BLM SE143

Trail Overview

Starting in Short Canyon, this route gradually leaves the canyon floor and heads up toward a shelf road perched above. Hard pack sand with embedded rocks forms the initial surface as Joshua trees appear along the trail. The route runs parallel to the Aqueduct Trail, which eventually merges with this one. Overgrown bushes crowd the middle of the trail, creating navigation challenges. Climbing 500 feet quickly rewards you with an amazing viewpoint of Ridgecrest, Highway 395, and Highway 14 spreading below. The trail continues winding along a shelf road that's mostly sandy at this elevated point. A couple of sections feature ruts under 12 inches and whoops scattered throughout.

Photos of BLM SE143

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Difficulty

3/10 overall, though most of the trail rates 2/10. The trail earns mostly Rating 2 for straightforward shelf road navigation, but soft sand on whoops with a hill on the south side bumps it to Rating 3 in that critical section. The 500-foot climb happening quickly means steep, sustained grades. Those ruts under 12 inches and whoops add texture. Overgrown bushes in the trail's middle create pinstriping hazards. The shelf road sections demand respect for exposure. High clearance and four wheel drive handle the varied conditions, with that southern hill section being the crux.

Technical Rating

BLM SE143 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike