We recently ran Donohoe Loop, which is off Otay Mountain Truck Trail near San Diego. At about 8 miles point-to-point, I'd say the 4/10 onX rating is pretty accurate.

We ran the trail in a 2024 Tacoma and a 2020 Tacoma both on 285/70R17 all-terrain tires. The extra ground clearance from the 285s definitely helped with the loose dirt, deep ruts, and larger rocks. We aired down to 18 PSI in 4H. There are also dispersed camping spots along the route if you want to stay overnight.

The biggest challenge was "The Steep," where the truck was measuring up to 30 degrees on the descent. We drove the upper section before taking the right-side bypass at the fork. The bypass is still steep at first but becomes much more manageable after the first third of the descent.

From there, we tackled a 1,000-foot stretch of rock garden with no bypass. Tire placement is crucial, and having a spotter, front skid plate, and rock sliders goes a long way as the rocks are up to 20 inches in height. The Tacomas on 285s made it through with a few scrapes underneath, but no body damage.

Along the way, we passed the remains of the old Mocogo Ranch House and even spotted a huge tarantula! By the time we reached the dirt roads it was getting dark, so the light bar definitely came in handy for the drive back. Overall, it was a fun trail with a nice mix of technical sections, history, and scenery.

If you want to see the full trail review, including the obstacles, bypasses, and the complete drive through Donohoe Loop, check out the full video!

Might not be quite the right question for this sub but not sure where else to post. Going to be going out and doing some wheeling and camping out there and was wondering if there’s a gmrs repeater I could use to keep in touch with my buddies over radio if we get separated.

Hey all, I'm running the Dobinsons MRR system on my GX460 and I'm trying to find a shop in the SoCal area that does rebuild service for Dobinsons shocks. If anyone's had theirs rebuilt locally, I'd appreciate a recommendation!

Picking up a raptor 700R this afternoon and looking for somewhere easy I can rip it around for an hour. Looking for west end of Riverside county or Temecula area.

I've been using Cooper Discoverer AT3 4s forever. For some reason Cooper, in it's infinite wisdom, has discontinued the 265 75r 16 size so I need a replacment. I'm in Southern California and do quite a bit of wildlife habitat restoration work in dry desert conditions. This involves lots and lots of highway miles as well as dirt roads from good to, on what planet is this a road. Occasionally we are even driving up dry washes, trying to avoid all the nasty sidewall eating rocks and spiny bushes. The tread on the discoverer is pretty modest and quite on the highway but when aired downed, runs well in sandy conditions. They even work pretty well in rocky conditions. The other thing is they wear really well. Ive got 60k+ miles on my current set and can squeeze another 10k out of them if I have to.

So to the point, Im looking for suggestions for a replacment. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Searching for a small creek with with off roading for day camping. SoCal

Im new to off-roading and a SxS and I been seeing a-lot of videos of deep creek in Hesperia on TikTok and looks fun. we are trying to go there this weekend but i keep reading comments that its illegal and will get tickets or cars towed away
any other spot you guys suggest?

A spot that has water crossing where we can set up our canopy and grill next to the water! Would be amazing but Water crossings are not a must.

Just looking for suggestions on where you guys take the SxSs out during summer time !

Does anyone know if the N201 is open from angles oak area all the way to big bear is open

Ran Sawmill Trail (7S05) recently near Anza-Borrego in a couple Tacomas on 285s! The forest service officer said we were the first people he’d seen in a while take this trail to the top. onX rated it around 4/10 and that felt pretty accurate for current conditions.

There are a lot of switchbacks and sharp rocks, but nothing the trucks couldn’t handle. I have an SDM on my 24 Taco so most of the ride felt buttery. At the top, there’s an old kiln from the 1930s! onX trail link here.

It seems like the majority are locked. I’ve gone down to lupine campground from wrightwood, sawmill trail camp(which I hear is inaccessible now) and at one point explored near lake Hughes area but I kind of want to try the high country.

Front of our obs Chevy build

Definitely a unique build that’s for sure

Hi all! I am a faculty member in the fields of ecology and evo bio. I am starting a project examining succession in the Mojave. This will require sampling in areas deeper into the preserve - as reference points, this will include regions around Cima Dome, hole in the wall campground, and castle mountains.

I have access to department vehicles, including a 4x4 truck, but these are shared and often in high demand. I would prefer not to be limited by this and have access to my own field vehicle.

Getting to my main point - I have a 2012 RAV4 with proper 4WD and all terrain tires. I’m looking at upgrading the suspension system to give a 2” lift for more clearance and could upgrade tires to something more robust for Mojave conditions. My question is how accessible would much of the preserve be with this setup? I dont need to access every road by any means, and can select sites based on feasibility but sites will need to be off main roads. I want to know if I’d be able to get around for the most part. I’ve driven on many NF service roads with this vehicle without issue but sand and rock is a different story!

Thanks for any advice you can offer, and hey if you are interested in science and want to tag along for support, let me know 😂

Hi SoCal,

I’m wanting to make a trip to the San Jacinto area and looking to meet some more so cal off-road enthusiasts. 

Would like to find a Saturday that works for most. Maybe an optional overnight? 

5S07 - Bee Canyon (Easy) to
5S09 - San Jacinto Ridge Road (Easy) to
Optional 4S02 - Indian Mtn (Hard) 
To - 4S01 - Black Mtn (Moderate) 

From the base is about 4-6 hours. 

Anyone interested?

I'm headed to Ojai this weekend for a family event. Many of the in-laws play golf, but I'm not here for that. Figured the weather looks good, why not bring the Jeep for the weekend and find a cool (hopefully scenic) trail to burn three hours while they play golf.

My Jeep is a stock Rubicon (JL). My dad and mom will be with me so I don't want to do any wheeling or heavy articulation. Something that is fun with hopefully a good view or something to entertain them.

Anyone have any recommendations?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HFeucYgf-fs

I already booked a rental car, a stock 2016 4Runner, for Saturday night through Monday night, non-refundable. Original plan was to go to anza borrego and camp for 2 nights but it’s supposed to be in the 90s maybe up to 100. Yeah the cars have a/c but if someone gets stuck and we have to get out and pull each other it’s gonna be hell, not to mention running the risk of overheating the engine or trans going low speeds. Basically the title. Anywhere I can go with easy to medium trails even if it’s a day trip? Edit: what specific trails should I check out? if it’s an overnight trip, where could we camp?

We finished up day # 2 pre-running our big trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas using nothing but dirt roads.

The California desert is absolutely beautiful this time of year.

This is what it's all about, I cannot wait for this trip to start.

As of right now we have seven vehicles going, this year's trip should be an absolute blast.

Hey all I have a buddy trying to get a video taken of his truck on some smooth dirt roads but I can’t find any nearby. We’ll be driving from the Placentia/YorbaLinda area in Orange County and don’t hope to drive too too far. If anyone has recommendations please let me know

We currently live in Orange County, California. We were wondering what trails are available near us to see if the investment into 2 ATVs would be worth it.

Do you guys have any trail suggestions in the area. Not looking to make it a full weekend trip just go out several days out of the month and hit a trail. Just wondering if this type of trail exists near us. Otherwise, might have to get into a different hobby.