Trail Overview

This scenic trail will take you to an old dam and an old homestead used for mining and is suitable for stock 4x4s with adequate ground clearance. Give or take 3 hours to complete depending on how much time you take exploring the old dam and homestead. The majority of this is a bumpy dirt trail with some rocky sections with steep inclines and declines which provided a nice mix to keep you engaged and the trail enjoyable. There is one creek crossing and the depth will depend on the time of year. The most difficult spot is a rocky ledge about 7.5 miles in with a step about 12-18in high.

Photos of China Dam/Tule Homestead

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Difficulty

Rocky and steep in several places, but suitable for stock high clearance 4x4.

History

China dam was said to be constructed in the late 1800s by Chinese migrant workers for mining. They are said to be active from 1874-the 1940s. A few miles North of China Dam and Humburg creek, is Tule Creek. Here a homestead was built around the 1920s. You will find a grave on the site of the miners' dog named 'Pooch', dated 1928-1938. The main house has two main rooms with add-ons constructed. On the north side of the house where it is deteriorating, you can see metal cans were used to construct the walls and were poured over with concrete to form the outside walls.

Technical Rating

Joel

Dec 29, 2025

Open

Ran this Monday morning super early. The rains have done their damage but passable in the Bronco. Can be done without lockers with some careful tire placement.

Jim W

Dec 07, 2025

Open

It was fun, and the only issue was getting the wheel placement just right, but once that was done, it drove right up. That was a couple hundred yards before the house, and the road was really rutted out. A little adjustment, and up it went without a problem.

Justin Bierman

Oct 18, 2025

Open

Very quiet. Only ran into 2 other vehicles. A few washed out areas, but could pass through with no issues.

Christopher Kibbee

Sep 28, 2025

Open

A fun trail with ridges, ascents/descents and a few small obstacles of 12-18 inches. Water crossing was shallow and slow moving. The last part of the trail leading to Tule homestead is mostly river rock.

Mark Tudor

Mar 09, 2025

Open

Pretty chill trail

Jake ELWood

Feb 08, 2025

Open

fun run say 2 people in side by sides other than that it was a very quite and cool Saturday morning there was a few spots 2 really that might give people pause but all in all a great trail. high clearance vehicles, and there is some sections where you will be rubbing trees and bushes.

Daryl Greene

Jan 04, 2025

Open

This was my first time off-roading. If you take your time and have enough ride height you’ll be fine. Go with a crew for a spotter.

Caleb Crabbs

Dec 28, 2024

Open

The trail is excellent and provides nice views of the surrounding mountains and lake up until the last 1/3 of a mile. Part of the trail is washed after Tule Creek on the left side, creating a rut followed by a large step (approximately 18”). The trail can easily be followed on foot or one can walk up the creek bed by those that wish to see Tule Homestead

Brett steuckrath

Jan 21, 2024

Open

Jeff Swanitz

Jan 06, 2024

Open

AJ Carr

Jul 08, 2023

Open

Fullsize Chevy

Jun 24, 2023

Open