved spark arrestor is required here.)

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...


***ANNOUNCEMENTS***

Trail Hotline

The Foresthill OHV Area open/closure status is determined based on soil moisture, therefore the status will change throughout the year (day to day) depending on weather conditions. For current updates check the hotline with a recorded message at (530) 367-2224 x228.



REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredYesCA OHMVR stickers required
Dates OpenCall first for current conditions - status is determined based on soil moisture. Call (530) 367-2224 x228 for recorded message.CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedYesResidents 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 ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes (96 dB)CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB)
Whip FlagsNot Required
Maximum Vehicle WidthYes (50 inches)has entrance gate and narrow terrain
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsPermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
(maximum width 50 inches)
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSPermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
(maximum width 50 inches)
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates SUVs & Jeeps (registered)Prohibited
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)		ProhibitedCA OHMVR stickers required
2 Stroke EnginesNo RestrictionCA OHMVR restrictions apply
MX Helmet RequiredYeshelmets required by state law
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingSome Areas(camp in developed sites only)
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresSome Areas(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night RidingUnknownNot Recommended
Trail BlazingProhibitedstay on designated trails
AlcoholNo Restriction
Rule EnforcementFew/PeriodicDedicated Rangers/Officers
Armed OfficersJeep/SUV Patrol
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TERRAIN

Approx Size96,000 acres (150 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail100
Climate TypeForest
Elevation3500 to 6000 ft.
Trail MaintenanceMarked, Rated, Heavily Maintained
Loose DirtThis trail has some loose dirt.Some
Hard PackThe trail has some hard pack terrain.Some
SandThis trail has no sandy areas.None
MudThe trail has little mud after it rains.Little
DustThe trail has mostly dust on typical days.Mostly
RocksThis trail has some rocks.Sometrails are rockiest near the staging area, but gets smoother
TreesThe trail has almost all trees.All
Steep HillsThis trail has few steep hills.Few
Water CrossingsThe trail has many water crossings.Many
Small JumpsThis trail has many small jumps.Many
Large JumpsThis trail has few large jumps.Few
BermsThe trail has many berms.Many
Sand/Gravel PitsThis national forest has few sand or gravel pits.FewLoop 4
Single TrackThis national forest has few single track trails.Few
RoadsThis national forest has few roads.Few
IntersectionsThis trail has many intersections.Many
Rider TrafficThe national forest has some rider traffic on typical days.Somebusy on holidays
ShadeThis national forest has almost all shaded areas.All
Ranges/GunfireThis national forest has few shooting ranges or gunfire.Few
HazardsThis trail has many hazards.Many(hazards not marked)
many road crossings
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has some beginner terrain.Some
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has mostly intermediate level terrain.Mostly
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has little expert terrain.Little
Commentmost trails marked, rated and looped

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails
LandNational Forest

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline5-20 Miles (S)Foresthill Valero (530) 367-2607
Diesel Diesel5-20 Miles (S)Foresthill Valero (530) 367-2607
Potable Water WaterOn SiteMorning Star Lake Campground (530) 367-2129
RV Hookups RV Hookup30+ Miles (S)Camp Chiquita Campground (866) 869-3999 or (503) 333-4673 **no large rigs**
RV Dump Station RV DisposalOn SiteMorning Star Lake Campground (530) 367-2129
Primitive Camping CampgroundOn Site
Convenience Store Conv StoreOn SiteMorning Star Lake Campground General Store (530) 367-2129

FEES & PASSES

Parking(None)
Entry(None)
Riding(None)
Camping(None)
CommentMorning Star Lake Campground charges a fee, other campgrounds do not.

RATINGS

Prosplenty of shade, no fees, decent trails, narrow windy, nice facilities, nice lakes
Consrocky near staging area, crowded on holidays, lots of road crossings
Our RatingRatingVery Good
Recommended Stay3-5 Days
spring, late fall
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityForesthill, CA
AddressSugar Pine Road, Foresthill, CA 95631
Go Back To California List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Sacramento, CA
1) I-80 East to Exit 121/Foresthill Road
2) Turn right (east) off the exit ramp onto Foresthill Road, continue 26 miles
3) Turn left (west) onto Sugar Pine Road, continue 3.5 miles
4) Sugar Pine staging area is on the left
5) For Parker Flat staging area continue .2 miles north past Sugar Pine

For Morning Star Lake Campground:
6) Continue north past Parker Flat staging area 1.2 miles
7) Turn right (east) onto Big Reservoir Road, continue .5 miles
8) Campground entrance is on the right (south).

*Note - To reach China Wall OHV Area continue on Foresthill Road past Sugar Pine Road 3.5 miles. Staging area will be on the left.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoTahoe National Forest - Foresthill Ranger Station
22830 Foresthill Road
Foresthill, CA 95631
(530) 367-2224
mailroom_r5_tahoe@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov
CommentExt 228
Contact InfoMorning Star Lake Campground
(530) 367-2129
rnardoni@hotmail.com
www.fs.usda.gov
Commentreservations accepted by phone only

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Foresthill Trail Photo

Foresthill OHV Trail

There is a thin layer of velvet-like silt on some of the ATV trails that looks cool but makes it very dusty. Best time to visit is after a light rain.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Suzuki RM100 navigating an ATV trail.

This ATV trail was mostly hard packed but not dusty. All of the off-road trails form loops so it's very easy to get around.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Suzuki RM250 with rider wearing black and yellow Fox motocross gear.

The off-road trails can get a little dusty during dry weather. Best time to visit is during the spring and late fall months.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Scenic view of ATV trails and pine trees.

The ATV trails wind through a scenic mixed pine tree forest that occasionally breaks out into an open area. Other parts of the trail system are surrounded by dense vegetation.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Forest Service sign prohibiting trucks on trail - ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes only.

All of the motorized trails are marked and rated for difficulty. This trail is open to dirt bikes ATVs and UTVs that are 50 inches or less in width.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Section of reddish colored ATV trail with wooden guard rails on berm.

The ATV trails are regularly maintained by local clubs and the Forest Service.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Suzuki RM100 going fast up a hill through the woods.

Most of the ATV trails have light to moderate elevation changes. This trail is an example of what you will find here.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Rider wearing black and yellow Fox motocross gear on Suzuki RM250.

Most of the trails look like this.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Suzuki mini bike on the trail.

The Foresthill OHV trail system has terrain for all skill levels.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Dirt bike going through shallow stream crossing on the trail.

Some of the ATV trails cross over some shallow creek crossings.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Rider with Acerbis motocross gear and Alpinestars motorcycle boots on Suzuki RM100 going through the woods.

The trails are maintained regularly through local clubs and the Forest Service. Don't forget to say thanks!

Foresthill Trail Photo

Suzuki RM100 navigating flat ATV trail through the woods.

One of the wider off-road trails. The reddish color of the dirt is unique and makes for some great shots.

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Foresthill Trail Photo

Woman on Suzuki RM100 avoiding deep ruts on the trail.

Some of the ATV trails have ruts but can easily be avoided.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Stop sign with wooden guard rail at intersection of trail and paved road.

Intersections where the trail crosses paved roads are marked with stop signs. Proceed with caution, especially during weekends.

Foresthill Trail Photo

A rocky section of trail for ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles.

The ATV trails are a bit rocky in the beginning but eventually smooth out.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Primitive campsite next to ATV trail.

One of the many dispersed campsites that can be found throughout the trail system.

Foresthill Trail Photo

Three riders trying to get a Yamaha dirt bike up a rocky section.

Some of the motorcycle trails are a little rugged and steep. These trails can be accessed near the China Wall staging area.

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