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Black Springs OHV Network

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Other Names

Stanislaus National Forest, Calaveras Ranger District, Middle Fork Mokelumne River, Hermit Spring, Bailey Ridge, Flagpole Point, Motley Meadow, Cottonwood Gulch, Hay Gulch, Middle Gulch, Thompson Meadow, Bear Trap Basin, Corral Meadow, South Fork Mokelumne River

Last Known StatusClosed For Season

This part of the Stanislaus National Forest offers a large network of over 100 miles of connecting forest roads and trails that form nice long loops. Most of the trails are fast, wide and smooth, with some rocky sections here and there, but you can cover a lot of ground quickly.

The main staging area offers several primitive but pleasant and shady campsites. There is no fee to camp or ride but no services so come prepared.

The trails are usually open for riding between April through December but exact dates vary. During the winter months snowmobiles are permitted.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredYesCA OHMVR stickers required
Dates OpenApril 15 - December 15CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedYesResidents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY)
Spark ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes (96 dB)CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB)
Whip FlagsNot Required
Maximum Vehicle WidthNo Restriction
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsPermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSPermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates SUVs & Jeeps (registered)Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)
PermittedCA OHMVR stickers required
2 Stroke EnginesNo RestrictionCA OHMVR restrictions apply
MX Helmet RequiredYeshelmets required by state law
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingSome Areas(camp in developed sites only)
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresSome Areas(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night RidingYes
Trail BlazingProhibitedstay on the trail
AlcoholNo Restriction
Rule EnforcementFew/PeriodicDedicated Rangers/Officers
Jeep/SUV Patrol
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TERRAIN

Approx Size41,600 acres (65 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail100
Climate TypeForest
Elevation5500 to 8000 ft.
Trail MaintenanceMarked, Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose DirtThis trail has mostly loose dirt.Mostly
Hard PackThe trail has little hard pack terrain.Little
SandThis trail has no sandy areas.None
MudThe trail has no mud after it rains.None
DustThe trail has mostly dust on typical days.Mostly
RocksThis trail has some rocks.Somerocks in sections
TreesThe trail has almost all trees.All
Steep HillsThis trail has few steep hills.Few
Water CrossingsThe trail has few water crossings.Fewdry in some
Small JumpsThis trail has few small jumps.Fewdrainage bumps
Large JumpsThis trail has no large jumps.None
BermsThe trail has few berms.Few
Sand/Gravel PitsThis national forest has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single TrackThis national forest has no single track trails.None
RoadsThis national forest has mostly roads.Mostly
IntersectionsThis trail has some intersections.Some
Rider TrafficThe national forest has few rider traffic on typical days.Few
ShadeThis national forest has almost all shaded areas.All
Ranges/GunfireThis national forest has no shooting ranges or gunfire.None
HazardsThis trail has few hazards.Few(hazards not marked)
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has mostly beginner terrain.Mostly
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has some intermediate level terrain.Some
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has little expert terrain.Little

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails
LandNational Forest

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline5-20 Miles (SW)Camp Connell General Store (209) 795-1121
Diesel Diesel5-20 Miles (SW)Arnold
Potable Water Water5-20 Miles (SW)Camp Connel Generall Store (209) 795-1121
RV Hookups RV Hookup5-20 Miles (SW)Golden Pines RV Resort & Campgorund (209) 795-2820
RV Dump Station RV Disposal5-20 Miles (SW)Golden Pines RV Resort & Campgorund (209) 795-2820
Primitive Camping CampgroundOn Site
Convenience Store Conv Store5-20 Miles (SW)Camp Connell General Store (209) 795-1121

FEES & PASSES

Parking(None)
Entry(None)
Riding(None)
Camping(None)

RATINGS

Prosnot crowded, decent campsites, no fees, nice scenery, large area
Consno services at main staging area, mostly forest roads, some sections are very rocky
Our RatingRatingGood
Recommended Stay1-2 Days
Spring
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityCottage Springs, CA
AddressBlack Springs Road, Arnold, CA 95223
Go Back To California List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Stockton, CA
1) Take Hwy 4 East toward the town of Cottage Springs, about 80 miles
2) About 2 miles past Cottage Springs turn left on Black Springs Road
3) Continue .4 miles, campground will be on your left. Stage here.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoStanislaus National Forest - Calaveras Ranger District
5519 Highway 4, P.O. Box 500
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
(209) 795-1381
sm.fs.stanislausnf@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Black Springs Trail Photo

Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Most of the trails are actually old logging roads and are wide enough for ATVs and UTVs. With over 100 miles of designated trails to explore, expect to stay for a couple days.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

The trails are fairly easy (but fun!) on a motorcycle. Some sections even have a few soft berms.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle doing a wheelie at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

RV Trailer Staging Area and Camping at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

A view of one of the primitive campsites. You can ride directly from the campground to the trails.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Off-Road Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Some sections of the trails have some loose chunk rock. Overall nothing too challenging.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirtbike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirtbike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

While there is nothing too difficult on a motorcycle, the trails were overall enjoyable. If you are looking for a place with decent ATV trails with a peaceful atmosphere, then check this place out.

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Example of terrain at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

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Black Springs Trail Photo

Scenery from Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Terrain example at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

A trail at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Scenic view at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Scenic view of Black Springs OHV Network Trail

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Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

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Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Trail Bike at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Scenery from Black Springs OHV Network Trail

Black Springs Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Black Springs OHV Network Trail

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