Southern California isn’t just home to surf, sun, and scenic highways—it’s also one of the best regions in the country for off-roading. Whether you're climbing rugged hills in the Inland Empire, blazing through desert washes outside San Diego, or exploring backcountry trails above Orange County, the terrain is tailor-made for lifted truck adventures. If you're behind the wheel of a capable custom-built rig, there's no shortage of unforgettable trails waiting for you to leave the pavement behind.
This guide will walk you through the top off-road trails in SoCal that are ideal for lifted trucks. Whether you're an experienced crawler or a first-time explorer, these destinations offer the perfect mix of thrill, scenery, and opportunity to put your truck’s performance to the test.
1. Cleghorn Ridge Trail – Cajon Pass (San Bernardino National Forest)
Cleghorn Ridge is a classic SoCal off-road trail for lifted truck owners. Located in the Inland Empire near Hesperia and San Bernardino, this trail offers stunning views of the mountains and desert floor. There are plenty of optional technical sections—rock gardens, steep climbs, and rutted paths—that let you push your lifted suspension and off-road tires to the limit.
This trail is ideal for those running lifted 4x4 trucks with upgraded shocks, skid plates, and aggressive tires. It's accessible to intermediate drivers, and you’ll often see other rigs tackling obstacles or relaxing at overlooks.
2. Otay Mountain Truck Trail – East San Diego County
If you're located in San Diego and want a trail that’s both scenic and demanding, Otay Mountain Truck Trail is a must. This trail offers a blend of switchbacks, elevation gains, and panoramic views that make it a bucket-list trip for off-roaders. You’ll need a solid build to navigate some of the narrow ridges and loose gravel surfaces.
Expect minimal crowds, plenty of wild terrain, and a great opportunity to let your lifted diesel truck or V8 gas-powered beast stretch its legs.
3. Santiago Peak via Maple Springs – Orange County
Also known as “Holy Jim,” this route to Santiago Peak starts in Silverado Canyon and rises through the Cleveland National Forest. It’s a favorite among Orange County off-roaders, especially those with lifted Tacomas, Broncos, and F-150s. The trail offers changing terrain—from rocky paths to muddy creek crossings in the winter.
At the top, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the OC basin, the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day, even Catalina Island.
4. Joshua Tree Backcountry Trails – Joshua Tree National Park
For a mix of surreal scenery and real off-roading challenge, Joshua Tree delivers. Berdoo Canyon Trail is a standout, winding through rocky terrain with desert vistas that look like something from another planet. The area offers multiple entry points and routes suitable for high-clearance trucks.
Because of the jagged rocks and steep drops, a proper lift kit, reinforced suspension, and beadlock wheels are highly recommended.
5. Big Bear Trails – Holcomb Valley and Gold Mountain
Big Bear is the crown jewel of SoCal off-roading. Holcomb Valley offers easier trails for beginners and families, while Gold Mountain Trail is a certified OHV challenge that’ll test your truck’s articulation, crawl ratio, and traction. It’s not uncommon to see well-built Silverados, Gladiators, and Raptors making their way over boulders and ledges.
The elevation, climate, and alpine scenery make Big Bear a four-season off-roading destination—perfect for showing off your build and your skills.
6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Borrego Springs
Anza-Borrego is SoCal’s largest state park and one of the most accessible desert playgrounds for lifted truck owners. Trails like Coyote Canyon, Fish Creek Wash, and Font’s Point offer sand, mud, rocky ridges, and breathtaking desert views.
This area is ideal for lifted trucks with air intakes, skid plates, and upgraded lighting. Overnight camping is permitted, making it a go-to spot for overlanders.
7. Lytle Creek Trails – San Bernardino Mountains
Located just north of Rancho Cucamonga, Lytle Creek offers trails for varying skill levels and is perfect for a half-day off-road run. Whether you're working with a mild lift or a fully built rig, these trails provide rocks, water crossings, and steep grades to navigate. This is a great testing ground if you’ve recently upgraded your suspension or tire setup.
What to Bring on Your SoCal Off-Road Adventure
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Full-size spare (preferably matching your lift/tire setup)
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Air compressor and recovery gear
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Portable traction boards
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Navigation apps like Gaia GPS or OnX Offroad
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Emergency water, tools, and first-aid kit
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Communication radios or satellite beacons in remote zones
Why a Lifted Truck Is the Ultimate SoCal Off-Road Machine
In Southern California, you don’t need to leave the state to experience epic terrain—what you do need is the right machine. A lifted truck gives you the ground clearance, articulation, and confidence to explore these areas safely. More than that, it transforms ordinary trips into unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're dodging cacti in Anza-Borrego or crawling up boulders in Big Bear, a professionally built lifted truck does more than just handle the trail—it owns it. That’s why SoCal enthusiasts are increasingly trading in their sedans and stock SUVs for lifted 4x4 trucks designed for more than just the pavement.
Shop Lifted Trucks Built for California Terrain
At Lifted Trucks, we specialize in rugged, road-ready lifted trucks that are perfectly suited for Southern California's diverse terrain. Whether you’re looking for a truck that dominates the desert, cruises the coast, or takes the high ground in the mountains, we’ve got you covered. Every truck in our inventory is lifted by professionals, tested for quality, and ready to tackle whatever road—or trail—you throw at it.
Check out our current inventory and get ready to hit these trails in style. Your next SoCal off-road adventure starts with Lifted Trucks.
