| Ready to hit the hills for the weekend? Want to get | | | | large amount of boulders on the climb. The trail only |
| those new mud terrain tires a little muddy? Maybe | | | | takes about 3 hours to complete one way. Along the |
| pack up the camping gear and take the family on an | | | | trail you will run across two water crossings which |
| exciting 4x4 adventure through the Sierra Nevada's? | | | | change in size based on the snow run off. Through |
| Well here's your chance! Here's a list of some of my | | | | out deer valley there are wilderness camping areas |
| favorite 4x4 trails in and around the bay area, | | | | off the side of the trail. This is a wonderful trail, easy |
| including camping accommodations and trail | | | | to access, and a stunning landscape all along the way. |
| information. Jump in the truck and get in gear! | | | | Swamp Lake trail is located roughly 55 miles east of |
| Hollister Hills SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area) | | | | Fresno, tucked away in the Sierra Nevada's. You can |
| is located just outside the border of Downtown | | | | get to the trail head via route 168. Primarily |
| Hollister, Ca. A short drive through old town and your | | | | composed of granite rock, this trails terrain ranges |
| practically there. The SVRA park is divided into two | | | | from large slabs of granite to granite steps to the |
| sections, one for four wheel drive vehicles and | | | | usual boulder crawling. Along the trail you will |
| another for motorcycles and ATV's. If your looking | | | | eventually cross two lakes, Swamp Lake and Grouse |
| to take the 4x4 truck out for the weekend then | | | | Lake. Fortunately, both lakes have camping areas and |
| you will make your way to the upper ranch. Located | | | | are capable of holding up to 15 vehicles. The lakes |
| on an 800 acre plot of land, the upper ranch is a | | | | have great fishing, home to rainbow trout, so bring |
| combination of fire road style trails, hill climbs, water | | | | the fishing poles and permits. Fires are allowed along |
| mud crossings, and even advanced trails/obstacles | | | | the trail with a fire permit available at the local ranger |
| for the rock crawler community. Day use admission is | | | | station. During the winter months, the gates are |
| $5, which goes to park maintenance. Campsites are | | | | closed due to extreme weather conditions. The |
| available with fire pits and bathrooms, for $10 per | | | | Swamp Lake trail is a bit harder than some of the |
| vehicle per night. Trucks are allowed to run the trails | | | | other mentioned trails. Make sure your truck is |
| from sunrise to sunset, night wheeling is prohibited. All | | | | capable of handling the terrain before you make the |
| in all this is a great park full of trails for beginner to | | | | trip out to the Fresno area. Overall, this trail is one of |
| advanced 4x4 enthusiasts. | | | | my personal favorites. Just remember to tread lightly. |
| Deer Valley trail is located just below Hermit Valley. | | | | I hope this article helps you on your next journey as |
| The trail runs from Lower Blue Lake all the way to | | | | a weekend warrior. Keep in mind, I've only mentioned |
| HWY 4. If your looking for a bit harder trail run then | | | | three of the many 4x4 trails in the bay area. Get |
| start the trail from the south entrance and head | | | | out, cruise some trails and keep the sport alive! |
| north, reason being is that the hill ascends with a | | | | Again, remember to tread lightly. Thanks! |