Parashant Canyon-Mollies Nipple - BLM 1230

Trail Overview

Parashant Canyon-Mollies Nipple (BLM 1230) is a 40-mile point-to-point trail, rated 4 of 10, located in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. This trail is one of the southernmost trails within the area known as the Arizona Strip. If you are looking for adventure, rarely seen Grand Canyon scenery, and you are after an adrenaline rush, this area is great to visit in the fall, winter, or spring. It is not recommended in summer due to extreme temperatures and remoteness. This scenic route is advised for UTVs, Jeeps, and specially modified (lifted) short wheelbase 4x4 SUVs only. In winter months or right after heavy monsoon rains, the Trail Canyon dugway that descends 2,000 feet in only a few miles may be impassible due to ice or slick clay and sheer drop-offs. Take BLM 1063 west from the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse. BLM1063 passes through several gates. After 9.9 miles, you will reach BLM 1230. Take a right. At the 4x4 warning sign, the road drops into Trail Canyon. This dugway is very steep with grades exceeding 20%. You may need to rest your vehicle's brakes at one of the flat areas so they can cool down. The dugway drops 2,000 feet in elevation in only a few miles. For those afraid of heights, be aware there are several sections of this road that have sheer drop-offs at the edge of the road that go down several hundred feet. Descend in low gear to keep your vehicle speed low and assist with braking. The road in Trail Canyon can be washed out and impassible after monsoon storms. Once at the bottom of Parashant Canyon, continue downcanyon. At mile 16.2, you will reach a Y and a sign-in box. BLM 1232 is the spur road to Copper Mountain Mine. BLM 1230 continues for an additional 20-plus miles past Andrus Point west to Dripping Spring and ends near Mollie's Nipple. The BLM 1230 road travels down the Trail Canyon Dugway into Parashant Canyon to a middle bench of the Grand Canyon. This route is one of the great adventures to be had in the monument. Stock 4x4 pickups and SUVs must NOT attempt this route due to extremely rough conditions, hairpin turns, and deep dips in the road. No crew cab pickup can navigate the road hazards. This is one of the most remote locations within the national monument. There is no cellular phone service in this area. The nearest fuel or other services are approximately 70 miles away in St. George, Utah or Mesquite, Nevada. Vehicle recovery service on the Arizona Strip can exceed $3000. Good planning and carrying adequate fuel, water, food, and survival gear is highly recommended. Although the trail itself is well below typical winter snow levels, trails leading to the sight may exceed 6000 feet and be impassable in winter months or after severe inclement weather.

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Difficulty

Trail consisting of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. Some erosion; washes, gulches, and rock steps no higher than 18 inches. Tall tires (33 inches or more) and a limited-slip are a plus. 4WD is required. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are helpful. Good driving skills a plus.

Technical Rating

Parashant Canyon-Mollies Nipple - BLM 1230 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• Dirt Bike