Corral Hollow

Started at the west end, was only rig on trail. Really dusty working through a logging area and up the ridge. Some very tight turns and gnarly bits but the east side is where ya got to pick some lines. Loved the view from the vista point, made a killer lunch spot. Burritos were sourced from la cabaña in murphys. Good wheelin, nice day on trail. When I was airing up 2 Toyotas came out behind me. Had no idea anyone was out on trail, never saw anyone until it was over.

The hardest part of the trail is the north end or east side entrance , it has all the ruts and huge boulders that can get you stuck. Its going to help if you have a spotter to tell you where to go and help guide over this section once you pass this it's not difficult. If you start at the west end or south , at the end you will hit the ruts but it might easier because I believe it will go down vs up. Ran the east end to west end in a 22 Durango with small lift and 33s, also have spacers. I used toyo at3s that did remarkably well. That section is wild though be prepared for battle if you're going to try it on stock set up. Lots of rocks it gets slippery in those.

Entered on the west side. Very simple drive to the cabin, it's more like a level 2 difficulty so even AWD crossovers can easily make it there. Going up to the peak, there is one climbing spot where you need high clearance and possibly 4WD. This is a good place to stop and turn around if you aren't equipped to tackle the east side. Continuing on, the trail gets very tight and eventually turns into boulders and ruts in the final 1.5 miles where big tires will help a lot. My truck was a little large for this part, and I would not recommend bringing a newer full size pickup through this part, it's too narrow and tight. East entrance spits you out right at Bear Valley. I stuck to the trail and took my time with a lunch stop at the peak, altogether about 4 hours.

I lasted this trail in 2022 with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon pretty simple back then. The trail has changed- much more rutted i would not attempt this trail without a vehicle running 35” and a lift. We had a stock 4 Runner TRD Offroad that really struggled mainly because of the smaller tires and because of insufficient ground clearance. The wrangler rubicon in our group had a 2” lift and 35”s. No problems. I have a ford f250 on 37”s and scraped a few times because of the poor break over.

Trail is fully open. Had no trouble in a Chevy Colorado, lifted on 35s. Would be more difficult in a full size truck as some spots are pretty tight where trees have been cleared.

Trail fairies have cleared the fallen trees off the trail.

I attempted corral hollow today 6/1/26. The forest service opened the trail yesterday after a long delay. They stated that the reason it was closed for so long was so that they could get in there and clear the trail of downed trees. They must’ve forgot to do that because everything east of bear trap (where the actual 4wd trail begins) is impassable due to downed trees. It’s going to take quite a bit of work with winches and saws to get the trail passable. I didn’t have a saw today or I would’ve got it started. But trail is very passable from cabbage patch to bear trap basin. I do not know the conditions on the bear valley side, but keep in mind, the cabin will not be reachable from that end until the trail is cleared. Shoulda attached photos but I didn’t take any of trail. Anyways, on a lighter note, the cabin survived the February storm!

Roadblock was put up and the sign said back open on 31 May

Spoke with Forestry and was told top and bottom sides were closed due to late season deep snow. They have no confirmed date of re-opening

The south trailhead gates are open, but about 1/4 mile in there are orange barriers blocking the snow covered trail

All trails above Arnold are closed until 4/15/26 due to seasonal closure.

Snow and ice now at the main entrance at north and South Gate super slick early morning could not make it past the north entrance and turned back to try the south and only made it in about 15 minutes before I was stuck and had to turn back at the south entrance. SUV currently on all season snow peak tires.

It’s a nice drive with incredible views, came up the south side. Not difficult or technical at all. Saw a ton of Subarus and 2wd pickups. Had a truck and camper trailer with us.

I went here on Weds Oct 8th, 2025. It was a sunny day with a high of about 68 I believe. The trail was really fun. Lots of lines to choose from and you can make it as difficult/easy as you like (about an easy/medium easy blue square 🟦 trail). Even the puddles and “water crossings” were optional. I didn’t see anyone until morning. I got to pick from all the campsites! Pro tip: Don’t camp on top with the super panoramic view, at night the wind is strong and you’ll regret it! In the morning I saw a Ram pulling a 5th wheel camper and I was shocked! I dunno if they ever made it but more power to them! Send it send it send it!