Trail Overview
This loose sand trail transitions to rockier surface as you climb a shelf road along a cliff up the mountain edge. Climbing 600 feet in just under 2 miles creates serious grades with stunning views of the valley below stretching to Ridgecrest and mountains beyond. Dramatic rock formations punctuate the ascent. Running along a shelf road for most of the trail creates narrow passages at times where washouts can surprise you, so watch carefully. Slight off camber sections and small ruts appear along the way. The trail can fill with many varieties of blooming seasonal wildflowers creating spectacular displays. A small turnaround at the end provides space to reverse, with hiking opportunities continuing past the turnaround for those wanting to explore further on foot.
Difficulty
That 600-foot climb in under 2 miles means steep, sustained grades demanding low range and momentum management. The shelf road, being very narrow at times, leaves minimal margin for error with cliff exposure alongside. Washouts can appear without warning on these shelf sections, creating sudden obstacles. Loose sand transitioning to a rockier surface requires constant traction adjustment. Small ruts and slight off-camber add complexity. High clearance and four wheel drive are recommended. The narrow turnaround at the end requires careful maneuvering.
