BLM 189

Total Miles 2.7
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Winter, Fall, Spring
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This sandy trail starts off Carrizo Wash South and cuts across very sandy terrain with lots of washboards and whoops throughout. You'll enjoy great views of Superstition Mountain, Fish Creek Mountain, and other mountains to the south as you navigate. The route goes in and out of a couple of washes, adding vertical variety. There are lots of opportunities to disperse camp in the area where you can set up and enjoy the scenery. Look up in the sky, as this is a training ground for a lot of military planes, adding interesting aerial activity overhead. The trail climbs one steep hill that demands momentum and careful driving. You'll encounter some ruts and off-camber sections up to 18 inches deep scattered along the way. The end of the trail presents a dramatic change from the rest, featuring dark brown sand covered with lots of black type roc,k creating a striking visual contrast.

Photos of BLM 189

Difficulty

The very sandy terrain with lots of washboards and whoops creates a challenging, bumpy ride. The one steep hill climb requires momentum and skilled throttle control. The ruts and off-camber sections up to 18 inches deep are serious obstacles demanding high clearance and careful line choice. Four wheel drive and airing down are essential for the sandy conditions. The wash crossings add technical elements. The dramatic surface change at the end with black rocks adds a final navigation consideration.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Brian K
Apr 18, 2026
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BLM 189 out in Plaster City shows why OnX ratings don’t translate well to desert terrain. The rating focuses on whether a vehicle can make it through, which misses the point. Most 4x4s can pass this trail, but that doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable. The trail is basically nonstop whoops with very little relief. It’s not technical, just punishing. In something like a Sasquatch Bronco, you’re realistically stuck around 10–15 mph unless you want to beat up your suspension, and the shocks will fade quickly. Even a stock Raptor doesn’t make it fun, just more tolerable. Properly tuned setups handle it better, but it’s still constant abuse. Long travel setups (15”+) are where it starts to feel manageable at speed. Bottom line, this isn’t about making it through—it’s about how much punishment your setup can handle.

BLM 189 Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

BLM 189 Map

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