 |
        |
| Home > California > Rice Canyon |
Rice Canyon OHV Area
Saturday, December 23, 2023
| Other Names | Antelope Mountain |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This off-road area offers 120 acres of desert trails, hill climbs, a play area/makeshift motocross track for beginners plus a long ATV trail that heads northwest and ends at Hwy 139.
The staging area offers graveled parking with plenty of room for large trailers to turn around. Recent upgrades include an informational kiosk stocked with paper maps, picnic tables, BBQ grills, trash receptacles, clean vault toilets and loading ramps.
Primitive camping is permitted but RV hookups can be found a few minutes away in Susanville. There is no fee charged to camp or ride and the trails are open year-round.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents 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 Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Some Areas | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) Limited to 14 days. |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) Permitted with current campfire permit - call (530) 257-0456. |
| Night Riding | Yes | Not Recommended |
| Trail Blazing | Some Areas | Permitted in Rice Canyon OHV open area boundary. |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 120 acres | |
| Miles Of Trail | 5 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 4200 to 4300 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand |  Some | |
| Mud |  None | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  Few | mostly juniper trees and sagebrush |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | Few | |
| Small Jumps | Some | |
| Large Jumps | Few | |
| Berms |  Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | Few | |
| Single Track | Few | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | None | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | Few | shooting prohibited but area still used for practice |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) steep hill climbs |
 Novice | Mostly | |
 Amateur | Some | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | BLM |
| Features | Public |
| Max Engine Size | 65 cc Max |
| Min Engine Size | 50 cc Min |
| Comment | PeeWee Track |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Johnstonville Quality Foods (530) 257-4268 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (W) | Shell (530) 257-2856 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Susanville RV Park (530) 251-4757 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Susanville RV Park (530) 251-4757 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Susanville RV Park (530) 251-4757 |
| Campground | Susanville, CA | |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Johnstonville Quality Foods (530) 257-4268 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Pros | free, nice amenities |
| Cons | no water, located close to prison |
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Susanville, CA | ||
| Address | Rice Canyon Road, Susanville, CA 96130 | ||
| From: Reno, NV
1) Take US-395 north about 80 miles 2) Turn right (north) onto Leavitt Lane, continue about 1 mile 3) Turn left (west) onto County Highway A27/Center Road, continue .25 miles 4) Turn right (north) onto Rice Canyon Road, continue about 1.5 miles 5) Staging area is on the left (west). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Eagle Lake Field Office 2550 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130 (530) 257-0456 blm_ca_web_el@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
In total, it is a relatively small area, but there are a number of very long and dusty hill climbs and one long ATV trail that heads northwest.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
This is a view from the top of one of the chutes. Trails are two-way, so use caution.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The staging area has a kiosk with trail maps and some basic amenities such as restrooms, BBQ grills, and picnic tables.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The area offers some nice rolling hills covered with various juniper trees and sage brush.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
All of the trail loops are marked with brown carsonite markers.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Even though the area offers only 120 acres, there is enough variety for all types of riding.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The main entrance is a dirt road but is wide and mostly smooth.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Rice Canyon Road has a couple signs that will point you in the right direction. From here it is only .2 miles to the main staging area.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Among the amenities are a couple loading ramps.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
One of the several garbage and recycling receptacles that can be found in the area.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Most of the trails are hard packed and smooth with light to moderate elevation changes.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The trails are mostly hard packed with some sections of loose gravel and rocks.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Another view of the high desert scenery.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
From here you can set up camp and ride the trails or let the little guys ride on the peewee track.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
This is the entrance to the beginners motocross track. Only small dirt bikes and ATVs are permitted.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
This was taken near the edge of the beginners track.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
A view of some picnic tables near the informational kiosk.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
One of the beginner loops. This trail is open to dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Another view of the staging area. Camping is permitted but is limited to 14 days.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
This is the main entrance sign off Rice Canyon Road. Turn here.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The vegetation primarily consists of juniper trees, sage and rabbit brush.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Another view of the staging area taken near the loading ramps.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
From here you can set up camp and ride the trails or let the little guys ride on the beginner track.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
There is no shade or water so bring your own supplies.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Even the beginner loops offer some tight and windy turns, making it a fun place for all skill levels.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
There is plenty of level parking and turnaround room for trailers.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The beginners track forms a small loop that is perfect for new riders on small machines.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
Some loops follow wind through the valley floor but eventually branch off into hillclimbs.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The high desert scenery is unique with the various juniper trees and sage brush covering the hills. Bring the camera!
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The trails offer a nice variety of elevation changes and some decent high desert scenery.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
From a distance you can see the surrounding mountain range and valleys.
Rice Canyon Trail Photo
The kiosk has paper trail maps and general information about the OHV area.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS