Ridge Above Highway 1

Trail Overview

This easy trail begins at the gas station at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 12, though be prepared for the first mile, which has served as a local dump site over the years. Once past that, the remaining half-mile to the turnoff is cleaner, and the ridgeline heading north is impressively pristine. From there, you'll enjoy a scenic 7-mile ride along the ridge, with occasional sections where tire tracks have worn deeper, creating a high median. Careful tire placement should be sufficient for vehicles with high ground clearance, and four-wheel drive is generally unnecessary. The view over the valley to the left reveals a picturesque landscape filled with towering Cardon cacti and unique boojum trees. When the trail ends, drive another 20-30 yards to find a peaceful, flat campsite that's hidden from the highway but still provides a view.

Photos of Ridge Above Highway 1

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Difficulty

This road is easy and accessible for any high-clearance 2WD vehicle. In two areas, the median rises a bit high, so you may need to place one tire on the median to straddle one of the tracks for smoother passage.

Technical Rating