Trail Overview
Upper Chiquito Canyon (FS 5S013) is a trail defined by a dramatic dead-end. Once a through route, the canyon road was severed by a significant event, splitting it into two distinct sections. This Upper Portion is now an out-and-back adventure accessed exclusively via Kates Camp (FS 5S015). The trail itself is a delight for drivers who enjoy a change of texture; unlike the rocky roads nearby, this is a fun, sandy track that drops steadily down the mountainside. You’ll navigate numerous switchbacks that carve their way through the stark, haunting aftermath of the 2020 Creek Wildfire. The burn area provides a unique, open visual landscape surrounded by hundreds of downed (but cleared) trees. The descent is flowy and engaging, eventually terminating abruptly at the impassable washout at Mugler Creek. It’s a quiet, scenic drive down into the belly of the canyon that requires a U-turn to escape.
Difficulty
This trail earns a Rating 2 because it demands driver engagement despite lacking large rock obstacles. The sandy, loose track can be slippery on the switchbacks, requiring controlled braking and steering input to prevent sliding. The description notes the presence of the occasional rut, which keeps you from zoning out. Navigating the burn area also requires awareness, as conditions can change with erosion. It is accessible to most high-clearance 4WD/AWD vehicles, but the loose surface makes it more than a simple Rating 1 gravel road.
