By Melissa Wynn
Spring in the mountains is time to race our dirt bikes, wander the outdoors on our ATVs, climb some hills and sling some mud with our 4x4s but where to go? Here are some hot spots in Northeastern California and Northwestern Nevada that we found and a few more we plan to visit.
Northeastern California
Motocross Tracks
- Modoc County Fairgrounds
Nearest Town: Alturas, Ca
Contact: Modoc Motorsports Association, Inc
Phone: 530-708-0116 or 530-233-4325
Fee, Membership and Schedule info: www.modocmotorsports.com
- Honey Lake Motocross Park
Nearest Town: Doyle, Ca
Contact: Honey Lake Motocross Park
Phone: 530-837-2639
Fee, Membership and Schedule Info: www.honeylakemx.com
4×4 prohibited
- Fingerlake Raceway
Nearest City: Red Bluff, Ca
Contact: Fingerlake Raceway
Phone: 530-529-4777 or 530-356-1022
Fee, Membership and schedule Info: www.fingerlakeraceway.com
No ATV Restriction
- Cycleland Speedway
Nearest City: Chico or Oroville, Ca
Contact: Cycleland Speedway
Phone: 530-342-0063 or 530-624-7431
Fee, Membership and Schedule Info: www.cyclelandspeedway.com
Outlaw Kart and Modified Midget Races also hosted
4×4 and ATV Riding Areas:
- Seneca Canyon & Butt Lake
Nearest Town: Canyon Dam, Ca
Where to Go: Leave Hwy 89 on Seneca Rd just outside Canyon Dam across the Hwy from PG&E Beach at Lake Almanor
This road is accessible again closer to Chester,Ca from the turn off to Butt Lake
Tips: Very Narrow dirt road going in, no services other than summer weekends, go prepared and be aware of several private roads and no trespassing areas
- Little Truckee Summit OHV Staging Area
Nearest Town: Truckee, Ca
Where to go: about 15 miles north of Truckee on Hwy 89 turn West onto Jackson Meadows Rd, signs mark the way
Tips: A lot of dirt roads, great views and some creek crossings, far up the main road is Fordyce Jeep Trail for experts only which is rocky and challenging for ATVs motorcycles are not recommended in that section
- Little Potato Butte
Nearest Town: Old Station, Ca
Where to Go: Follow Brains Way off of HWY 89/ Hwy 44 just outside Old Station for about 5 miles
Tips: This area has a little something for everyone, climbing challenges and easy flat scenic rides as well. Old Station services are limited. Hat Creek Resort offers lodging near by and guided ATV or Motorcycle tours at this location.
Northwestern Nevada
Motocross Tracks
- Mustang Motocross
Nearest City: Sparks, NV
Contact: Mustang MotoCross
Phone: 775-750-9063
Fee, Membership and schedule Info: www.mustangmotorplex.com
- Fernley/Wadsworth Lions Club International Raceway and Stead Motocross Track
Nearest Town: Fernley, NV/ Reno, NV
Contact: Nevada Old Timer’s Motocross Club
Phone: 775-575-0660
Fee, Membership and Schedule Info: www.otmx.com
This group also has the Stead MX track in Lemon Valley eight miles up from the Lemon Drive Exit off US 395 North from Reno.
4×4 & ATV Spots
- Hungry Valley Recreation Area/Moonrocks
Nearest City: Sparks, NV
Where to Go: I-80 east from Reno to 445 North 8 miles past Spanish Springs then left on Winnamucca Ranch Rd. Follow 5 miles until road turns to dirt. 1 mile further then left, staging area about 1/2 mile.
Tips: This is real locals favorite but has no services or shade so be prepared.
- Seven Mile Canyon
Nearest Town: Virginia City, NV
Where to Go: US 395 to Exit 57B. Merge on to South Virginia St and follow 1/2 mile and then left at the intersection on to Geiger Grade Rd. Follow 13 miles. Just before downtown Virginia City there is a sign on the right reading “Overnight RV Camping. Turn right at the sign on to Carson St then left on Cemetery Rd about 100 yards up. Follow dirt road 1/2 mile or so to staging area always veering toward the left.
Tips: Road in hugs the hillside. Close to town. Great family spot. Easy to advanced terrains.
These are a just a few local favorites. Lassen and Plumas Counties, Ca are full of logging roads and many National Forest areas accessible for off road fun. You can check with local BLM offices for designated offroad areas. The Reno/ Carson City NV outlying areas are a treasure trove of BLM roads and trails welcoming to all off road activities. Visit us at www.mountainvalleyliving.com and let us know your favorite off road playground.
Sources: For more riding spots visit www.riderplanet-usa.com, Local Chambers of Commerce
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