Hungry Valley 4x4 Playground
Hungry Valley 4x4 Playground is a moderate 130+ miles off-road trail near Gorman, CA. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, OHV sticker and is best run Year-round. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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Hungry Valley 4x4 Playground is the most accessible off-road destination for Southern California's millions of residents, located just off Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles. The 19,000-acre park offers terrain diversity that defies its relatively compact size, from smooth fire roads perfect for beginners to technical hill climbs and rock gardens that challenge experts. Smith Forks Campground provides a comfortable base for multi-day adventures, while the network of interconnected trails allows for endless exploration. The park's oak-dotted hills and seasonal wildflowers create scenery that rivals the more remote destinations, all within an hour of LA.
Fun Facts
Hungry Valley 4x4 Playground was California's first state-operated off-road vehicle area, opening in 1971.
The park contains over 130 miles of trails ranging from fire roads to technical rock crawling.
Hungry Valley got its name from early settlers who found the area so barren they nearly starved.
The Quail Canyon Motocross track has hosted professional racing events for decades.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Hungry Valley 4x4 Playground:
- Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED · Malibu · 44 mi
- Anacapa Island Campground · Anacapa Island · 59 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Gorman, CA
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.