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)

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

Brendon Mellinger
Jul 07, 2024
2010 Lexus LX
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
I would rate the current conditions of this trail closer to a 4 or 5 moderate level. My stock high clearance 4x4 with 33’s struggled to navigate ruts sometimes 2+ ft deep and large rocks particularly towards the summit. A spotter was required to make it through. Trail damage likely on stock vehicles with no armor. A large boulder blocks the trail about 1 mile from the summit which limits the size of vehicles that can pass. I wouldn’t attempt this in anything larger than a midsize truck or SUV. Definitely not a trail for Suburbans, 3/4 ton+ trucks, etc.
Keith
May 05, 2024
4x4
Open
Significantly Harder Than Trail Description! Top half of trail (starting at Black Rock Mountain Road) is washed out narrow shelf in many places with many 12-18 inch rocks. There at least 3 large boulders that require off-camber squeeze between boulder and sometimes the drop-off. There is a significant steep waterfall section with about a 3-4 feet drop that got my skids and passenger rock slider. There are few places to turn around. For reference, we're in Tacoma with 33s and a 2.5 inch lift. I was mostly in 4Lo and 1st gear for the entire upper half. The trail rating should be revised.
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

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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