The First Run

The Dirt: Why We Rip Here

• Upper Ranch is all about rolling hills, tight single-track, and tree lines that keep you on your toes. The elevation hits quick, and those blind corners will check even the most seasoned riders.
• Most folks chase the hardpack trails snaking through the oaks, especially when the clay gets tacky and hooks up just right. Summer brings the dust, but the flow never quits.
• The real surprise? How much variety you get in one spot. Single-track for dirt bikes, two-track for quads and SxS, and wide hillside trails when you want to open it up.
• Ask around and you’ll hear about the rutted climbs up in Upper Ranch—especially after a wet winter. These are the climbs where you pick a line, drop the hammer, and hang on.
• Down in Lower Ranch, it’s all about 4x4 obstacle courses, rock piles, and slow-speed technical lines. Totally different vibe from the trails up top.
• The whole park changes with the seasons—green hills and crisp mornings in spring, baked slopes and dust in late summer, and slick clay after a good rain.
• Don’t get caught off guard—the terrain flips fast from shady valleys to wide-open ridgelines. The views are killer, but the wind can smack you when you least expect it.

Basecamp: Facilities & Camping

• Primitive camping is scattered all over—shady spots under the oaks or open sites near the staging areas. It’s first-come, first-served, and weekends fill up quick.
• RVs roll into the main campgrounds, but don’t expect hookups—just classic SVRA style. There are water spigots, but bring your own gear to stay comfortable.
• The staging area is always buzzing, especially by Upper Ranch. There’s plenty of space for trailers and a steady stream of riders suiting up. It’s organized, but never feels stiff.
• Showers and bathrooms stay available in the main campgrounds, with flush restrooms in some areas and vault toilets in the more remote corners of the park.
• Night riding? Not here. The park shuts down at sunset, so make sure you squeeze in your laps before the light fades.
• Concessions show up during big events, but most weekends you’re flying solo. Pack your own food, water, and anything else you’ll want out there.
• Hudner Ranch and Renz Property open up seasonally, and when they do, you get quieter camping and a whole new foothill vibe.

THE DAMAGE

• Day-use fees are per vehicle, not per person. Most riders bring cash to keep the line moving at the kiosk. Pricing is the same statewide at SVRAs, so no surprises at the gate.
• Every OHV needs a valid green sticker or out-of-state permit. That’s the only machine fee you’ll deal with. Card readers work most days, but riders still treat them like a gamble.
• Camping fees are separate from day-use and charged per night at the standard SVRA rate. It’s affordable, but if you’re hauling a bunch of machines, the total adds up quick.
• No passenger fees here—the park charges by the vehicle, not the headcount. SxS crews just need to make sure everyone’s got the right safety gear.
• Event pricing is rare, and most weekends run on the normal fee schedule unless a club has reserved a specific area for training or a competition.

Trail Rules & Safety

• Helmets are a must for everyone. With blind corners and mixed-use trails, this isn’t the spot to push your luck.
• Spark arrestors are mandatory — California doesn’t play around with fire danger, especially in the dry months.
• Keep the booze in camp. These hills need your full focus, and the park is strict about it.
• Save the throttle-happy moments for the trails, but keep your head on a swivel. Dirt bikes, quads, SxS, and 4x4s all mix it up out here, and sightlines change quick.
• Pets are welcome in camp, but keep them leashed—especially near the staging areas where rigs and machines are always on the move.
• Stick to the marked trails. SVRAs mean business, and the terrain can be fragile depending on the season.
• Winter clay gets slick enough to catch even the pros, and summer dust hides ruts and roots. Keep your eyes up and ride smart.

Final Throttle