Trail Overview
This trail is narrow and technical right from the start, with steep dips falling away on either side of the ridge in several sections. Multiple washouts along the route require careful maneuvering. Expect sharp up-and-down transitions, off-camber angles, and extremely tight corridors where high clearance is absolutely necessary and long wheelbase vehicles may struggle with approach, breakover, and departure angles. Keep an eye out for old stacked rock walls along the trail, subtle reminders of the area’s history.
As you climb, you are rewarded with a few truly incredible camp spots perched on top of the ridge overlooking the surrounding mountains and a distant lake, offering sweeping views in every direction. Once the elevation gain is behind you, the trail follows the spine of smaller hills extending from the base of the Mazatzal Mountains, delivering nonstop panoramic scenery as you traverse the ridgeline. The route ends with a very extreme downhill section that descends in stages, each one steep and washed out, with sections of the road having washed down the hill, creating a bowl shape. It is not a single hill but a series of technical downhill pitches that demand full attention and careful line choice. This final section is very challenging and not recommended for larger vehicles.
Difficulty
This trail earns its higher technical rating due to sustained exposure, tight off-camber sections, repeated washouts, and the staged extreme downhill finish that requires precise braking and line control. Drivers should have solid experience on steep, narrow terrain, and vehicles should be high clearance with favorable approach, breakover, and departure angles before attempting this route. High clearance 4WD is mandatory, and drivers should be experienced with steep, uneven terrain and comfortable managing long, technical descents before attempting it.
