American Camp Lookout

The trail is easy going from the point where Italian Bar Rd turns to dirt until just past Lost Dutchman Mining Camp and could probably be navigated with a Toyota Camry. Beyond the camp the road is still drivable with enough ground clearance but 4x4 wasn't necessary. The last mile and a half to the fire tower got a bit more technical but still easy enough for beginners. The views were great and visibility was good from the lookout. Plan for an hour to an hour and a half to get from Columbia to the fire tower depending on how many vistas you want to stop at.

Most of the trail is moderate, however the last 2 miles to get to the lookout is very washed out with some deep ruts, some over 2’ deep. Must have good clearance or hug the sides of the road, which will unfortunately pinstripe your paint with the tree branches. There’s a pretty deep mud/pond with about 1-1/2’ deep of water.

Very easy trail. Multiple areas to camp on the way to the tower.

Just me on the trail, made it all the way to the tower. No one else around on a Monday. Lots of mud after the storms. Found a great spot to get in some target practice too.

There where some deep puddles but nothing bad

Pretty slippery and muddy. Flooded in some parts and tons of puddles.

Easy trail at the start but the last section gets real muddy an you will be sliding, specially watch out for the mud pit.

Beginning and 80% of trail was a level 1. Last 10-20% was a level 3-4. Mud was making technical skills necessary and got sideways a couple times

Little muddy after recent rain but nothing major. Keep an eye for side roads down to river and campsites. Found a cool spot for a break. Did not complete entire trail.

Closed by construction about 4-5 miles in from pavement end out of the Columbia side on Italian Bar Rd (bridge out over south fork). You have to go in either from the Calaveras County side off Hwy 49 or through Jupiter off of Hwy 108.

Good 1st trip for my wife and I. Moderate at the top near the lookout as the ruts are fairly serious on the trek to the top. I would say the ruts are moderate and require a good line with the sway bar detached. May need a spotter although we powered right through with the rig we have.

The last 1/4 mile up to the look out has some ruts, but I think even a small SUV could make it up there.

Stock Bronco Badlands handled trail no problems. There is ongoing work to clear vegetation so expect delays during the week.