Within a short drive of Santa Rosa, CA, you’ll find some of the most diverse off-road terrain in the state. From scenic dirt roads to steep mountain ridges, the surrounding Mendocino and Lake Counties offer acres of OHV trails that attract backcountry enthusiasts year-round. Whether you’re shaking down a new build or looking for a weekend adventure, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
In this guide, we list the best off-road trails near Santa Rosa, CA, highlighting terrain details, difficulty ratings, and other insider tips to help you plan your next ride.
Top Off-Road Trails Near Santa Rosa, CA:
Before you hit the trails:
The right gear and a bit of prep are the best accessories any off-road enthusiast can carry.
Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped, check current trail conditions, and always follow local regulations to keep these areas open and enjoyable for everyone.
Check out our off-road safety guide for more info.
Best Off-Road Trails Near Santa Rosa, CA:
Knoxville OHV Park
- Location: Napa and Lake Counties
- Landmarks: Lake Berryessa and Clear Lake
- Distance from Santa Rosa, CA: ~65 miles (~2-hour drive)
Knoxville OHV Park is one of the top off-road destinations within driving distance of Santa Rosa, CA. This sprawling 17,700-acre area is known for its steep hills, panoramic views, and interconnected off-road trail system.
This remote park is a popular, year-round destination suitable for a range of off-road experience levels. With multiple park entry points and trail connections, you’ll find everything from dirt fire roads to muddy, rutted sections depending on the season.
Top Trails in Knoxville OHV Park:
Below are some of the top trails to check out within Knoxville OHV Park:
Cement Creek Trail
- Closest Town: Pope Valley, CA and Middletown, CA
- Length: ~12 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate
- Terrain: Dirt Road, Muddy
Trail Overview
Cement Creek is a scenic trail that’s perfect for anyone looking for a fun and beginner-friendly off-road adventure. The 12-mile route is surrounded by rolling hills and offers panoramic views of Lake Berryessa at higher elevations.
It’s accessible for most high-clearance 4WD vehicles, but seasonal changes can impact driving conditions.
Location
Cement Creek is a rugged off-road trail located in Knoxville OHV Park, roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Rosa, CA. The nearest towns offering fuel and basic supplies include Pope Valley, Middletown, and Hidden Valley Lake, CA.
Terrain
The Cement Creek Trail features a mix of terrain including loose gravel, dirt, and seasonal mud. While most of the trail is manageable for beginners, certain sections can become tricky, especially after rain, requiring careful maneuvering.
Knoxville Devilhead Road
- Closest Town: Lower Lake, CA
- Length: ~4 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate
- Terrain: Fire Road, Muddy
Trail Overview
Knoxville Devilhead Road is a 4-mile fire road that serves as the entrance to the Knoxville OHV Park and connects tons of other trails, including Cement Creek. It’s a great spot for beginners looking to build confidence.
While relatively easy and short, the road can get slick and muddy, making a high-clearance 4WD vehicle a must, especially if you plan on exploring other trails in the area.
Location
Devilhead Road is located within the Knoxville OHV Recreation Area, and is about a 2-hour drive from Santa Rosa, CA. The nearest towns include Lower Lake and Clearlake, where you can find fuel and basic amenities.
Terrain
The terrain is relatively smooth in dry conditions but can quickly become more challenging depending on the weather. Certain sections can require careful maneuvering after rainfall due to deep mud holes and puddles.
Dunnigan Hill Trail
- Closest Town: Lower Lake, CA
- Length: ~15 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Terrain: Dirt Road, Muddy
Trail Overview
The Dunnigan Hill trail connects the Northern and Southern ends of the Knoxville OHV Park and intersects with Knoxville Devilhead Road near the South Entrance. This dirt road is well-maintained, connects to multiple other trails as well as the Hunting Creek campsite, making it a popular off-road destination.
Location
Located within the Knoxville OHV Park, this trail sits in a remote region between Napa and Lake Counties. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Santa Rosa, CA, and the nearest town is Lower Lake, CA.
Terrain
The terrain is a well-maintained dirt trail that can become muddy and slick after rainfall. Overall, the trail is manageable for most vehicles, but high-clearance and 4WD are advisable.
South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area
- Location: Mendocino County
- Landmarks: Mayacamas Mountains and Clear Lake
- Distance from Santa Rosa, CA: ~70 miles (~1.5-hour drive)
South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area is another standout destination for off-road enthusiasts, near Santa Rosa, CA. Located within the Mayacamas Mountains just outside Ukiah, this OHV area offers 23,000 acres of recreational land and 94 miles of off-roading trails.
The area is well-managed and popular with a variety of off-road enthusiasts, from dirt bikes to 4×4 vehicles. Each trail is marked with a difficulty rating, ranging from easy to extremely difficult. The signs will also include the allowed vehicle types per the width of the trail.
Top Trails in South Cow Mountain:
One of the most popular trails to start with in South Cow Mountain is Mendo-Lake Road:
Mendo-Lake Road
- Closest Town: Ukiah, CA
- Length: ~13 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Terrain: Dirt Road
Trail Overview
Mendo-Lake Road is a beginner-friendly and scenic drive located within the South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area. It’s a well-maintained dirt road that connects to a network of OHV trails for riders and drivers of all skill levels. This relaxed off-road drive also offers excellent, panoramic views of Clear Lake.
Location
Mendo-Lake Road is about a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Rosa, CA. It connects Ukiah, CA (Mendocino County) and Lakeport, CA (Lake County) through the northern region of the Mayacamas Mountain range.
Terrain
Mendo-Lake Road is roughly 13 miles of unpaved, dirt road. The terrain is generally smooth, though some areas do require slower speeds to maintain safety. Its lack of obstacles and wide paths make navigation straightforward and ideal for off-road beginners.
Outfit Your Off-Road Vehicle at Truck Tops USA and Campways in Santa Rosa
Off-roading is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the outdoors, but only if you are prepared. Understanding terrain-specific safety requirements and ensuring your vehicle is properly outfitted is the difference between an unforgettable ride and getting stranded in the wilderness.
If you’re getting your off-road vehicle ready for your next trip, the Truck Tops USA and Campways Santa Rosa teams are here to help. From essential recovery gear to upgrades that improve comfort and performance, we’re your one-stop shop for all things off-roading.
Explore our selection of car, truck, van, and SUV accessories online or stop by our Santa Rosa location to shop our selection of off-road products in person.
Truck Tops USA Santa Rosa:
Phone: (707) 586-9633
Address: 3944 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Campway’s Santa Rosa:
Phone: (707) 584-7141
Address: 3948 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 9: 00 AM – 4:00 PM
