If your vacation is looking more like a “staycation” this summer, consider venturing off the black top and exploring local back roads in the family SUV.

For those with an adventurous spirit, sports utility vehicles open up a whole new world of exploration and excitement.

Jack Raudy, former executive director of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs and a self-proclaimed outdoor nut, says that more and more SUV owners want to challenge themselves and their vehicles to an off-road experience.

“About 10 years ago, people were approaching us to help them get off-pavement,” he said. “Now the association sponsors excursions and offers classes in basic four-wheel driving techniques.”

A longtime Colfax resident, Raudy says four-wheeling is one of the more exciting hobbies you can experience. He offers a few tips for getting started.

Attend a driving clinic

If damaging an expensive vehicle or the risk of off-highway driving is keeping you from using your four-wheel drive vehicle, then Raudy recommends a training course with the goal of getting more comfortable behind the wheel.

A class designed especially for building the confidence of the recreational four-wheel driver, sponsored by the Capital City Mountain Goat 4X4 Club, is held throughout the year. The next one is slated for Saturday, June 28.

Located at the Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, this hands-on clinic will teach driving techniques and safety as well as stress environmental responsibility for off-pavement driving.

The day begins with a classroom presentation, followed by hours of hands-on driving around trails and roads, encountering simulated obstacles similar to what might be found in the back country.

“Students will learn how to ‘walk’ their vehicle, drive over trails and big rocks, and how to use a tow strap for anyone who gets stuck in the mud or snow,” said Raudy.

Go on a run

Now with a few tricks up your sleeve, it’s time to put the tires in the dirt.

Jim Bramham, a former commissioner with the California State Parks Off-Highway division, encourages neophytes to start out on an organized event.

“Many of the area runs are a great introduction to four-wheeling. You get the guidance and expertise of veteran drivers and the comfort and socialization of traveling with a group,” he said.

As trail boss of a Women Out Wheeling club sponsored event in the fall that begins in Colfax, Branham offers his own anecdotes and stories based on his family’s long history in the foothills as he narrates the excursion.

He guides the caravan of SUVs through the gold country, encountering an old mining town and remnants of the gold rush along the way.

The historic runs are a great first time out because they are usually on fairly easy terrain, the scenery and views are beautiful and the historical element is fascinating, Branham added.

The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs will hold the 14th annual Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride in July, a 200-mile trip planned especially for SUV owners and families.

The trip follows the same route many emigrants traveled during the gold rush. Key points of interest are described along the way using information from their diaries.

Another association sponsored event held in August is the 41st annual Sierra Trek, a family-oriented historical SUV adventure on the Fordyce Creek Trail.

Various area day-tripping, conservation and fundraising events are available year-round through the association and member clubs.

Join a club

Both veteran off-roaders recommend newbie SUV owner/enthusiasts join a four-wheel drive club.

Some are vehicle-specific, many are family oriented and beginners are always welcome.

Raudy suggests becoming a member of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs as well.

Celebrating their 50th year in 2009, the association has more than 160 member clubs and more than 8,000 enthusiasts dedicated to off-road vehicle recreation and statewide conservation projects.

According to their Web site, the association works closely with legislators and land use managers to provide input, influence, expertise and manpower to keep lands open to four-wheel drive vehicle access.

Tread lightly

One of the main responsibilities as a backcountry driver is to stay on the designated trail.

“We don’t blaze new trails, we use existing ones,” said Raudy of the association’s philosophy.

Leaving the trail causes unnecessary erosion, kills vegetation and spoils the beauty of the land.

There are many local trails to following each with its scenic, historic and challenging terrain values.

The Guide to Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells is a great resource, recommends Raudy. Easy family fun runs to difficult hard-core challenges are listed in detail.

You don’t have to travel far to escape, with many destinations beginning just minutes off the highway, you can leave the hectic life in your rear view mirror.