Off-roading is a fun way to blow off some steam and have an adventure, whether solo, or with family and friends. According to AllTrails, there are over 376 places in California to go off-roading. Many of them are in Southern California, thanks to our nearly year-round perfect weather. Whether you plan to take your vehicle for an adventure in the mountains or the desert, there are a few things you can do to prepare for an amazing off-roading adventure.

1. Join the Club 

First, if you are new to off-roading, you may consider having your first experience as part of an off-roading club. Depending on where you are in Southern California and what you’re looking for in a club experience, the California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) can help find the right club for you! Each club has a different focus; whether its family-oriented, for two or four wheels, location specific, or another factor that has you itching to join, there is a group for everyone. 

2. Pick Your Terrain

AllTrails is a great site to use to find your perfect terrain. Your search can be based on factors such as such as trail difficulty, length, elevation, traffic, route type and other trail attractions such as waterfalls, lakes, forest, hot springs, river, and views. What a great way to experience nature and choose a change of scenery each time! 

3. Check the Weather 

If you’re planning your trip close to the present, double check that the weather will give you an optimal experience. If you’re planning well in advance, check out the Farmers’ Almanac for weather trends for that date, month, and season. For instance, you may not want to go off-roading if there are going to be adverse weather situations that will put a damper on your fun, such as rain, lightning, thunderstorms, or if there is fire danger. Any of these will adversely affect your fun quotient. 

 4. Prepare Your Vehicle 

Not all vehicles are primed and ready to go off-roading. Many factors go into vehicle preparation. Here are a few to keep in mind: 

• If you’re not using an official off-road vehicle (ORV), most trails will accept cars or trucks with four-wheel-drive.  
• Off-road tires are highly recommended, as well as lowering your tire pressure. Reducing tire pressure puts your vehicle a little closer to the ground and can improve traction. 
• Check your ground clearance – if you have a low-riding vehicle, you may want to rent an off-road vehicle or find a friend who has something that will clear brush, rocks, and other natural elements that could cause damage to your vehicle. 
• Check all your fluids and filters to make sure everything is operational and optimal. Brake fluid, engine and transmission oils, coolant, and even how much gasoline you have.  
• Protect your vehicle – some off-roaders advise that you make sure your fuel tank and other parts are protected by plates or other coverings, so that if you do hit a large bump, rock, or other projectile, it is less likely to cause permanent damage. 

 5. Take Emergency Supplies 

While you don’t want to think the worst, it’s important to plan for “just in case” scenarios. Food, water, flashlight, compass/ GPS, chargers, first aid, extra clothing, map, extra fuel are MUSTS at a minimum. If you have space and inclination, you can also bring winches, tow straps such as nylon straps or cables, shovel, and battery jumping cables.  

 6. Tell Someone Where You’re Going 

Make sure someone knows where you are heading to, with whom you are going, and how long you plan to be gone. Have a plan for a check in with your designated contact so that they can be reassured that your adventure went off without a hitch. 

 7. Post- Off-Roading Vehicle Check 

Double check your vehicle after to make sure that there is no internal damage causing fluid leaks or other issues and that your tire pressure is good for highway driving. 

Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time!