Trail Overview
This moderately challenging 18.4-mile point-to-point trail is perfect for intermediate offroaders seeking stunning high-desert vistas and a mix of gentle cruising and technical shelf-road driving in the Cerbat Mountains. Starting at an elevation of 3,578 feet, the route climbs up to a scenic 6,198 feet, gaining roughly 2,896 feet of cumulative elevation along the way. Drivers can initiate the journey from either the historic town of Chloride or via Big Wash Road off Highway 93. The segment starting from Big Wash Road provides an easy climb up to the Windy Point Campground, which is highly accessible to full-width 4X4 and AWD vehicles. However, the terrain changes dramatically once the trail reaches the Cherum Peak Trail junction, narrowing to a single-vehicle-width shelf road that is entirely unsuitable for long-wheelbase vehicles.
Beyond the junction, drivers must navigate the technical 'S' turn at the Lucky Boy Mine, where they will face off-camber sections and tight passages between rock obstacles over 24 inches high alongside ledges up to 18 inches. After the most demanding technical segments, the trail becomes significantly easier as it approaches the colorful Chloride Purcell Murals. The route then descends back toward the town of Chloride.
Access Description
The route past the Cherum Peak Trail junction becomes a single-vehicle-width shelf road that is too narrow for long-wheelbase vehicles. A high-clearance 4x4 or AWD vehicle is required to navigate the technical rock obstacles, ledges up to 18 inches, and off-camber sections.
