TORCH TRAIL REVIEW #004 | RED MOUNTAIN OHV (Anza, Southern CA)
For the fourth installment of the TORCH Trail Review series, we’re heading back to Southern California to scout the desert paths of the San Jacinto Mountains. We’ve teamed up with off-road enthusiast Avalanche in San Diego (@avalancheinsandiego) to scout the Red Mountain OHV trail near Anza, CA.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly route that offers scenery without the stress of technical rock crawling, this is a great candidate for your next off-road outing.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
Located in the desert landscape of Southern California, the Red Mountain route is a scenic point-to-point trek that winds toward Juan Diego Flats. This trail serves as an introduction to off-roading, consisting mostly of maintained fire roads and wide shelf paths that offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
THE TERRAIN
The main trail at Red Mountain is a smooth 2/10 in difficulty, making it accessible for stock 4x4s and even high-clearance 2WD vehicles. You can expect a mix of hard-packed dirt fire roads and winding shelf paths.
A Word of Caution: While the driving is straightforward, the risk of scratching your paint increases once you reach the Juan Diego Flats section. The brush becomes much tighter here, so if you’re worried about your paint, you may want to take it slow. Additionally, always stay alert for oncoming traffic on blind corners and keep an eye out for local wildfire conditions, as this area can be very dry.
THE EXPERIENCE
This is a "fast" trail that doesn't require airing down for the main sections, making it a great option for a quick morning run. The route features several notable landmarks:
Mile 4: Reach the Alessandro Trailhead.
Mile 7.5: Access the Hixon Trail (50" width limit) and the Red Mountain Lookout.
Mile 8: The gate for Juan Diego Flats, where the trail tightens up.
The elevation gain provides a spectacular view of the California desert landscape, making it a favorite for photographers and those looking to scope out new campsites in the region.
TIPS FROM THE SCOUT
Watch the Corners: Because this trail is beginner-friendly and relatively smooth, traffic can move quickly. Use a radio if you have one and stay to the right on blind curves.
Paint Protection: If you’re driving a full-size or wide-body rig, be cautious around the Juan Diego Flats section to avoid scratching your paint. The brush is unforgiving here in the tighter sections.
Check the Gate: Access to certain sections can change based on seasonal fire risks. Always check local forest service alerts before heading out.
SUMMARY STATS
Location: Red Mountain OHV (Anza, CA)
Difficulty: 2/10 (Beginner Friendly)
Terrain: Fire roads, high-desert shelf paths, tight brush
Distance: ~10-12 Miles
Rig Requirement: 4WD or High-Clearance 2WD
Time: 1–2 Hours
THE VERDICT
Red Mountain OHV is a great trail for beginners to the off-road scene, or anyone looking for a low-stress drive. It’s an ideal spot to test out a new suspension lift or get used to how your rig handles on dirt without the risk of body damage or getting stuck. It’s scenic, accessible, and a staple for any SoCal off-roader's list.
Big thanks to @avalancheinsandiego for reviewing the fourth trail in our series! Head to his channel for more build videos and off-road trails in Southern California.
Looking to upgrade your Chevy Avalanche before your next run? Check out our Lift for the 07-13 Avalanche, or view our lineup of Suspension Lift Kits.
Want to be featured in an upcoming review? Drop us a comment or message us @torchoffroad and stay tuned for the next trail in our series!
