Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to the most common questions about fees, registration, camping, rules, safety, and visiting Hungry Valley SVRA.
Have questions about visiting Hungry Valley? You're not alone! This comprehensive FAQ covers everything from entry fees and vehicle registration to camping rules and emergency contacts. Use the table of contents to jump to your specific category, or browse all 60+ questions for a complete understanding of what to expect at Southern California's premier OHV destination.
Access & Hours
Is Hungry Valley open 24/7?
Yes! Hungry Valley SVRA is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds.
Are there any current access restrictions?
As of November 2024, the park has partially reopened after the June 2024 Post Fire. The eastern and southern portions remain closed. Current hours are Weekdays: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Weekends: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors arriving after 4:00 PM will not be admitted.
For complete details on current park status and recovery progress, see our Post Fire Recovery & Current Status chapter.
Do I need reservations?
During post-fire recovery, weekend reservations are required through the LAZ Parking app or website. Weekdays operate on first-come, first-served basis until vehicle limits are reached. Check current status before your visit.
Which entrance should I use?
Currently, use the NORTH entrance at Gorman off Peace Valley Road (also called Ralphs Ranch Road). The south entrance remains closed due to post-fire recovery.
How do I get there?
Hungry Valley is located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles along Interstate 5. It's approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 55 miles south of Bakersfield near the community of Gorman.
Fees & Permits
How much does it cost to enter?
Day use fee is $5 per vehicle. This includes access to all trails, tracks (when open), and practice areas for the entire day.
How much does camping cost?
Camping fees are $10 per night in the semi-developed campgrounds with basic amenities. The park has 11 campgrounds with over 200 sites total.
Can I use my California State Parks pass?
OHV Day Use Annual, Senior, Veterans, and Disabled passes are accepted on WEEKDAYS ONLY during the current post-fire vehicle restrictions. Check current policies before your visit.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most SVRA entrance stations only accept credit or debit (ATM) cards. Bring a card as cash may not be accepted.
Is there an annual pass option?
Yes! The annual OHV Vehicle Day Use Pass costs $50 per year. Contact the Hungry Valley district office at (661) 248-7007 for information on purchasing and renewing annual passes.
Will my America the Beautiful Pass work?
No. National Park passes like America the Beautiful do not work at California State Parks, which are separately managed.
Vehicle Registration
What is a Green Sticker?
A Green Sticker is California's OHV registration for off-highway vehicles that meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards. Cost is $54 for a two-year registration period.
For complete registration requirements and entrance procedures, see our Entrance, Rules & Requirements chapter.
What is a Red Sticker?
A Red Sticker is issued to motorcycles and ATVs (model year 2003-2021) that don't meet CARB emission standards. As of January 1, 2025, Red Sticker vehicles now have YEAR-ROUND access to all OHV areas—the seasonal restrictions have ended!
Can I ride my Red Sticker vehicle year-round now?
YES! Beginning January 1, 2025, Red Sticker and Green Sticker registrations are equally valid year-round in all public areas designated for OHV recreation. The old seasonal restrictions are gone!
Do I need a sticker if my vehicle has a license plate?
No. Street-legal vehicles with current license plates from any state do not need a Green or Red Sticker. However, the plate must be properly displayed at all times, including off-highway.
Where do I get a Green or Red Sticker?
California residents can register OHVs through the DMV or AAA. You'll receive either a Green or Red Sticker depending on your vehicle's emissions compliance.
What about newer competition bikes (2022+)?
Model year 2022 and newer competition-labeled emissions non-compliant motorcycles and ATVs can only be operated on closed courses when on public lands (like the Quail Canyon MX track), not on trails.
Out-of-State Visitors
Can I ride with an out-of-state plate?
Yes! Street-legal vehicles with current license plates from any state can ride at Hungry Valley without additional permits.
What if my OHV isn't street-legal and I'm from out of state?
You must purchase a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit ($30 for the calendar year). Available online or from motorcycle shops and powersports dealers in California and bordering states.
Do Red Sticker restrictions apply to non-residents?
As of January 1, 2025, Red Sticker restrictions no longer apply to ANYONE—residents or non-residents. All properly registered Red Sticker vehicles can now ride year-round.
What if I'm from Arizona?
Arizona residents with street-licensed OHVs must purchase a California Nonresident Permit ($30). Arizona now requires non-residents to purchase an AZ Non-Resident Permit to ride there as well.
Camping
When does camping reopen?
Hungry Valley SVRA reopened for camping on September 5, 2025, following the June 2024 Post Fire closure.
Are campsites first-come, first-served?
Generally yes. The 11 semi-developed campgrounds with 200+ sites are typically first-come, first-served. However, the Honey Valley Group Camp can be reserved through ReserveCalifornia at (800) 444-7275.
What amenities do campgrounds have?
Most campgrounds provide shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash bins. Smith Forks Campground is the only one with flush toilets and sinks.
For complete campground details and maps, see our Camping Overview & Facilities chapter.
Is drinking water available?
NO. There is NO drinking water anywhere in the park. You must bring all the water you'll need for your entire visit—for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Can I collect firewood?
No. Firewood collection in the park is not allowed. Open ground fires are also not allowed. You may use fire rings with purchased firewood.
Can I burn pallets?
No. Pallet burning is not allowed in the park.
Is there a dump station?
No dump stations exist in the park. The nearest dump station is in Lebec at the truck stop, or at the northbound and southbound I-5 rest areas. Seasonal dump services are also available at Pyramid Lake.
What are quiet hours?
Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Respect your neighbors and keep noise levels down during these hours.
Rules & Requirements
Are helmets required?
Yes. Helmets are required for all riders on ATVs and motorcycles in California.
Do I need a spark arrestor?
Yes. All vehicles must have an approved spark arrestor. This is a California law enforced throughout the state.
What are the sound limits?
Vehicles must meet sound requirements of 96 decibels or less. This limit is enforced at the park.
Are whips and flags required?
Yes, for ROVs/side-by-sides. As of November 1, 2022, ALL side-by-sides must have an 8-foot whip with a 6"x12" flag on the top 10 inches. The whip must stand upright when stopped.
Can I ride anywhere I want?
No. Hungry Valley has different use zones. The Open Riding Zone (4,000+ acres) allows riding anywhere. The Trails Use Zone (15,000 acres) restricts OHV use to designated trails only. The Native Grasslands Management Area requires staying on designated trails.
Are there fire restrictions?
Fire restrictions vary by season. Always ask about current seasonal fire restrictions when you arrive or check the park website before your visit.
Can I fly drones or model aircraft?
Model aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) are regulated by Superintendent Order. Check current regulations before bringing drones.
Post Fire Status (June 2024)
How much of the park burned?
The Post Fire in June 2024 burned over 10,000 acres (approximately 100 miles of trails) in the eastern and southern areas of Hungry Valley SVRA.
What's currently open?
Approximately 70 miles of western trails reopened November 1, 2024. The eastern and southern burn areas remain closed to allow natural recovery.
Why can't the burn area be opened as open riding?
The Post Fire burn area contains sensitive natural resources and cultural preserves protected under state law. These areas must be allowed to recover naturally.
Are there vehicle limits due to the fire?
Yes, during recovery. Weekdays: 103 vehicles total (including 30 ROVs) plus 50 camping sites. Weekends require reservations. Check current status as these restrictions may change.
When will more trails reopen?
State Parks continues to assess and reopen trails as recovery progresses. Recent reopenings include Backbone Trail, Homestead Trail, Antler Trail, and Flying W Trail (some partially or one-way). Check the official website for current status.
Trails & Riding
How many miles of trails are there?
Hungry Valley has 130+ miles of marked trails. Currently, approximately 70 miles are open following the Post Fire, with more reopening as recovery continues.
For detailed trail descriptions and current conditions, see our Open Trails & Riding Areas Guide.
Are trails rated for difficulty?
Yes. Hungry Valley uses a standard rating system: Green Circle (easiest), Blue Square (intermediate), Black Diamond (advanced), and Double Black Diamond (expert). Trails are marked with white trailside markers.
Is there riding for beginners?
Yes! The Native Grasslands Management Area offers relatively easy trails perfect for beginners. There's also a 1-acre mini-track near Smith Forks Campground specifically for beginning riders on 90cc or smaller bikes and ATVs.
Where can experienced riders find challenges?
Challenging trails can be found in the hills and sand washes of the backcountry section. Trails in the adjoining Los Padres National Forest are recommended for experienced riders only.
Can I ride through to Miller Jeep Trail?
Yes, you can drive through the park to exit at Gorman from the Miller Jeep Trail in Los Padres National Forest, but only from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What about Mount Pinos trails?
Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest offers an additional 200+ miles of technical woods trails nearby. These are National Forest lands, separate from the SVRA.
Facilities & Amenities
Is Quail Canyon MX track open?
Currently closed due to water well issues (as of late 2024). State Parks is working on infrastructure repairs including finding a sustainable water supply. Check the official website for current status.
Are there practice areas?
Yes! There's a 10-acre 4WD practice area with 8 man-made obstacles, a 15-acre motorcycle practice track (1 mile long for 100cc+ bikes), and a 1-acre mini-track for beginners.
Where can I buy gas?
Gas stations are available right off the freeway in Gorman before you enter the park. There is NO fuel available inside the park.
Where's the nearest grocery store?
Basic food and supplies are available in Gorman. For more extensive shopping, head to Valencia (about 30 miles south) or Lebec.
Is there cell phone coverage?
Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA. Don't count on having reliable cell service. Plan accordingly with meeting times and locations.
Is there WiFi?
No WiFi is available in the park. However, the Agents of Discovery app and downloaded offline maps don't require cell coverage once installed.
Safety & Emergency
What if I need emergency help?
State Park Rangers patrolling Hungry Valley are peace officers trained as Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and maintenance personnel can also summon help. If no park personnel are available, dial 911.
For complete safety guidelines and emergency procedures, see our Safety, Emergency & First Aid chapter.
Where's the nearest hospital?
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, approximately 30 miles south. Take I-5 south to McBean Parkway exit, turn left (east), hospital is about 1 mile from I-5 at 23845 McBean Parkway.
Are there medical facilities in Gorman?
No. There are NO emergency medical facilities in Gorman. The nearest hospital is 30 miles away in Valencia.
What about rattlesnakes?
Rattlesnakes are present in the area, especially during warmer months. Wear boots, watch where you step, and stay on trails when hiking.
How's the weather?
Elevations range from 3,000-6,000 feet. Summers are hot, dry, and dusty. Occasional snowfall occurs in winter. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant riding conditions with mild temperatures. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing in spring, fall, and winter.
Should I take OHV safety training?
Yes! California State Parks offers FREE ATV, ROV, and dirt bike training through partnerships with SVIA, ROHVA, and MSF. Safe operation starts with proper training.
Essential Quick Facts
Key Information at a Glance
- Entry Fee: $5 day use, $10 camping per night
- Registration: Green/Red Sticker or street license plate required; Red Stickers now work year-round!
- Out-of-State: License plates work; non-plated OHVs need $30 Nonresident Permit
- Required Equipment: Helmet, spark arrestor, 96dB sound limit, 8-foot whip/flag for ROVs
- NO Water: Bring all drinking water—none available in park
- Hours: Currently 7 AM-6 PM weekdays, 6 AM-6 PM weekends (post-fire temporary)
- Cell Coverage: Intermittent throughout park—plan accordingly
- Emergency: Dial 911; nearest hospital 30 miles away in Valencia
- Post Fire: ~70 miles open, eastern/southern areas closed during recovery
- Contact: (661) 248-7007 for current information
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