Cleveland National Forest

Wildomar OHV Trails (Trabuco Ranger District)

General Information

Notice: The Wildomar OHV area is subject to closure during rain events and for 72 hours after each rain event.

Made available for your use through an agreement with the US Forest Service and the California State Department of Parks and Recreation. This is the only area within the Trabuco Ranger District where Off-highway riding is permitted. We hope you enjoy the area safely and within the rules and regulations governing this area.

This 360 acre OHV area is an Adventure Pass area and contains over 4 miles of trails. Restrooms and well water are provided at the trailhead. The campground is 1/2 mile south of the trailhead parking area. There are 11 campsites available at the campground on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms, water, fire rings, tables and parking spurs are provided. Fire may only be used within the fire rings provided in the campground. A trail is provided between the camp-ground and the OHV riding area for non-highway legal vehicles.

Rules for Vehicle Use

1. After class C vehicle operation add with an M1 Endorsement.
2. Non-highway legal vehicle use is permitted in the OHV area only. Riders in the parking area, on forest roads or in the areas next to the road are subject to citation if the vehicles are not equipped and licensed for street use or if the operator is not licensed for state Class C vehicle operation. The San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is adjacent to the OHV area and vehicles are not permitted within its boundaries. Please observe all signing, barriers and fencing boundaries.
3. Your vehicle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. They will issue an adhesive ID (Green Sticker), which must be placed on the vehicle so it is easily seen. The entire sticker must be legible & current. The muffler must meet State and Federal sound emission regulations. Drivers license and registration papers must be readily available.
4. The brake system must be operable.
5. Your OHV must have a US Forest Service approved Spark Arrester.
6. Operation of any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited.
7. All applicable state laws are enforced including use of helmets on three and four wheel vehicles and for riders under age 16.
8. Certificates for juvenile riders are required.
9. Red Sticker use period on Wildomar is Oct 1st to April 30th
10. Ride safely with consideration for the safety of other riders.

Unsafe riding, vandalism and failure to comply with regulations have caused other areas to be closed. Help us to keep this site open and available for your recreation use.

It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations that apply to your use of the Cleveland National Forest. If you have any questions regarding your planned activities contact any local Forest Service Station, the Visitor Center at El Cariso or call the Trabuco Ranger District Headquarters in Corona at (951) 736-1811.

Spark arresters are required year round.

Fires

Dry summers, steep slopes and dense vegetation characterize the Cleveland National Forest. During the hot summer months wildfires are a constant threat. They destroy vegetation and endanger life and watersheds. Please do your part to protect your forest from the ravages of wildfire.

Fire Safety

Your OHV must have a US Forest Service approved spark arrestor to ride on this National Forest. There are several companies that make a Spark arrestor/Muffler combination for 2 and 4-stroke engines that are legal. If you are unsure about your spark arrestor, ask a Forest Service Officer or the manufacturer before riding.

The external temperature of an exhaust pipe at the first bend after the manifold can reach 1000 degrees. Grass ignites at about 400 degrees. Common sense and following these few simple rules will help to reduce the number of fires started each year.

• Smoke only in enclosed vehicles or cleared areas.
• Do not smoke while riding.
• Avoid tall grass, and other dry vegetation that might come in contact with hot vehicle parts.
• Stop often to clean grass and debris from skid pans and other grass catchers.
• Stop only in cleared areas.
• Do not spin wheels unnecessarily.
• Do not overfill fuel tanks.
• Use brakes cautiously. Locked or over-used brakes can overheat and ignite.

Camping

Wildomar OHV Area offers one campground with a maximum trailer length of 22'. Sites are first come, first served. The nearest town is Lake Elsinore.

• Wildomar Campground has 11 sites.

Directions to the OHV Area

From the West:

Take I-5 to San Juan Capistrano. Exit the freeway onto the Ortega Hwy (Hwy 74) east bound. Follow Hwy 74 for approximately 25 miles to the Forest Service Station at El Cariso. A Visitor Center is at this location. If you choose not to stop continue past the Station approximately 1000 ft to the intersection with South Main Divide Road (formerly known as Killen Trail). Turn right and follow the road south for approximately 9 miles to the Wildomar OHV area. The area is well posted so be sure you are in the designated OHV area before riding.

From the East:

Take Hwy 91 to I-15 south. Follow I-15 approximately 22 miles to the Hwy 74 exit. Travel west on 74 approximately 12 miles, through Lake Elsinore and up into the mountains via the Ortega Hwy (Hwy 74). Follow the Hwy to the intersection with South Main Divide Road, formerly known as Killen Trail (if you reach the Forest Service Fire Station you have passed it). Turn left and follow the road south for approximately 9 miles to the Wildomar OHV area. The area is well posted so be sure you are in the designated OHV area before riding.

Green Sticker Placement

As of January 1, 1996, California DMV no longer issues a renewal sticker. A new OHV "license plate" is issued upon each renewal. The OHV license plate must be affixed in a specific location on an off-highway vehicle.

Required placement of the license is as follows:

• Motorcycles: On the left fork leg, either horizontal or vertical, visible from the left.
• All Terrain Vehicles (ATV): On the left rear quadrant on permanent plastic or metal frame members visible to outside inspection.
• Sand Rail, Rail type Buggies: On the left quadrant of metal frame, visible to the rear.
• For better adhesion, clean surface thoroughly. Remove any old license plates.