Off Highway Vehicles
The Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Unit consists of ten deputies and a sergeant who typically operate one of three department Jeeps along one of the world’s most famous off-road areas, the Rubicon Trail. This trail is visited by adventure seekers from all over the world, and is considered the Crown Jewel of off-roading. The trail is also the setting for several large events, including the annual Jeeper’s Jamboree. In addition to the Rubicon, the OHV Unit also patrols the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail and other OHV areas throughout the county.
n 2019, OHV Deputies contacted approximately 10,905 trail users and 6,061 vehicles. Deputies issued 90 warnings and 15 citations, the majority of which were for resource damage, illegal fires, vehicle registration violations, and off-trail travel. Deputies also responded to several calls which ranged from lost or injured persons to disabled vehicles. They assisted in medically evacuating several critical injuries via ground and by helicopter.
The Jeeps continue to be used throughout the winter, mostly in the area of Mormon Emigrant Trail. Deputies educate visitors who are unaware that this road is closed and impassable during the winter and
assisted motorists that were stuck
in the snow.
Motorcycle Unit
The Motorcycle Unit is responsible for patrolling El Dorado County’s portion of the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor, which extends from the Sacramento County line to Camino. Much of this trail is old train track that has been developed into a pedestrian trail, with plans for more development in the near future. The unit consists of nine Deputies and four motorcycles. The unit may also be utilized for Search and Rescue, and other assignments that have limited vehicular access. Deputies are skilled riders both on and off road and go through a rigorous training program to ensure safety for themselves and citizens.
Deputies patrol the rail corridor to prevent illegal activities such as trespassing, illegal camping, vandalism, dumping, and unauthorized motor vehicle use. Deputies assigned to the Motorcycle Unit work closely with the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Team as much of the criminal activity along this corridor is related to transients. This year, deputies contacted over 250 persons and issued 10 warnings.
9