Trail Overview
This trail starts just off Painted Gorge Road and features a fine sand and gravel surface heading directly toward the Painted Hills. The route is one to one and a half vehicles wide throughout. Vegetation is sparse, but there are some smoke trees, desert holly, and sage adding greenery to the landscape. The trail runs in and around mud walls with some rocks scattered along the way. You'll enjoy great views of the multicolored Painted Hills throughout. Never camp next to mud walls as they do collapse, as you can see evidence of along the route. You'll encounter a few small ruts scattered throughout. Near the end, the trail climbs out of the wash, and you encounter a bunch of whoops, some off-camber sections, more rocks, and a bumpier road. Then comes a steep downhill that features loose rock, sand, and some off-camber sections, creating a technical descent.
Difficulty
Most of the trail is a rating 2 with straightforward navigation on fine sand and gravel. The few small ruts and rocks are minor obstacles. The very west side going down the hill brings it up to a rating 3 with the steep and narrow downhill featuring loose rock, sand, and off-camber sections requiring careful control and line choice. High clearance and four wheel drive are recommended for the steeper sections.
