Trail Overview

Starting at the PCT trail crossing parking lot, this sandy shelf road overlooks the valley below, creating elevated vantage points. Stunning wildflowers emerge in spring, transforming the landscape with color. Switchbacks guide descent into the valley while stunning viewpoints showcase the valley floor and surrounding mountains. Lots of runoff ruts plunge up to 12 inches deep throughout, with a few crossings featuring ruts up to 12 inches deep cutting across the trail. The trail is fairly smooth overall between these rut obstacles. The journey terminates at Kelso Valley Road, a paved road leading back to Highway 178.

Photos of Bird Spring Canyon Road West BLM SC120

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Difficulty

Those lots of runoff ruts up to 12 inches deep create frequent obstacles demanding clearance and attention. The few crossings with ruts up to 12 inches cutting across the trail require a careful approach to avoid high centering. Switchbacks on a sandy surface need controlled descent with proper braking. The shelf road nature creates exposure overlooking the valley. Being fairly smooth between ruts helps, but doesn't eliminate the accumulated rut challenges. High clearance handles the 12-inch obstacles while Four wheel drive manages sandy switchback descents.

Technical Rating