What's Still Open?? (Central/Southern California)

[Yota]

Hey all! My wife and I are itching to get out for some camping and maybe some light 4x4 trails. We're planning to head out on Friday morning but there's one problem—we have no idea where to go during all of these closures!

What are some places that are still open? They can't really lockdown all BLM, can they? I was looking at Alabama Hills—does anyone know if they're actually patrolling and ticketing? I'm inclined to just go and deal with it later if someone has an issue with us using our own public lands!

Any and all ideas are welcome! Even if you just wanna chime in with your own frustrations—HA!

(we're located in Orange County but don't mind driving north!)

 

[PonoAdventures]

Hey all! My wife and I are itching to get out for some camping and maybe some light 4x4 trails. We're planning to head out on Friday morning but there's one problem—we have no idea where to go during all of these closures!

What are some places that are still open? They can't really lockdown all BLM, can they? I was looking at Alabama Hills—does anyone know if they're actually patrolling and ticketing? I'm inclined to just go and deal with it later if someone has an issue with us using our own public lands!

Any and all ideas are welcome! Even if you just wanna chime in with your own frustrations—HA!

(we're located in Orange County but don't mind driving north!)

Big Bear is pretty much open for dispersed camping. Been going off roading around that area with no issues. Also seen some people dispersed camping.

 

[Arepas]

On the same boat as you but for northern california

 

[FastLayne]

x2 for Big Bear area. We went up there last week and camped for 2 nights (below Running Springs) and it was incredible to get out of the city! Campgrounds are still closed, but dispersed camping is allowed. We are heading up again next week.

 

[Yota]

We ended up going to Alabama Hills. It's officially "closed" but lots of people are camping in there. We drove right by a BLM ranger posted up in his truck right behind the entrance of the park and he didn't do anything. They're not enforcing Newsom's mandates. Go have some fun!

 

[Superbadchad45]

x2 for Big Bear area. We went up there last week and camped for 2 nights (below Running Springs) and it was incredible to get out of the city! Campgrounds are still closed, but dispersed camping is allowed. We are heading up again next week.

Any gpx files for this? Or directions? Still learning to navigate

 

[FastLayne]

Any gpx files for this? Or directions? Still learning to navigate

I got some of my routes from the forums here - https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/forums/overland-bound-routes-downloadable.29/
I also do a lot of my research on trailsoffroad.com - they review trails in all states and have gpx files for all of the trails.

 

[Superbadchad45]

Any gpx files for this? Or directions? Still learning to navigate

I got some of my routes from the forums here - https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/forums/overland-bound-routes-downloadable.29/
I also do a lot of my research on trailsoffroad.com - they review trails in all states and have gpx files for all of the trails.

Awesome thank you for the tip! I appreciate the help

 

[Highplainsdrifter]

I’m out in hemet and bee canyon says it’s open on the website there are yellow post camp sites just past the little creek you cross not a very long trail but it’s beautiful up there spits you out by Idywild and you can take the highway back down the 74 also there is shooting allowed at the base of the mountain depending on the time of the year you have to check with the ranger

 

[510Steve]

FWIW Mojave Rd. is good to go.

 

[Arepas]

FWIW Mojave Rd. is good to go.

We thought about it but it must be really hot these days right? also curfews :(

 

[510Steve]

We thought about it but it must be really hot these days right? also curfews :(

I am sure it is getting hot, I went about 2 weeks ago and it was on the verge of being toasty as it was getting to mid 90's mid day. It was breezy so that really helped with the heat. As far as curfew, does that apply to camping? I would say my vehicle is my home. lol

 

[Arepas]

I am sure it is getting hot, I went about 2 weeks ago and it was on the verge of being toasty as it was getting to mid 90's mid day. It was breezy so that really helped with the heat. As far as curfew, does that apply to camping? I would say my vehicle is my home. lol

Re curfew: In theory I think it only applies to certain hours, I mean you would have to get to your place/camp/etc.. before the curfew hours.