COMMISSION

Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Survey
The segment of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) crossing Kern County south of
Highway 58 had been identified as a possible hotspot for conflict between PCT users and
OHV recreationists. This segment of the PCT is challenging
for public land managers because the trail crosses some
areas of private lands on which OHV recreation is permitted
and in some instances, the PCT shares an alignment with a
public roadway.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with
OHMVR Division law enforcement staff, conducted a survey
of PCT hikers in spring 2016 to assess the frequency of
unauthorized OHV trespass and the impact of OHV use
on the hiking experience. Kern County Sheriff’s Office
established two survey locations along the PCT north of
Highway 58 to capture the experiences of northbound hikers
coming out of the area of concern.
PCT foot patrol
The survey consisted of six questions with yes
or no answers, scaled responses, and room
for comments. Approximately 490 PCT users
completed the survey.
The survey determined that a small
percentage of those surveyed had any direct
or indirect contact with OHV users while
on the PCT. Only ten percent (48) of the
respondents saw OHVs on the PCT and 40 of
these were on multi-use sections of the trail
where it was legal for OHVs to ride. Only two
percent (eight people) said they saw OHVs on an unauthorized section of the PCT. In addition,
89 percent of respondents (329 people) said the indirect or direct contact with OHVs did not
detract from their experience on the trail.
The survey concluded that some evidence exists that motorized trespass occurs in a small
area on the PCT in Kern County. Moreover, the results also showed that a majority of
respondents feel that OHV recreation on multi-use trails and on motorized trails near the PCT
occurs without conflict to the hikers.
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California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission