Hungry Valley SVRA Loop

Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area sprawls across 19,000 acres of chaparral-covered hills northwest of Gorman, serving up everything from mild dirt roads to gnarly rock gardens that’ll test your undercarriage. The main loop system connects a network of numbered trails through rolling terrain where oak-dotted hillsides give way to exposed rock outcropings and steep climbs that reward drivers with sweeping views across the San Joaquin Valley. Trail 6 and the notorious Gold Hill climb separate weekend warriors from serious wheelers with loose shale, off-camber sections, and technical rock steps.

Difficulty ranges from easy fire roads to expert-level rock crawling, making this a perfect spot for mixed-skill groups. Stock vehicles can handle the perimeter roads, but the technical trails demand skid plates, low-range gearing, and experienced drivers. Open year-round with day-use fees required, though summer heat can be brutal. Dispersed camping available, but no water or facilities in the backcountry. This is California’s premier state-run OHV destination, offering legal technical driving just two hours from Los Angeles with endless route combinations to explore.