Backway to Mount Lemmon

This was breaking in the new LC! No modifications yet. Only hickup is the OnX trail map took us onto American Flag Ranch road (which was closed) 2 miles in. Stay on the paved road. We put it in 4 low from the Continental Copper Access, and glad that we did. High clearance is recommended from here to the top. Crawled over some rough rocks in the road, and had no clearance issues, just took it slow. An enjoyable morning detour.

Made the mistake thinking “easy” meant RWD could make it all the way. Well, I did but it wasn’t easy! Didn’t break anything but will definitely be more careful. Trial is fairly accessible for RWD up to the last couple miles.

Beautiful scenery and fairly chill drive. As others have stated, it gets more technical (would say about a 4) towards the last part. I would not recommend this in a stock height vehicle unless you’re ok with some underbody scratches. I did this in my factory lifted Tacoma and had plenty of clearance the entire way. Do not recommend the final stretch for standard SUVs or cars as you will not have a good time.

The first half of the trail was unassuming. A bit rocky and bumpy, but fair for the level 2 rating. When the trail narrows at the fork towards the top, the rock gardens begin. Stock 4×4 vehicles can make it with careful line choice. Be mindful that the trail is in a burn area. There were two trees in the road and many off to the sides. If you're doing this trail in low visibility they can sneak up on you. I wouldn't say airing down is necessary because I didn't and I never searched for traction on my 235s. 4 low comes in handy for vehicle control. It really is a scenic route and a fun run. I was impressed my rig did it without clangs, scrapes, or bangs. The technical rating for the last part is a 4-5.

The trail isn’t hard on a motorcycle but it’s not really enjoyable due to the endless imbedded rocks and washboards. Probably won’t ride it again but it’s off my list now. Took me 1:17 on my dual sport at an easy pace.

Trail was great very doable in any midsize 4x4 truck. Gets a little technical towards the top. Took my buddy and I about 2.5 hours from the start of the dirt. A few fairly narrow sections, but nothing my truck couldn’t handle.

Beautiful trail. I went in my stock 1st gen Tundra. Plan for about 4hrs. The top section closer to the peak (once you reach the gate) is definitely more difficult. I’d rate it 4/10 due to large rocks and some slightly technical lines required with the bottom half being a 1/10

Very good easy ride no problems going up or down. Great scenery

Headed down the trail, pretty rough for 80% of the trail. Air down the tires and I would say lift is mandatory if you don't want to get scraped.

Road was open. Last 8-9 miles to the top were very rough. I have a 3inch lift and 32’s and sure glad I did. I think a stock height would have scraped a few times.

Gates are left open but signs do state that even with open gates the trail is closed until March 1st

I’d say 2/10 is underrating this trail. It’s a 3-4 with the mile or two below Crystal Spring being the toughest, more than what I got in the pics. Rutted out rock sections would require a lift without taking lines around. Aired down and taking the entire width of the road this was a tough one for my Volvo and I got a couple new scrapes underneath. Also, although it didn’t present a problem there were icy sections in areas of shade even though it was in the 60s. Worth it though, amazing views the whole way and didn’t see anyone else the last 10 miles. Interesting bonus: earlier this year my grandfather tried to go down this in his stock Mercedes E300. 2 blown tires, cracked oil pan, and other damage totaling over $10k!

From Oracle to Peppersauce the trail goes from pavement to well-maintained gravel. At Peppersauce it degrades and gets rougher. It’s the last few miles at the top that are going to be challenging in a low-clearance vehicle. I first drove this in an AWD Acadia and those last few miles were pretty sketchy. I went back and did it today in a Jeep with 35” tires and it was a breeze. I don’t recommend the top portion unless you have a high clearance vehicle (stock Jeep would be fine). 4WD is helpful but 2WD with good tires shouldn’t be a problem if you pick your lines. Great scenery!

Not too bad, definitely a rough ride and 4x4 is required, especially the last 10 or so miles to the top. Large ledges, some very large rocks, deep ruts. In places its tight for a full sized truck, but doable if you pick your line carefully. Would also recommend you have a lift, I am running a 3 inch lift with 35s and in places it was sketchy.