Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area
Lucerne Valley, California
Website: www.blm.gov/ca/barstow/johnson.html
About: Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a varied landscape for the off-highway vehicle driver. The area is punctuated by steep red rock mountains, rolling hills, open valleys, dry lake beds, and sandy washes. Elevations range from about 4,600 feet in the Hartwell Hills to about 2,300 feet at Melville Dry Lake. Vegetation consists of creosote scrub, some annual grasses and wild flowers, and, the symbol of the Mojave Desert, the Joshua tree. This area is enormous, with plenty of space for people like us. The number of events held in this area is countless. If you plan on visiting this area, download a map from the website above. An area this vast is easy to get lost in.
Acreage: 800,000+
Number of Trails: Thousands. With over 100 off-road clubs holding events throughout this area each year, there is no problem finding a place to wheel.
Restroom Facilities: Yes
Camping Facilities: Yes
Admission: Free
Paragon Adventure Park
Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Website: www.paragonap.com
About: Paragon AP is an extremely well-known four-wheel-drive park located just outside Hazelton, Pennsylvania. The park offers off-road adventures for those with ATVs, off-road motorbikes, SUVs, 4x4s, and mountain bikes. Paragon Park boasts various types of terrain and trails including beginner as well as technical, boulder-strewn trails; and extreme rockcrawling, challenging single track, and enduro trails. Paragon Park also features dealership customer appreciation days, corporate teambuilding seminars, new vehicle introductions, as well as many other special events.
Acreage: 15,000
Number of Trails: 130+
Restroom Facilities: Yes
Camping Facilities: Yes, $5 per night
Admission: One-day pass, $35 per vehicle which includes driver
Rausch Creek Off-Road Park
Joliett, Pennsylvania
Website: www.rauschcreekoffroadpark.org
About: Rausch Creek Off-Road Park is a non-profit organization devoted to providing a fun, legal place for 4x4 off-road clubs and organizations to go wheeling. The park consists of 1,700 acres of easy, intermediate, and difficult trails. Rocks, bowls, hills, the glacial Rock Creek, club-friendly trails, and free, on-site camping make Rausch Creek a unique 4x4 destination. The park is not open to quads or bikes; however, there is a Rausch Creek MX park close by for all your ATV and motorcycle needs.
Acreage: 1,700
Number of Trails: 35+
Restroom Facilities: Yes
Camping Facilities: Yes, free with park admission
Admission: All visitors over 16 must purchase a $10 yearly membership. With membership, the daily fee is $25 per vehicle, which includes the driver only. Each additional passenger over the age of 16 is $5 per day. Visitors under age 16 are free. The park offers multiple-day discounts to large parties.