California could also be known as ATV Heaven. If you like flat lands, it is there. If you like mountain areas, you'll find those too. Sandy beaches and densely forested areas are also to be found in different areas of the State of California.
California has some strict emissions laws for ATVers. Your ATV must be green stickered in order to ride on most publicly owned lands, meaning that your ATV meets or exceeds certain emission standards.
Additionally, California has some other rules and regulations you should know before riding your ATV. All ATV riders must be 14-years of age or older and ATVers between the ages of 14-18-years of age must ride with a licensed adult. Your ATV must be registered with the State of California in an effort to cut down on the number of stolen ATVs. This program of registration has met with a lot of success. Your ATV must have working headlights and your front and rear braking systems will be tested at the time your register your ATV. A noise canceling muffler at 86 decibels or less is required to be installed on your ATV at all times when riding. A baby cries at about 100 decibels to give you an idea of how loud that is. You must have a spark arrestor in place on your ATV prior to riding in California and all ATV riders must wear a DOT approved helmet at all times when riding their ATVs.
There are a good number of National Forests, many allow ATV riding but in limited areas and clearly marked ATV trails. The following National Forest Lands are managed by the Forest Service in California : Angeles National Forest,Cleveland National Forest, Eldorado National Forest,Inyo National Forest,Klamath National Forest,Lake Tahoe Basin Management area,Lassen National Forest,Los Padres National Forest,Mendocino National Forest, Modoc National Forest,Plumas National Forest,San Bernardino National Forest,Sequoia National Forest,Shasta-Trinity National Forest,Sierra National Forest,Six Rivers National Forest,Stanislaus National Forest,and Tahoe National Forest. Check with the National Forest Service's website at https://www.fs.fed.us for the latest changes to any Forest Service managed riding areas.
California has a little something for every ATV rider's liking. Just make sure you're properly permitted, licensed and regulated before you ride in the State of California.
