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French Meadow

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District, Squirrel Valley, Dry Meadow, Piute Mountains, Piute Peak, Kelso Creek, Landers Camp, Piaute Springs OHV, Willow Gulch Trail, Landers Station

Last Known Status

Open

This part of the Sequoia National Forest offers about 500+ miles of designated black diamond single track. The trails are well marked and wind through a wide range of elevation changes. Most of the terrain is hard pack with occasional loose chunk rock and moderate elevation changes.

Free primitive camping with direct trail access can be found at Landers Camp or Piaute Springs OHV. Landers Camp is the preferred place for those with campers or trailers since there is plenty of shade and level parking. There is no drinking water or other amenities so bring your own supplies. The Pacific Crest Trail (hiking only) can also be accessed from Landers Camp.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

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
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
ATVs	Prohibited	CA OHMVR stickers required
UTV & SXS	Prohibited	CA OHMVR stickers required
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Prohibited
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Prohibited	CA OHMVR stickers required
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction	CA OHMVR restrictions apply
MX Helmet Required	Yes	helmets required by state law
Camping	Some Areas	(camp in developed sites only)
Campfires	Some Areas	(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night Riding	Unknown	Not Recommended
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	keep on the trail
Rule Enforcement

TERRAIN

Approx Size	35,000 acres (55 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	500
Climate Type	Forest
Elevation	6100 to 8000 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Little
Hard Pack	Mostly
Sand	Little
Mud	Little
Dust	Some
Rocks	Some
Trees	All
Steep Hills	Many
Water Crossings	Some
Small Jumps	None
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Many
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	All
Roads	Few
Shade	Some
Hazards	Few	(hazards assumed marked but use caution)
Novice	Little
Amateur	Some
Expert	Mostly

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	National Forest

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (NW)	Shell (760) 379-3747
Diesel	5-20 Miles (NW)	Shell (760) 379-3747
Water	20-30 Miles (NW)	Lake Isabella KOA (760) 378-2001
RV Hookup	20-30 Miles (NW)	Lake Isabella KOA (760) 378-2001
RV Disposal	20-30 Miles (NW)	Lake Isabella KOA (760) 378-2001
Campground	On Site
Conv Store	5-20 Miles (NW)	Shell (760) 379-3747

FEES & PASSES

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

RATINGS

Our Rating	Very Good
Recommended Stay	3-5 Days
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Weldon, CA

Address

Piute Mountain Road, Weldon, CA 93283

Trail Map

From: Lake Isabella, CA
For Landers OHV Staging Area:
1) Take Hwy 178 East about 13 miles
2) Turn right (south) onto Kelso Valley Road, continue about 17 miles
3) Veer right (west) onto Piute Mountain Road, continue 8.2 miles
4) Turn right (north) onto FS Road 29S05, continue about 1 mile
5) Landers Staging Area is on the left (west).

For Piaute Springs OHV Staging Area:
6) Continue west on Piute Mountain Road 3.2 miles
7) Turn right (north) onto FS Road 27S02, continue about .6 miles
8) Staging area is on the left (west).