California is preparing for a busy period of off-highway recreation with a statewide safety campaign scheduled for November 14–22, 2026. The fifth annual Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety Week will bring 17 safety courses and events to recreational areas across the state, giving riders opportunities to improve their skills, learn basic vehicle inspections and explore safer ways to enjoy California’s off-road trails. Organized by the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, the campaign carries the message “Ride to Ride Again,” encouraging responsible riding and greater awareness of trail conditions.
The November initiative includes free safety classes for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), and motorcycles. Several State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs) will also host public activities, including safety demonstrations, educational booths and a recreational poker run. One of the week’s major highlights will be the 50th anniversary celebration of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area on November 21. California State Parks announced the program on November 9, with Assistant Chief Jack Gorman emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks associated with off-road recreation and learning how to ride responsibly.
California’s Fifth Annual OHV Safety Week Runs November 14–22
The 2026 campaign marks the fifth annual OHV Safety Week organized by California State Parks and its Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The initiative brings together state recreation officials, safety organizations and riding communities to promote practical skills and safer behavior across California’s off-road recreation network.
The campaign’s central message, “Ride to Ride Again,” focuses on the idea that enjoying the trails depends on making responsible decisions before and during every trip. Riders are encouraged to understand their vehicles, respect other trail users, recognize changing terrain and protect the natural areas where they ride.
California State Parks is offering 17 safety courses and events during the nine-day observance. Free ATV, side-by-side and motorcycle safety classes will be available through partnerships with organizations including the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association.
The program is open to California residents, and the department encourages both experienced riders and newcomers to take advantage of the training opportunities. Some sessions focus on formal instruction, while other activities provide demonstrations and opportunities to discuss equipment, trail etiquette and mechanical inspections with park personnel.
The initiative also highlights the importance of educating younger riders. Choosing an appropriately sized vehicle and developing basic riding skills can help prevent situations in which inexperienced users operate equipment beyond their abilities.
Prairie City Leads With a Safety Poker Run and Mechanical Inspections
One of the most distinctive activities will take place at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area in Rancho Cordova on Saturday, November 14. The park will host its “Ride to Ride Again” Poker Run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., combining recreational riding with practical safety instruction.
Participants will follow an approximately two-mile dirt and gravel route containing five educational stops. At each station, riders can learn about pre-ride and post-ride mechanical inspections, including the importance of checking vehicle condition before entering the trails and identifying problems after completing a ride.
The poker-run format adds a recreational element. Participants draw poker chips at the educational stops, accumulate points toward prizes and receive a commemorative finisher patch after completing the route.
The activity is particularly useful because mechanical problems can become serious safety issues in remote riding areas. A loose component, damaged tire, malfunctioning control or fluid leak can leave a rider stranded or create a hazard for other trail users.
The event also gives participants an opportunity to speak directly with California State Parks personnel about vehicle maintenance and responsible trail use. Riders planning to participate should bring their own motorcycle or ATV and appropriate riding equipment. The park lists its main staging area as the check-in location.
Prairie City is one of nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas operated by California’s OHMVR Division. Its proximity to Sacramento makes it an accessible location for residents of the capital region who want to participate in the campaign.
Free RIDE Day Sessions Introduce Newcomers to Off-Road Vehicles
Another major activity will take place at the Honda Rider Education Center in Colton on November 21 and 22. The free RIDE Day sessions are intended to introduce new participants to ATV and side-by-side recreation in a controlled environment.
Unlike a conventional trail ride, these introductory sessions take place in a closed practice setting. California State Parks says vehicles, riding equipment and certified coaches will be provided at no cost, allowing participants to experience the basic operation of an off-highway vehicle without having to supply their own machine or protective gear.
The sessions offer an entry point for people who are interested in off-road recreation but have little or no experience. Learning in a supervised environment gives newcomers an opportunity to become familiar with vehicle controls, basic handling and safety procedures before considering a trip to a larger recreation area.
The availability of free equipment and coaching is also important for families and individuals who may be interested in the activity but do not own an ATV or side-by-side.
Participants should consult the official OHV Safety Week schedule and the registration information provided through RideOHV before attending. Availability, eligibility and session requirements should be confirmed in advance rather than assumed from the general campaign announcement.
Ocotillo Wells Celebrates 50 Years of Off-Highway Recreation
The campaign will reach another milestone on Saturday, November 21, when Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Located in San Diego County’s desert region, Ocotillo Wells is one of California’s most recognized destinations for off-highway recreation. Its extensive desert terrain attracts ATV riders, motorcycle enthusiasts, four-wheel-drive users and visitors interested in exploring the region’s open landscapes.
The anniversary celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park’s Main Street Event Facility. Visitors will be able to hear guest speakers, learn about the area’s history and explore information about its future. Event booths will also provide OHV safety resources, while a 1:24-scale remote-control crawler course will offer an additional activity.
The anniversary is particularly relevant to the state’s wider recreation program. California created the OHMVR Division in 1971 to manage growing demand for off-highway vehicle access while addressing private property rights and the protection of natural and cultural resources.
The division now operates nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas: Carnegie, Clay Pit, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City.
According to California State Parks, the OHMVR program has awarded more than $884 million in grants since 1971. The funding has supported recreation facilities, resource protection, education, law enforcement and partnerships with federal and local agencies.
The Ocotillo Wells anniversary therefore provides an opportunity to look beyond recreational activities and consider how California has developed a statewide system for managing off-road access over five decades.
Other State Vehicular Recreation Areas Join the Campaign
OHV Safety Week will extend beyond the larger events in Prairie City, Colton and Ocotillo Wells. Several additional recreation areas have scheduled public activities, allowing visitors in different parts of California to participate.
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area will host safety outreach activities on November 15 and November 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Main Day Use Area. Visitors can stop at the safety outreach trailer to learn about park resources and responsible riding. The park provides contact information at (831) 638-2065 for people seeking additional details.
Hungry Valley SVRA will offer opportunities to speak with State Parks personnel at Edison Campground on November 14 and Smith Forks Campground on November 21. These activities will focus on safety information and available resources for visitors.
At Oceano Dunes SVRA, an outreach booth will operate on November 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program includes a hands-on T-CLOC pre-ride inspection demonstration using a mock off-highway vehicle. Participants can work with park staff to identify common maintenance and safety issues before heading onto the trails.
Onyx Ranch SVRA will host safety information booths on November 14 and November 21 at its staging area off Jawbone Canyon Road. Activities include games, prizes and an opportunity for participants completing an OHV survey to receive a free oil spill kit.
Carnegie SVRA will hold its family safety activities on November 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can participate in a hands-on T-CLOC activity from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a Family Safety Ride for motorcycle and ATV riders from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The park recommends bringing riding equipment, water and sun protection.
Some locations, including Clay Pit and Heber Dunes, had event details listed as to be announced on the official schedule at the time of publication. Visitors should check for updates before making travel plans.
Essential Safety Practices for California Off-Road Riders
The campaign is also an opportunity to review the safety practices that apply throughout the year, not just during the November observance. Off-highway recreation involves changing terrain, vehicle-specific handling characteristics and potential interactions with other riders. Preparation is particularly important in remote areas where assistance may not be immediately available.
California State Parks recommends several basic precautions for people using ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Riders should always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and appropriate protective equipment. Side-by-side occupants should use seat belts, and drivers should understand the vehicle’s operating instructions before entering unfamiliar terrain.
Vehicle selection is another important consideration. ATVs are not interchangeable, and younger riders should use models appropriate for their age, physical size and experience. California State Parks also states that side-by-side drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.
Trail discipline is equally important. Riders should remain on designated routes, follow posted signs, maintain a safe speed and stay to the right when operating on shared trails. Operating an off-highway vehicle while intoxicated creates additional risks and is inconsistent with the campaign’s responsible-riding message.
A basic pre-ride inspection can also identify problems before they develop into mechanical failures. Riders should check tires, controls, lights, oil and other essential vehicle components. The T-CLOC demonstrations during Safety Week are intended to make this kind of inspection more familiar and easier to incorporate into regular riding routines.
California State Parks also reminds visitors that ATVs and side-by-sides are designed for off-road use and should not be driven on paved public roads. Following designated routes helps protect riders while reducing damage to sensitive habitats and recreation areas.
Protecting Trails and Natural Areas Is Part of Responsible Recreation
The “Ride to Ride Again” campaign extends beyond personal protective equipment and mechanical checks. Its message also addresses the responsibility riders have toward the land and other people who use California’s recreation areas.
Staying on designated trails reduces the risk of damaging vegetation, disturbing wildlife habitat and creating new routes that have not been evaluated for safe public access. Respecting posted restrictions and avoiding environmentally sensitive areas are important parts of maintaining long-term recreational opportunities.
The OHMVR Division works with organizations including Tread Lightly!, the California Highway Patrol, the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, the ATV Safety Institute, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
These partnerships help bring training, public education and responsible recreation messages to different types of off-highway users.
For visitors planning trips beyond the campaign, California offers a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Exploring the state’s coastal and inland destinations can help travelers identify additional places to visit, while checking individual park rules remains essential before taking an off-highway vehicle onto public land.
Preparing for OHV Safety Week and the Winter Riding Season
California’s November 14–22 campaign gives riders a timely opportunity to improve their skills before the winter recreation season. The 17 courses and events bring together hands-on demonstrations, introductory sessions, educational activities and community celebrations at locations across the state.
The schedule also offers different entry points for participants. Experienced riders can review inspection practices and trail etiquette, while newcomers can explore supervised instruction and learn about equipment before committing to their first off-road trip.
The November 21 anniversary at Ocotillo Wells adds a historical dimension to the program, recognizing five decades of organized off-highway recreation in California. Meanwhile, the activities at Prairie City, Carnegie, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Oceano Dunes and Onyx Ranch extend the campaign’s reach to communities across the state’s recreation network.
The most important message remains straightforward: access to California’s trails depends on riders making informed decisions, respecting other users and protecting the environments they visit. By combining free instruction with public events, California State Parks is using OHV Safety Week to encourage habits that can make off-road recreation safer throughout the year.