Elbow Canyon Road-Mohave County 229 (BLM1042)

Total Miles
11.1

Elevation

1,969.29 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Elbow Canyon Road-Mohave County 229-BLM1042 is an 11-mile straight-through trail that is ideal for most stock 4x4 vehicles with high clearance and is rated 3 of 10. From Scenic, Arizona Elbow Canyon rises 4600 feet into the Virgin Mountain ending at the intersection with Black Rock Road-BLM1004. At this intersection is the historic Black Rock Stone Cabin. The trail is considered moderate due to several washed-out sections with exposed rocks. The trail can be done in either direction but is typically done from bottom to top Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument region. From Scenic travel across 4 miles of open desert to the mouth of Elbow Canyon. As the trail ascends the western Virgin Mountains the trail passes the remains of Frehner Haven Ranch, also called Cold Springs Ranch. The remains of the cabin foundation remain and offer spectacular views of the valley below. The trail continues to climb along narrow ledge switchbacks until it summits and connects with Black Rock Mountain-BLM1004. This trail is not suitable for all-wheel or low-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Expect to lose cell phone service once entering into the canyon proper or cresting the summit.

Photos of Elbow Canyon Road-Mohave County 229 (BLM1042)

Elbow Canyon Road-Mohave County 229 (BLM1042)
Elbow Canyon Road-Mohave County 229 (BLM1042)
Elbow Canyon Road-Mohave County 229 (BLM1042)

Difficulty

Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12". High clearance 4WD is required, aggressive tires a plus.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Robert Morani
Feb 29, 2024
SxS
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Large boulders in the middle of the road. Not passable in a 4x4.
Jay Nedds
Nov 21, 2023
SxS
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Trail is next to impossible to navigate, full washout of trail, impassable to jeeps, trucks. It took experienced Search & Rescue 3 hours to navigate a 30 min ride. In UTV's
Tony Kree
Oct 25, 2023
SxS
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Joe R.
Aug 18, 2023
4x4
Obstructed
Washout

Access Description

From Interstate-15, Nevada exit 122, south on Sandhill Blvd and left on Hillside Drive (Hwy 91). Stay on Hillside Drive for 1.9 miles then turn right on Scenic Blvd. Continue for 3.7 miles and turn left on East Red Hawk Road. The trail starts .7 miles down East Red Hawk Road.

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