Black Gulch Jeep Trail

Total Miles 8.2
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This is a very scenic and relaxed trail until a few steep climbs that require 4-low. There are awesome views of Lake Isabella and the surrounding country. There are a few private signs that do not apply to those staying on the road, though the wording may give you pause. It is maintained by Trail Blazers 4WD.

Photos of Black Gulch Jeep Trail

Difficulty

This trail is mostly tame with a couple of stretches that are surmountable but intimidating to a novice.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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Khristian Nazario
Dec 26, 2025
Open
The end of the trail is stiff and deteriorating. A little more rain landslide might occur. Never do this trail when it's wet and when it's been raining non-stop.
Ted Stanfield
Nov 22, 2025
Open
Rained last week, deepend the ruts, exposed more rocks
JR Pentolino
Sep 27, 2025
Open
John Juarez
May 31, 2025
Open
I started the trail coming from the Freeway Ridge. Going down got a little tipsy and intense. But is doable as long as you take your time and go slow. Chose your lines wisely.
Sergio Palomo
Apr 04, 2025
Open
Starting from south to North was pretty easy, I started through right next to the Dam. First couple of miles were easy until it got to a steep incline. My transmission started to over heat so I decided to go back down the hill. Recommend starting from the north and working down. Saw a couple tractors maintaining the road.
Brian Baker
Jan 18, 2025
Open
Such a fun trail. We did it in 2wd prerunners. Some spots are definitely technical but manageable and doable.
Adam Tipton
Oct 20, 2024
Open
Great little trail! I started on the Lake Isabella side of the trail and went up that way. Its smooth most of the way up, there are a few spots that get rocky and have some pretty large drops as you go up but as long as you have the clearance you should be fine (mine has 10.5”) Going down was by far the toughest part, its really rocky as you head down towards 178 and you have to crawl down some steep rocky drops to get to the bottom. Overall good trail just make sure you have 4 low and decent clearance, lockers would be nice but not necessary(only had to use once).
Charlie Hartman
Oct 03, 2024
Open
Scenic trail with lots of views of the country, Lake Isabella, and the Kern River. The trail is enjoyable and fun with some deep ruts, short hills, and rocky places to navigate through.
Colin N
Aug 28, 2024
Open
Came in from north end. First time in the trail and brought family. Mostly 2WD and had to do 4HI in a couple steep spots that are rocky with deep ruts.
Overland_Sam W
Aug 25, 2024
Open
We started from the Lake Isabella dam side. Most of the northern part of the trail is very easy, but progressively becoming more difficult towards the last mile or so near the top. This was my second time wheeling at all with my girlfriend who has never gone wheeling ever. My Bronco mechanically is still 100% stock, and I feel like my limits were pushed. We didn't scrape at all, and I'm sure there was more to push from the vehicle. But it definitely was exciting with spectacular views of the area at the top! The way down to 178 at the end does have some shelves to drop down too, so just take your time and find a good line.
HASHAN LIYANAGE
Aug 17, 2024
Open
Terry Wellman
Jun 16, 2024
Open
This was my only my second trail ever to do. Wildtrack Bronco had me feeling confident the whole time. There were a plenty of deep ruts and holes to traverse, but nothing that was alarming. Kept the Bronco in 4A sport the whole time. The track is only wide enough to handle one car at a time. It was late, so we did not encounter any other drivers. But did encounter a few cows that had to move out of the way on the return trip. Didn’t finish all of the trail as it was late and we were getting hungry. Fun trail for the first true trail to conquer.
Jordan Krafthefer
Nov 22, 2023
Open

Black Gulch Jeep Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Black Gulch Jeep Trail Map

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