Azusa Canyon OHV:
The Closest Open Riding
to Los Angeles.
San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area — 160+ acres of rocky, sandy river bottom, 11 miles up Highway 39 above Azusa.
Azusa Canyon OHV — What to Expect
The San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area — what most riders call Azusa Canyon — is the closest open OHV riding area to Los Angeles. It sits in the Angeles National Forest about 11 miles north of Azusa on Highway 39, with more than 160 acres of rocky, sandy river bottom open to two-, three- and four-wheeled off-highway vehicles. It is a weekend spot: open Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays only.
160+ Acres of River Bottom
Rocky, sandy terrain along the San Gabriel River, with water crossings at designated spots. Ride only where it is allowed — vehicles are not permitted in the river or reservoir except at designated crossings.
Obstacle Course
A rock-crawling obstacle course sits inside the OHV area, built with help from local off-road volunteers and the Forest Service.
Reservations Required
Buy timed-entry tickets on Recreation.gov before you go: $8 per primary vehicle and $5 per secondary vehicle, plus a processing fee. Book before 6 a.m. on the day you plan to arrive.
Weekends & Holidays Only
Open Saturdays, Sundays, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day from 8 a.m. Everyone must be out of the parking area by 4:30 p.m.
No Cell Service
There is no cell phone service at the OHV area. Print or screenshot your ticket and directions before you leave home.
Check Before You Go
The area can close for high water, wildfire, crowds or weather, and a reservoir sediment project has temporarily changed the boundaries. Stay out of fenced or posted construction areas.
Riding Azusa Canyon — By Skill Level
Azusa Canyon is an open riding area rather than a long trail network, so riders of different levels can share the same staging area and pick their terrain.
Novice Play Area
Flatter, open ground near the staging area — the best place for first rides and getting comfortable on a new ATV or pit bike.
Open River Bottom
Sand, gravel and rocks across the wider river bottom. Expect uneven terrain and loose footing.
Obstacle Course & Rock Sections
Rock-crawling obstacles and rocky sections for experienced riders and drivers.
Always wear proper protective gear, and keep an eye on water levels — conditions in the river bottom change after rain.
Rules to Know — Before You Load Up
Green Sticker Year-Round
Off-highway vehicles need valid California OHV registration. Green Sticker vehicles can ride all year.
Red Sticker Oct 1 – Apr 30
Red sticker vehicles are only allowed in the riding season from October 1 to April 30.
Spark Arresters Required
Approved muffler systems with spark arresters are required on all motorized vehicles.
Stay Out of the Reservoir
No vehicles or swimming in the San Gabriel Reservoir, and only cross the river at designated crossings.
Off-road use only. Not for street use. California Green Sticker required at designated OHV areas — ask about registration at time of purchase. For the full rules, see the Forest Service San Gabriel Canyon OHV page.
Get Your Vehicle Before You Go — Beginner ATVs & Dirt Bikes
FE Motorsports at 2916 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles carries a full lineup of beginner-friendly youth ATVs and dirt bikes — all fully assembled, California Green Sticker approved, and available for same-day pickup. We're about 40 miles from Azusa Canyon — roughly an hour via the 210. Pick it up during the week, book your Recreation.gov ticket, and ride Azusa Canyon on the weekend.
You don't need to spend thousands on name-brand equipment. Our starter ATVs and dirt bikes are priced for families who are just getting into the sport — under $1,000 for most youth models — and built to handle seasons of weekend off-road riding.
🏎️ Youth ATVs — With Speed Governor & Remote Kill Switch
Automatic, speed governor, remote kill switch. The ideal first quad — parent-controlled, easy to ride, California Green Sticker approved.
125cc with auto w/reverse, disc brakes, speed governor and remote kill switch. For kids ready to go faster and tackle more terrain.
125cc auto w/reverse, speed governor and remote kill switch. A natural step up for growing riders heading to Azusa Canyon.
Sport-oriented 125cc with auto w/reverse, speed governor and remote kill switch. Built for riders pushing their limits at Azusa Canyon.
🏍️ Youth & Teen Dirt Bikes — Semi-Auto to Manual Clutch
Semi-auto 70cc for riders ready to learn shifting. More challenge, more reward on the rocks and sand at Azusa Canyon.
70cc automatic with electric start — the most popular youth dirt bike for first-time families heading to Azusa Canyon.
A 125cc dirt bike with a 4-speed manual clutch, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes and a 30" seat — a great next step after a semi-auto. CARB approved.
A slightly bigger 125cc with a 33" seat, 4-speed manual clutch, kick start and front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. CARB approved.
👨👩👧 Adult ATVs — Ride With Your Kids
The best riding days have the whole family out together. Our full-size adult quads handle the rocks, sand and river bottom at Azusa Canyon.
Full-size adult quad with fuel injection and auto w/reverse. Keep up with your kids anywhere at Azusa Canyon.
Full-size Commander 200 with auto w/reverse. Lead the family across the open river bottom at Azusa Canyon.
🏍️ Adult Dirt Bikes — Beginner to Full-Size
A simple, no-frills adult beginner dirt bike — kick start, 4-speed manual and dual disc brakes. CARB approved.
Same adult beginner bike as the X18, plus electric start and a headlight. 4-speed manual with dual disc brakes. CARB approved.
Full-size 250cc dirt bike with electric start, a 5-speed manual, 21"/18" wheels, a 36.6" seat and 11" of ground clearance for experienced adult riders. CARB approved.
More OHV Guides — Near Los Angeles
Looking for bigger trail systems or sand dunes? Here are our other OHV park guides.
🏔️ Gorman / Hungry Valley
19,000 acres and 130+ miles of trails, about an hour up the I-5.
🌲 Rowher Flat
Forest trails above Santa Clarita.
🏜️ Ocotillo Wells
Desert riding and winter camping.
⛰️ Glamis Sand Dunes
The biggest dunes in California.
🌊 Pismo Beach (Oceano Dunes)
Riding on the beach and dunes.
🗺️ All OHV Parks Near LA
Compare every park side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions — Azusa Canyon OHV
Ready for Azusa Canyon? Get Your Vehicle First.
FE Motorsports at 2916 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles — fully assembled, California Green Sticker approved, same-day pickup. Under $1,000 for most youth models. Buy during the week, book your Recreation.gov ticket, and ride Azusa Canyon on the weekend.
📞 Call (323) 588-6634 📍 Get Directions