Trail Overview

If you are looking for a remote ride with great points of interest, this is it. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, visit Bradshaw's Grave and an old homestead at Copperopolis Townsite. You can return the way you came or take the new exit route. Explore the trail in reverse by starting from Lake Pleasant. Unlicensed vehicles allowed.

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Difficulty

Difficult: We previously rated this trail moderate, but conditions have gotten worse due to washouts in sandy canyon bottoms. New exit route was not difficult when we drove it, but this route is prone to damage from flash floods. Don't go if heavy rains are forecast. Aggressive SUVs with high clearance can do it unless new damage occurs.

History

Issac Bradshaw, namesake to the Bradshaw Mountains, died in 1886. His grave has been well maintained over the years and is easy to find, marked by a white picket fence. Little is known about Copperopolis, except that it had a post office in 1884 and lasted about a year. The mine can be seen across a ravine on a hillside east of the stone cabin.

Technical Rating

Kenny Galloway

Apr 19, 2026

Open

We came from Wickenburg on sidewinder traveling east. Sidewinder is not a 6 until you connect to Wickenburg Mountain trail. Lots of neat things to see but a little lengthy so plan a full day.

Bob Strasheim

Mar 19, 2026

Open

Bottom portion was very washboarded but possible. About halfway in the trail turned to extreme washouts and boulders. I would rate it and eight to nine.

Dan

Feb 21, 2026

Open

Great trail and has some rough obstacles. Headed East to West there is a creek crossing with a very large old mesquite tree that limits higher vehicles. There is a way around but spotter is needed.

Andrew Rose

Feb 07, 2026

Open

Added this to Sidewinder. Great afternoon. Rocky and rutted but passable in the station wagon.

Chad Miller

Nov 29, 2025

Open

I would say if you’re on a motorcycle, this is at least an eight there are two climbs with huge boulders and lots of wash out

Christopher Fletcher

Apr 05, 2025

Open

The climb up Table Mountain has deteriorated beyond a 6. Bikes will struggle to find traction on the rocks, as will vehicles without at least one locker. It is still very passable, just be prepared.

Luigi Massicotti

Jan 25, 2025

Open

Solid 6. Always some action. We were a group of 12, mostly Wranglers, a Raptor, a FJ, a 4runner and a Tacoma. Everyone did fine but it was easier for the guys on 35s and up. Had a great time.

Dan Putnam

Dec 25, 2024

Open

Definitely a harder 6 than expected, but still a solid 6. Lots of deep ruts and rocks with some steep hill climbs. Lockers probably not entirely essential, but were definitely helpful. If you’re not running at least 35” you’re going to have a harder time on this route. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for anything with longer overhangs like a truck, but it’s all doable if you’re willing to take it slow and have a good spotter or cameras.

Todd Joyce

Dec 22, 2024

Open

This area has been recently graded and had repair work performed and is in much better condition than has been the past couple years. very rock, fun trail, and not very difficult!

Sanford Terry

Apr 27, 2024

Open

jim blankenship

Mar 21, 2024

Open

Eric

Mar 09, 2024

Open

We were only on this trail from where you can cut over from Sidewinder Trl south of Crown Point Gulch. We headed south towards Table Mountain following a local cowboy on a small side by side. It was steep and had some very washed out rutted sections. This was a 6+. From there we were able to take Buckhorn Wash Trl to Boulders to Box Cyn Rd.

MICHAEL BEMBOOM

Jan 26, 2024

Open

Ran the trail East to West from Lake Pleasant A lot of washboard in the wash. The mountain part of the trail is rough and washed out with erosion and large rocks. Took close to six hours and we only stopped twice. A challenge but we enjoyed it

Luigi Massicotti

Nov 27, 2023

Open

Gardner James

Oct 21, 2023

Open