Prairie City ride area
Welcome to Prairie City State
Vehicular Recreation Area. Prairie City is situated at the base of the Sierra
Nevada foothills, 20 miles east of downtown Sacramento and three miles south of
U.S. 50. The area offers off-highway vehicle enthusiasts a variety of
interesting terrain and trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and
4-wheel drive vehicles. There are flat, open grasslands, rolling hills with
native blue oak trees, and acres of cobbled mine tailings left after gold
dredges combed ancient river beds in search of gold during the late 1800s.
Beginners as well as experts find the variety of terrain both challenging and
enjoyable.
Prairie City SVRA takes its name from the gold rush community that was located
just north and east of the present-day park. Today, the only reminders of that
1850s community are some old mine tailings and a historical marker, California
Historical Landmark #464, which is located at the intersection of Prairie City
Road and U.S. 50.
Recreational Land Management
Providing long-term, sustained OHV recreation opportunity is a top priority in SVRA Management. Provisions in California law require actions to stabilize soils and to provide for healthy wildlife populations in OHV recreation areas. Sites exist throughout the SVRA which have become eroded. There are projects ongoing to stabilize eroded areas by reshaping slopes, and by reseeding and replanting bare areas. Vegetation creates wildlife habitat while plant roots help stabilize the soil. Project areas are temporarily closed to OHV use through the use of barriers, such as fences, hay bales, brush piles and signing. Where possible, well designed OHV trails are immediately provided through project areas. Other project areas may be closed for a number of years before being again opened for OHV use. Your understanding and support in staying out of areas closed for restoration helps ensure OHV recreation opportunities for years to come.
Checklist
- Drinking Water
- Map and Compass (know how to read and use both items)
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Blanket (space type)
- Tow Rope
- Waterproof Matches
- Emergency Repair
- Extra Spark Plugs, Tire Repair Kit
- Signaling Devices (mirror and whistle)
Emergencies
- The state park rangers who patrol Prairie City SVRA are
trained in first aid. Paramedics are available within 20 minutes.
- Report all emergencies at the Ranger Station - (916) 985-7378. Cellular phones work in most areas of the park. If the ranger is not available, dial 911 or call the State Park dispatch direct at (916) 358-1300.
Safety tips
- It is recommended that all motorcycle and ATV operators take part in a formal safety training course under supervision of a certified instructor. Such training is mandatory for ATV operators under 18.
- Proper riding equipment is essential to the safe operation of an OHV. Each ATV rider must wear a helmet and should wear proper protective clothing.
- Before starting out, familiarize yourself with the terrain. AVOID SURPRISES.
- Inexperienced riders should thoroughly acquaint themselves with all vehicle controls before starting out.
- Drive within the limits of your ability. Don't go faster or climb higher than you can safely handle. Watch out for other riders. When in doubt, take time to think and look the situation over before you proceed.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Prairie City SVRA
13300 White Rock Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
916-985-7378
The Green Sticker Fund is what purchased the land for Prairie City and to
operate it. Therefore, we do require all off-road vehicles that are eligible to
purchase a Green Sticker or have current street registration.
Staging Area
The staging area is set up for both parking and picnicking. There are shaded
picnic sites spaced throughout the area. Restrooms, drinking water, barbecue
grills, and fire pits (bring your own wood) are available.
Motorcycle/ATV Area
There are many trails throughout the motorcycle/ATV area. Most of the trails in
the park are beginner or intermediate with just a few expert trails. The trails
are designated as two-way in direction, so use caution when negotiating blind
curves, hills, and jumps. Keep to the right of the trail as much as possible.
Practice Tracks
Just below the Staging Area is a MX Practice Track and ATV Practice Track on
separated courses. The tracks consist of jumps and banked turns intended for
intermediate to advanced level riders. Tracks are groomed and watered on a
semi-regular basis and riders are advised to ride with caution.
Kid’s Tracks
The Kid’s Track facility is limited to riders ages 14 years and younger. The
facility is divided into two separate tracks. The 70cc Beginner Kid’s Track is
for beginner-level children on motorcycles and ATVs 70cc and under. The 110cc
Intermediate Kids’s Track is for intermediate-level riders on motorcycles and
ATVs 110cc and under. Both areas are for young OHV enthusiasts to develop
riding skills under the safety of direct adult supervision.
Quarter Midget Track
The Quarter Midget Track is used by the American Quarter Midget Association (HotLine:
(916)491-5437) for both practice and competitive events. Eight to 12-year-olds
race these scaled down versions of midget racing cars for trophies and prestige.
This track now has lights allowing for racing in the cooler evenings.
BMX Track
The BMX Track is open Thursday and Friday nights at 6:00pm. For information,
call Eric or Janet Dyer at 995-3047. This track is leased to a private
concessionaire, and they charge their own fees for practice and racing.
4 X 4 Area
The 4 x 4 area is open to 4 x 4's, buggies, Pilots, and Odysseys. For safety
reasons, motorcycles and ATVs are not permitted to use this area.The 4 x 4 area
is a haven for 4-wheel drive enthusiasts that love our mud. We have a very heavy
clay that is extremely challenging for our mud enthusiasts. Just remember, if
you get stuck, you are responsible for getting yourself out.
In addition, we have constructed obstacles in the 4- wheel drive obstacle course. We now have the Stairsteps, Frametwister, Mini-Rubicon, Mud Pit, Gravel Pit, and Dry River Bed. The obstacles range from very easy to extremely difficult. Be careful, as it is very easy to damage your vehicle.
