What we’re about
This Meetup group is for those who enjoy riding Side-by-Sides (UTV's) in the desert and mountains of Southern California.
This meetup will host both day trips and multi-day camping and riding trips. We also host occasional rides in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Rides are rated as intermediate with some upper intermediate sections. We are all about enjoying the BLM and Forest Service trails. We don't ride especially fast, and we stay on open trails.
So, if you enjoy the beauty of our great country and want to see areas that cannot be accessed from the highway, join us for a future ride. We are a family friendly group, so kids and dogs are welcome. Members are welcome from all of Southern California. If you have any questions, reach out to me by email [barrymfriedman@gmail.com](mailto:barrymfriedman@gmail.com)
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Mammoth Camp-n-RideGlass Creek Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Beat the heat! Based on your feedback, I have scheduled a Mammoth Ride for early September at Glass Creek Campground.
Glass Creek is a first come first serve campground, no reservations and no hookups. You can fill your water tanks at the Crestview Rest Stop, which is halfway between Highway 203 and Glass Creek Rd, or at the Mammoth Community water district office just off 395 on Highway 203.
I'm planning on getting there that Tuesday morning to secure a campsite. Some of the sites are large enough to accommodate 2-3 rigs, therefore if you can get there mid-week, you could possibly secure a spot for multiple rigs for our group.
We will host group rides on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The GPX file with all the tracks & waypoints as well as individual GPX tracks for each ride is available to download by clicking the link below.
Mammoth Tracks & Waypoints - Sept 2025 - Final
I have heard several reports that water is no longer available at the Crestview Rest Stop. I called the Mammoth Water District and confirmed water is available at their location. They are open 24/7 and have a dump station and potable water available. The cost is $10 and they have a pay box.
The Mammoth Water District is located at 1315 Meridian Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 - (37.64163, -118.94597).
If you choose a large campsite, please consider leaving room for an additional RV since we now have 30 rigs that have RSVP'd, and they only have 50 spots. Many of these spots can accommodate two rigs and they also have a group site, so if you have a couple friends joining you, try and grab the group site. The camp host can point you to its location.
The Hartley Springs Campground is very close and has 25 sites (37.7717, -119.0373), as is the Big Springs Campground (37.7488, -118.9397) that has 26 sites. There is also dispersed camping available off Owens River Road.If you camp at a location other than Glass Creek, please plan to be at my site by 8AM for the drivers meeting. Gas is available at the Shell Station located off highway 395 and the June Lake loop. The GPX file above includes a direct offroad route to the gas station as well and all the scheduled rides. I have posted a picture of my RV in the photos below. Most likely I will be camping over the bridge which has larger sites.
Wednesday Afternoon Ride
I am going to check and see if the trail to the Mammoth Main Lodge is open. This is a 23-mile round trip and is an easy ride through the trees. After a beer and a pretzel, I will check to see if the trail to Red Lake is open. I think it may be closed to all but authorized vehicles. You are invited to join me.Thursday Ride
We will ride from Glass Creek to Laurel Lakes. I decided to do this ride on Thursday to reduce the amount of traffic on the trail up to the lakes. There are sections that are only wide enough for a single vehicle. If enough members request to move this ride to Friday, I will consider that but not Saturday or Sunday. 54 mile round-trip.Friday Ride
We will visit June, Grant, and Mono lakes with a stop at the Whoa Nellie Deli near Lee Vining for lunch. Our first stop will be the beach at June Lake. Next its over to Grant Lake, this will require a short but steep and very soft uphill climb requiring 4-wheel low. We will then cross over 395 and head to the deli for lunch. Gas is also available there. After lunch it on to Navy Beach at Mono Lake. After a short stop there we will head back to camp. 76 mile round-trip.Saturday Ride
After leaving Glass Creek, we will head over to the Bald Mountain Lookout. Then it's on to a new section of trail that will head East then down the mountain to Brown's Town Owens River for a stop at their general store. We will take several minor trails through the trees back to camp. 90 miles round-trip.Sunday Ride
I have decided to make Sunday an open riding day. I will be around if anyone would like to checkout a specific location.These organizers are not professional guides or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies.
Please carry a personal medical emergency kit and any medications you need.
Motorized off-road driving/riding is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injuries including but not limited to slip and fall injuries, fractures, rattlesnake bites, heat exhaustion, poison oak, ticks and frostbite.
By participating in this event/ride, you agree to not hold these organizers liable for any harm that may come to you, your guests, or your property. Always remember to let the event organizer know if you are leaving the group. Stay on the trail, never drive/ride alone and use your own common sense.
