Trail Overview
Starting from the east at the intersection with El Paso, the route begins as a smooth, well-maintained road that remains in excellent condition to Rancho Jesus Maria and slightly beyond. The road climbs steadily, offering a gradual ascent into the hills with long but manageable grades before entering a canopy of trees and descending into the canyon. Beyond Jesus Maria, the terrain becomes more rugged as the road narrows and begins to degrade. You'll encounter a small water crossing and a brief concrete section before facing steeper, rockier sections with sharp inclines. While these challenges may require 4WD or lowered tire pressure, most of the route is navigable by an experienced driver in a properly equipped 2WD vehicle. The scenery evolves into a captivating blend of desert landscapes, with cacti, oaks, and palms appearing simultaneously as the road meanders through the canyon. Eventually, the route climbs out of the canyon and reaches a T-intersection, where you can turn left to explore further the reserve or right to return to Highway 1, north of San Antonio.
Difficulty
This route is classified as a four-wheel-drive trail due to some short but steep, rutted sections that could become too slippery for some 2WD vehicles. However, an experienced driver with properly adjusted tire pressure and sufficient weight in the rear of the vehicle could likely navigate the route in 2WD. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, the trail poses no significant challenges.
