Antelope Cutoff - FS 3S13

Trail Overview

This trail can be accessed from Antelope Springs Road West in the south or Smokey Bear Flat from the north, with moderate elevation changes that drop 239 feet and climb 152 feet over just over 3 miles. Several spur trails branch off along the route, including Sand Flat (FS3S38) and Forest Service Road 3S13A, providing exploration opportunities and alternative routing options through the area. The trail surface consists of sand and gravel characterized by extensive whoops, ruts, and washboards that create a challenging ride quality requiring constant speed adjustments. The route is very dusty throughout the journey. The landscape features sage and other brush lining the trail corridor with a sparse, open pine tree forest providing scattered shade and visual interest. Small rocks are scattered along the trail surface, adding to the mixed terrain character. A minor shelf road section appears along the route, requiring attention to the edge, though exposure is limited compared to more dramatic shelf roads. Some ruts reach depths of up to 12 inches, demanding special attention and careful tire placement, particularly for low clearance vehicles that may struggle with the deeper erosion channels. While 4x4 and high clearance are not strictly required, they are recommended for navigating the deeper ruts comfortably and safely. The trail delivers excellent views of the Eastern Sierra mountains, including Mammoth Mountain, Mount Morrison, Mini Morrison, and Sherwin Mountain, creating an impressive backdrop throughout the journey. Views of the valley below add depth and perspective to the elevated position along portions of the route, rewarding drivers with diverse scenic opportunities despite the challenging surface conditions.

Photos of Antelope Cutoff - FS 3S13

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Difficulty

This trail has a difficulty rating (2) based on the extensive whoops, ruts, and washboards creating rough ride conditions, some ruts reaching 12 inches deep requiring careful tire placement, sand and gravel surface with dusty loose conditions, minor shelf road navigation, and small rocks scattered throughout. The primary challenges include managing deep ruts safely (especially for lower clearance vehicles), handling constant washboards and whoops without losing control, navigating through heavy dust with reduced visibility, and maintaining appropriate speed through varied surface conditions, though the recommendation rather than requirement for 4x4 and high clearance keeps this in moderate territory.

Technical Rating

Antelope Cutoff - FS 3S13 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike