Trail Overview
Marked at its entrance by a brown Carsonite forest service post, BLM 33A is a brief, 0.9-mile point-to-point journey that provides a relaxing escape into the high desert. This easy-going, sandy two-track playfully bobs and weaves through a vibrant landscape dotted with fragrant, green juniper trees and open sagebrush. The vivid red sand creates a beautiful, striking contrast against the bright blue skies above. Along the route, explorers will find several inviting spur trails branching off the main path, which lead to numerous flat, dispersed campsites perfectly suited for a quiet, secluded night under the stars. As you progress toward the eastern end of the route, the track becomes increasingly faint and much less defined. This eastern segment visibly receives very little regular vehicle use, as most local OHV traffic tends to bypass this quiet section in favor of other nearby, more prominent trails. While enjoying the serene, uncrowded drive, visitors must remain highly observant: be strictly mindful of hazardous, loose barbed wire lying directly along sections of the trail, which could easily snare a tire or cause undercarriage damage. The trail eventually opens up into a wider, flat sandy clearing.
Difficulty
BLM 33A earns a Level 2 Easy technical rating almost entirely due to the consistently soft, deep red sand that makes up the tread. While the route is generally flat, highly accessible, and completely free of intimidating rock ledges, deep mud bogs, or severe off-camber washouts, the loose sandy surface does require a vehicle with adequate ground clearance and steady momentum to avoid getting bogged down. A standard AWD crossover, stock SUV, or high-clearance 2WD truck can easily manage this short drive during dry conditions, though airing down your tires slightly can significantly improve traction and ride comfort through the deeper sandy stretches.
