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Hungry Valley is the second largest unit of California State Park's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles and along the Interstate 5 corridor, Hungry Valley offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dune buggies, and 4x4 recreation. All levels of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) operator skills will be challenged by the wide variety of terrain and trails at Hungry Valley SVRA.
Elevations at Hungry Valley range from 3,000 to nearly 6,000 feet. Occasional snowfalls occur during the winter. Summers are most often hot, dry and dusty. The most pleasant times of the year for OHV fun are during the spring and fall months when the temperatures are mild and occasional rain showers make for good traction and reduced dust. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing in the spring and fall, as well as during the winter.
The wide variety of trails at Hungry Valley provides excitement for both beginner and experienced off-roaders. For experienced OHV’ers challenging trails can be found in the hills and sand washes of the back- country section of the SVRA. Beginners can enjoy the scenery and relative ease of the trails in the Native Grasslands Management Area. Trails in the adjoining Los Padres National Forest are recommended for experienced riders only.
Getting There
The park is located in Gorman, 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 55 miles south of Bakersfield.
Traveling North on Interstate 5, exit at Smokey Bear Road. At the bottom of the off ramp take a left at the stop sign traveling under the freeway. At the next stop sign, make a left on Pyramid Lake Road and an immediate right onto Hungry Valley Road which is dirt. You will see a brown sign for Hungry Valley SVRA.
Traveling South on Interstate 5, take the Gorman Exit. Turn right at the bottom of the off ramp, then another right onto Peace Valley Road. The entrance to the park is one mile north on Peace Valley Road.
The park is located in Gorman, 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 55 miles south of Bakersfield.
Traveling North on Interstate 5, exit at Smokey Bear Road. At the bottom of the off ramp take a left at the stop sign traveling under the freeway. At the next stop sign, make a left on Pyramid Lake Road and an immediate right onto Hungry Valley Road which is dirt. You will see a brown sign for Hungry Valley SVRA.
Traveling South on Interstate 5, take the Gorman Exit. Turn right at the bottom of the off ramp, then another right onto Peace Valley Road. The entrance to the park is one mile north on Peace Valley Road.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer temperatures can peak in the low 100s.Winter temperatures can reach the low 20s. Snowstorms occur seven or eight times a year. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit the park.
Visitors to the park should bring water, sunscreen, hats, and dress accordingly. Hikers should be aware that the park has ticks and chaparral, so shorts should not be worn.
Summer temperatures can peak in the low 100s.Winter temperatures can reach the low 20s. Snowstorms occur seven or eight times a year. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit the park.
Visitors to the park should bring water, sunscreen, hats, and dress accordingly. Hikers should be aware that the park has ticks and chaparral, so shorts should not be worn.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open daily 24 hours a day.
Red Sticker Season:
Open: October 1 - April 30
Closed: May 1 - September 30
Telephone: 661-248-7007
The park is open daily 24 hours a day.
Red Sticker Season:
Open: October 1 - April 30
Closed: May 1 - September 30
Telephone: 661-248-7007
Facilities
A four-wheel drive obstacle course and a one-mile long practice track for motorcycles 100cc or larger are open to the public.
There is also a practice mini-track for beginning riders on ATVs and motorcycles up to 90cc. The track is located at the Smith Forks campground. The Quail Canyon Special Use Area is open to the public and has three tracks to accommodate most ages and rider abilities. There is a large motocross track, a vintage track, and a Pee Wee track.
All off-road vehicles used in the park must be equipped with a spark arrestor and must have either a current highway registration or current off-highway vehicle green or red sticker. Red sticker riding season is October 1 - April 30. All operators must wear appropriate safety equipment. Even though the park is primarily an OHV park, hikers and mountain bikers can access areas of the park unavailable to OHV operators. Freeman Canyon and Overlook offer spectacular views of Hungry Valley.
The terrain ranges from 2,600 feet to over 8,000 feet on adjoining Los Padres National Forest. To the west of the area is a 60-acre hike-in natural preserve that protects stands of valley oak and native grasses. In the spring, the area has wildflower viewing Ranger led tours.
A four-wheel drive obstacle course and a one-mile long practice track for motorcycles 100cc or larger are open to the public.
There is also a practice mini-track for beginning riders on ATVs and motorcycles up to 90cc. The track is located at the Smith Forks campground. The Quail Canyon Special Use Area is open to the public and has three tracks to accommodate most ages and rider abilities. There is a large motocross track, a vintage track, and a Pee Wee track.
All off-road vehicles used in the park must be equipped with a spark arrestor and must have either a current highway registration or current off-highway vehicle green or red sticker. Red sticker riding season is October 1 - April 30. All operators must wear appropriate safety equipment. Even though the park is primarily an OHV park, hikers and mountain bikers can access areas of the park unavailable to OHV operators. Freeman Canyon and Overlook offer spectacular views of Hungry Valley.
The terrain ranges from 2,600 feet to over 8,000 feet on adjoining Los Padres National Forest. To the west of the area is a 60-acre hike-in natural preserve that protects stands of valley oak and native grasses. In the spring, the area has wildflower viewing Ranger led tours.
Activities
The land within Hungry Valley SVRA has an extensive network of trails that provides a balance of recreational challenges and opportunities to view wildlife in a scenic environment. Day-use parking is allowed at one of nine campgrounds located along Hungry Valley Road and Gold Hill Road with access to more than 130 miles of designated trails.
Open Use / Camping Area
More than 4,000 acres of open use area is located in the main valley on either side of Gold Hill Road and along Hungry Valley Road. This area contains a mix of designated trails and unmarked trails that traverse a variety of terrain from sand washes, to rolling hills, to hill climbs.
Hungry Valley has approximately 150 campsites throughout the park. Located adjacent to Gold Hill Road and Hungry Valley Road are nine semi-developed campgrounds which provide shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings, vault restrooms, and trash cans. Smith Forks campground also provides a mini track for young riders to recreate under the watchful eye of their parents. Due to the arid environment, drinking water is not available anywhere in the park.
Trails Use Only and Native Grasslands Area
Large areas of the park are traversed by a system of well-marked trails. In both the trail use only area and the Native Grasslands Management Area, motorized recreation is allowed only on designated trails. These trails are marked on the park map and are evident by signs and trail markers.
The land within Hungry Valley SVRA has an extensive network of trails that provides a balance of recreational challenges and opportunities to view wildlife in a scenic environment. Day-use parking is allowed at one of nine campgrounds located along Hungry Valley Road and Gold Hill Road with access to more than 130 miles of designated trails.
Open Use / Camping Area
More than 4,000 acres of open use area is located in the main valley on either side of Gold Hill Road and along Hungry Valley Road. This area contains a mix of designated trails and unmarked trails that traverse a variety of terrain from sand washes, to rolling hills, to hill climbs.
Hungry Valley has approximately 150 campsites throughout the park. Located adjacent to Gold Hill Road and Hungry Valley Road are nine semi-developed campgrounds which provide shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings, vault restrooms, and trash cans. Smith Forks campground also provides a mini track for young riders to recreate under the watchful eye of their parents. Due to the arid environment, drinking water is not available anywhere in the park.
Trails Use Only and Native Grasslands Area
Large areas of the park are traversed by a system of well-marked trails. In both the trail use only area and the Native Grasslands Management Area, motorized recreation is allowed only on designated trails. These trails are marked on the park map and are evident by signs and trail markers.
Where to Get Help
The State Park Rangers who patrol Hungry Valley SVRA are peace officers, who are trained Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and park maintenance personnel can also summon medical help. If no State Park personnel are available, dial 911 from any telephone. Four emergency call boxes are located through the main valley of the park. Pay phones are located at many business locations in Gorman. Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA. There are no emergency medical facilities in Gorman. The nearest hospital to Hungry Valley SVRA is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles to the south in Valencia. To drive to the hospital, take Interstate Highway 5 south to the McBean Parkway exit and turn left (east) on McBean Parkway. Henry Mayo Hospital is located approximately one mile from I-5 on the left-hand side at 23845 McBean Parkway.
The State Park Rangers who patrol Hungry Valley SVRA are peace officers, who are trained Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and park maintenance personnel can also summon medical help. If no State Park personnel are available, dial 911 from any telephone. Four emergency call boxes are located through the main valley of the park. Pay phones are located at many business locations in Gorman. Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA. There are no emergency medical facilities in Gorman. The nearest hospital to Hungry Valley SVRA is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles to the south in Valencia. To drive to the hospital, take Interstate Highway 5 south to the McBean Parkway exit and turn left (east) on McBean Parkway. Henry Mayo Hospital is located approximately one mile from I-5 on the left-hand side at 23845 McBean Parkway.
Rules & Regulations
You are responsible to know park rules and regulations. All provisions of the California Vehicle Code are enforced.
1.US Forest Service Approved Spark Arrestors and current California off-highway vehicle identification stickers or highway registration are required at all times when operating OHVs on public lands. The California off-highway identification sticker must be displayed as proscribed by law (CVC 38170c). Funds generated from off-highway identification stickers, along with a portion of the state gas tax, are used for the acquisition, development and operation of OHV areas throughout California.
2.Speed limit is 15 mph within 50 feet of a campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals. California's Basic Speed Law applies: Don't drive faster than is safe for conditions.
3.You may not drive a motor vehicle on a trail or a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of other persons or their property. Gold Hill Road and Hungry Valley Road are public highways.
4.Laws that pertain to driving under the influence of alcohol are exactly the same for off-highway as they are for on-highway vehicle operations. Don't drink and drive.
5.SVRA and National Forest OHV Trails are open to two-way traffic. Ride and drive defensively. Always anticipate oncoming traffic.
6.Shooting and hunting are prohibited within the SVRA, but allowed on most National Forest lands. Check with Rangers for information on legal target practice and hunting areas.
7.Dogs must be kept on a leash during the day and in a vehicle or tent at night.
8.No wood gathering or ground fires are allowed. Fires are allowed in designated camping sites in the fire rings provided. Bring your own firewood or purchase wood at the SVRA.
9.All ATV operators are required to wear a safety helmet meeting U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards.
10.It's unlawful, as well as extremely unsafe, to ride double on an ATV.
11.All ATV operators under 18 years of age must be directly supervised by an adult.
You are responsible to know park rules and regulations. All provisions of the California Vehicle Code are enforced.
1.US Forest Service Approved Spark Arrestors and current California off-highway vehicle identification stickers or highway registration are required at all times when operating OHVs on public lands. The California off-highway identification sticker must be displayed as proscribed by law (CVC 38170c). Funds generated from off-highway identification stickers, along with a portion of the state gas tax, are used for the acquisition, development and operation of OHV areas throughout California.
2.Speed limit is 15 mph within 50 feet of a campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals. California's Basic Speed Law applies: Don't drive faster than is safe for conditions.
3.You may not drive a motor vehicle on a trail or a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of other persons or their property. Gold Hill Road and Hungry Valley Road are public highways.
4.Laws that pertain to driving under the influence of alcohol are exactly the same for off-highway as they are for on-highway vehicle operations. Don't drink and drive.
5.SVRA and National Forest OHV Trails are open to two-way traffic. Ride and drive defensively. Always anticipate oncoming traffic.
6.Shooting and hunting are prohibited within the SVRA, but allowed on most National Forest lands. Check with Rangers for information on legal target practice and hunting areas.
7.Dogs must be kept on a leash during the day and in a vehicle or tent at night.
8.No wood gathering or ground fires are allowed. Fires are allowed in designated camping sites in the fire rings provided. Bring your own firewood or purchase wood at the SVRA.
9.All ATV operators are required to wear a safety helmet meeting U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards.
10.It's unlawful, as well as extremely unsafe, to ride double on an ATV.
11.All ATV operators under 18 years of age must be directly supervised by an adult.
Hazards
1.Hungry Valley was the site of homesteading and ranching activities for over 100 years. Old pieces of barbed wire from stock fence may still occasionally be found in some areas of the park.
2.Excessive water runoff from heavy rains or rapid snowmelt can cause dangerous erosion gullies, ditches and sudden drop-offs. Naturally occurring cliffs, some as much as 200 feet high, are found in the SVRA. These hazards have been marked on signed designated trails. Use caution, especially when you are operating an OHV in an unfamiliar area of the park.
3.Rattlesnakes may be found in this area. They are important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, they will defend themselves. Give them distance and respect.
4.Winter brings snow to the higher elevations within the park and the Los Padres National Forest. Be alert to weather forecasts and storm indications. To avoid the threat of exposure (hypothermia), warm clothing and staying dry is a must for your safety.
5.Summer temperatures normally range from 90° - 100°. The physical exertion with OHV operations and prolonged exposure to the blazing sun present a real risk of heat exhaustion or heat-stroke. OHV operations in the cool of the mornings and evenings reduces your risk. Be sure to drink plenty of water on hot days.
6.Watch out for cross traffic on Gold Hill Road, a public highway maintained jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and Hungry Valley SVRA. The road provides paved access to the Alamo Mountain and Piru Creek areas of the Los Padres National Forest. Numerous designated OHV crossings are established along Gold Hill Road within the SVRA. Watch for oncoming vehicles and cross with caution.
7.Whatever the cause, dry dusty winds common to Southern California during the hot summers and into late fall can spread a wild fire with heart-stopping speed. Watch for smoke, especially during fire season. Take along a trail map when riding - know your trails, an alternate escape route may be needed.
1.Hungry Valley was the site of homesteading and ranching activities for over 100 years. Old pieces of barbed wire from stock fence may still occasionally be found in some areas of the park.
2.Excessive water runoff from heavy rains or rapid snowmelt can cause dangerous erosion gullies, ditches and sudden drop-offs. Naturally occurring cliffs, some as much as 200 feet high, are found in the SVRA. These hazards have been marked on signed designated trails. Use caution, especially when you are operating an OHV in an unfamiliar area of the park.
3.Rattlesnakes may be found in this area. They are important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, they will defend themselves. Give them distance and respect.
4.Winter brings snow to the higher elevations within the park and the Los Padres National Forest. Be alert to weather forecasts and storm indications. To avoid the threat of exposure (hypothermia), warm clothing and staying dry is a must for your safety.
5.Summer temperatures normally range from 90° - 100°. The physical exertion with OHV operations and prolonged exposure to the blazing sun present a real risk of heat exhaustion or heat-stroke. OHV operations in the cool of the mornings and evenings reduces your risk. Be sure to drink plenty of water on hot days.
6.Watch out for cross traffic on Gold Hill Road, a public highway maintained jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and Hungry Valley SVRA. The road provides paved access to the Alamo Mountain and Piru Creek areas of the Los Padres National Forest. Numerous designated OHV crossings are established along Gold Hill Road within the SVRA. Watch for oncoming vehicles and cross with caution.
7.Whatever the cause, dry dusty winds common to Southern California during the hot summers and into late fall can spread a wild fire with heart-stopping speed. Watch for smoke, especially during fire season. Take along a trail map when riding - know your trails, an alternate escape route may be needed.
Native Grasslands
Native Grasslands Management Area
Before the coming of the Spanish, large areas of California were covered by native perennial bunch grasses. The grasses adapted to an annual cycle of burning and regrowing, but could not withstand the heavy grazing by the herds of cattle and horses introduced by the Spanish and American ranchers and the tilling of the soil to grow crops. Most of California's native grassland areas disappeared once non-native plants species were introduced.
Despite the many years of use for farming and ranching, Hungry Valley is home to one of the finest examples of native grasslands remaining in California today. The OHMVR Division is committed to managing and preserving the native grasses. Large areas of the park are traversed by a system of well marked trails. In both the trail use only area and the Native Grasslands Management Area, motorized recreation is allowed only on designated trails. These trails are marked on the park map and are evident by signs and trail marker. Please support the SVRA's management program, and help ensure continued OHV use in these areas for years to come by staying on the trails.
Native Grasslands Management Area
Before the coming of the Spanish, large areas of California were covered by native perennial bunch grasses. The grasses adapted to an annual cycle of burning and regrowing, but could not withstand the heavy grazing by the herds of cattle and horses introduced by the Spanish and American ranchers and the tilling of the soil to grow crops. Most of California's native grassland areas disappeared once non-native plants species were introduced.
Despite the many years of use for farming and ranching, Hungry Valley is home to one of the finest examples of native grasslands remaining in California today. The OHMVR Division is committed to managing and preserving the native grasses. Large areas of the park are traversed by a system of well marked trails. In both the trail use only area and the Native Grasslands Management Area, motorized recreation is allowed only on designated trails. These trails are marked on the park map and are evident by signs and trail marker. Please support the SVRA's management program, and help ensure continued OHV use in these areas for years to come by staying on the trails.
Accessible Features
Non-flush restrooms are generally accessible throughout the park. No showers or water is available in the park. Accessible parking is located at the District Office, the Quail Canyon Motocross Track, the Gorman Entrance Station and near most of the restrooms throughout the park.
Visitors should bring water, sunscreen, and hats, and dress accordingly for ticks. The park is located off the Gorman exit from I5 on Peace Valley Road.
Camping
Campsites located at Aliklik, Smith Forks, and Edison Campgrounds are mostly flat, level and generally accessible. Several campsites at Lane Ranch are accessible. Sites include shade structures, and accessible picnic tables, fire rings and trash containers.
Picnic Area
For those who thrill to the roar and dust of motorbikes, accessible picnic sites are dispersed throughout the park, mostly near accessible no-flush restrooms.
Visitor Center: A visitor information area near the Gorman entrance station is generally accessible, including no- flush (vault) restrooms and adjacent parking.
District Office: Information is available at the District Office. It is accessible, including restrooms, and adjacent van accessible parking. The Quail Canyon Special Event Area has 13 accessible parking spaces, including 3 van accessible and accessible no-flush toilets.
Non-flush restrooms are generally accessible throughout the park. No showers or water is available in the park. Accessible parking is located at the District Office, the Quail Canyon Motocross Track, the Gorman Entrance Station and near most of the restrooms throughout the park.
Visitors should bring water, sunscreen, and hats, and dress accordingly for ticks. The park is located off the Gorman exit from I5 on Peace Valley Road.
Camping
Campsites located at Aliklik, Smith Forks, and Edison Campgrounds are mostly flat, level and generally accessible. Several campsites at Lane Ranch are accessible. Sites include shade structures, and accessible picnic tables, fire rings and trash containers.
Picnic Area
For those who thrill to the roar and dust of motorbikes, accessible picnic sites are dispersed throughout the park, mostly near accessible no-flush restrooms.
Visitor Center: A visitor information area near the Gorman entrance station is generally accessible, including no- flush (vault) restrooms and adjacent parking.
District Office: Information is available at the District Office. It is accessible, including restrooms, and adjacent van accessible parking. The Quail Canyon Special Event Area has 13 accessible parking spaces, including 3 van accessible and accessible no-flush toilets.
Community Trips
This is the MX track as of Nov 2007. They tweak the track once in a while to keep it interesting.
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