SC102 – A Ridge Ride to Remember

SC102 is a 7-mile stretch of single track that clings to a mountainous ridge line, weaving east to west toward the Sierra Nevada. It’s the kind of trail that makes you second-guess whether to keep your throttle open or stop and snap photos every two minutes. Spoiler alert: you’ll probably do both.

Our crew was a mixed bag of riding levels, from seasoned desert rats to riders still sharpening their trail chops—but everyone made it through with big grins and dust on their visors. The technical sections, especially the hill climbs, demand your focus and finesse, but the trail rewards you at every turn with panoramic views and that addictive flow only single track can deliver.

DOW challenge rating: 3/5

GPX TRACK

SC102 is a scenic single track, which follows a ridge from Dove Springs to the western edge of the park and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Choose Your Own Adventure

At the end of SC102, you’ve got options. You can push on to more challenging single track that snakes through the rugged highlands, or you can kick up some sand and let loose on the Baja-style two-tracks that ripple through the lower hills. These fast, flowing trails are pure joy—think throttle-heavy fun with just enough bounce to keep things spicy.

Fun and fast two-tracks carry you into the good stuff.

A Terrain Buffet

What makes Dove Springs and the surrounding OHV network so special is the sheer variety. Start in the Dove Springs staging area and you’re immediately in sand heaven—ridges, whoops, hillclimbs, and winding tracks through desert scrub.

As you head west, things start to shift. The terrain softens into rolling sandy hills dotted with Joshua Trees, then gets rockier and steeper as you inch closer to the Sierras. Keep climbing and you'll find yourself weaving through alpine forest, with crisp mountain air and tight single tracks that twist through the trees. It’s like riding through four ecosystems in one day.

Timing is Everything

Summer riding here? Not for the faint of heart. Temperatures can shoot past 100°F, baking the desert floor and sapping your energy quick. That said, we’ve also ridden here with snow under our tires—so shoulder seasons like spring and fall are where it’s at. Cooler temps, fewer crowds, and killer light for those mid-ride photo ops.

Into the Wild – and Beyond

One of the most mind-blowing things about this area is just how deep you can ride into the wilderness. From the western edge of Dove Springs, a web of dirt roads climbs into the high country, winding up and over Piute Mountain. If you plan well and pack smart, you can ride over 50 miles of remote dirt and end up near Lake Isabella or Bodfish.

But here’s the deal: once you’re out there, you’re out there. No gas stations. No cell service. Just you, your bike, and the trail ahead. Bring water, food, tools, and extra fuel. Adventure lives out here—but only if you come prepared.

SC102 offers unrivaled views and single track riding.

Final Thoughts

Dove Springs and SC102 aren’t just another weekend ride—they’re a reminder of why we ride in the first place. The blend of challenge, beauty, and freedom out here is unmatched. If you're looking for your next epic ride, mark this spot on your map. And if you see the Department of Wander crew out there, give us a wave—we’ll be the ones with dusty gear and giant smiles.