Knoxville OHV Area - Hidden Off-Road Gem

Vista on Ridge Trail

QWR just finished a post-Jerusalem Fire field review of the BLM’s Knoxville OHV Area located about 13 miles east of Lower Lake, California.  This remote low elevation 17,700 acre riding area has a good mix of easy roads for beginners and some very challenging OHV trails that will test the ability of even the most experienced rider.

Entrance to Red Elephant Mine Trail

One of those black diamond dirt-bike routes is the Red Elephant Mine Trail.  This is an 8-mile long trail that traverses some steep terrain.  It also presents the rider with some rocky downhills, tight switchbacks, and several rock gardens. 

Rock Garden on Elephant Mine Trail

Since most of the trails are south facing with reduced vegetative cover (thanks to the Jerusalem Fire), the trails are dried out enough for riders to enjoy within 1-2 days of an average rain event.

Use Caution When Trail Riding in Burn Area

The BLM has an ongoing resource protection program and is in the process of updating the areas’ travel management prescriptions.

Road/Trail Barriers to Protect Resources

The North Staging Area is convenient for day riders who want to explore the trail network.  It has a vault toilet and ample parking for a number of trucks.  Hunting Creek Campground is the southern staging and campground area.  It has several campsites and a vault toilet.

Hunters Creek Campground

QWR suggests that experienced riders recon the area before bringing up beginners and/or small groups.  This is a great area for winter riding when higher elevation trails on other units are closed due to snow or wet weather.

Engineered Trail from Hunters Creek Campground

QWR is excited about this area because it also has the potential to provide some excellent adventure/dual-sport opportunities for riders who want to explore this portion of the Berryessa-Snow Mountain National Monument.

Link to Knoxville OHV Area

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ukiah/knoxville.html