Trail Overview
As soon as you turn onto this short loop, it's clear the trail hasn't seen much recent traffic--desert vegetation has crept in, narrowing the path and giving it a wild, untouched feel. Three-foot-tall cacti line both sides, and the route itself is mostly an animal track, etched with prints of bobcats, deer, and coyotes. Just a few hundred yards in, a small deer appeared, a reminder of how alive this trail is with wildlife. Farther in, the overgrowth becomes more pronounced, with trees encroaching on the route--one reason it's rated for side-by-sides and dirt bikes. That said, a Jeep or even a full-size truck could make it through with some branch trimming in several tight spots; otherwise, expect more than just pinstriping. It's a beautiful, winding trail that eventually connects with a Lower Middle Road, where a sharp 90-degree right turn sets you up for a final 2.5-mile stretch through soft, 3- to 4-inch sand.
Difficulty
While this trail isn't particularly challenging overall, the extended sandy section may require engaging four-wheel-drive or at least airing down your tires for better traction. Aside from that, the route is fairly straightforward in dry conditions, with no major technical obstacles to navigate.
