The best beginner off road trail in San Diego County is hands down the Black Mountain truck trail outside of Ramona, CA. This US Forestry property trail is a easy trail for all beginners who are just getting their feet wet into the world of offroading. I have seen all types of trucks, jeeps, and SUVs on the trail and it is relatively rut-less and kept. It can be a little rocky at times, however that never stops us from having a great time.
Trail Name and Confusion
The trail to the top of Black Mountain is self titled. The designator is 11S04 and it is in the Cleveland National Forest. The confusion comes because there is another trail in the San Bernardino National Forest with the same name. However, you are in great hands here. We provide all the maps and resources to help make your voyage successful.
Maps GPS/ Google Coordinates
US Forestry Service Black Mountain / Orosco Ridge
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recarea/?recid=75030
Trailhead Google Maps: Sasquatch Trailhead.
Black Mountain Overlook Google Maps
Know Before You Go
The trails are closed during risk of fire or times of rain. The Forestry service keeps an update, check to see if the trails are open or closed here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5340229
About the Trail
As you can see, the trail is relatively smooth with few ruts or rocks. The trail does climb in elevation and I always put my vehicle in 4wd before entering the trail. However, 4wd is not required. Most 2wd trucks will have no issues traversing this trail. All this makes the Black Mountain Truck Trail the best beginner off road trail in San Diego County!
Orosco Trail 12S02
A shorter and equally introductory trail is the Orosco Trail. It is adjacent to the black mountain truck trail on the west side of the main road.
