Elkhorn Road

Fun trail for seeing the hills on the east side of Carrizo Plain. I crossed to Elkhorn Road from Soda Lake Road on Panorama Road. Panorama shows up two places on OnX but the actual road has a sign at the intersection with a Soda Lake road. Elkhorn Road is relatively easy with some rough and a few washboardy spots. One snake, 135 scurrying lizards, 42,350 butterflies and about 100,000 sparrows. I went south from Panorama Road. At the end of the route shown on OnX the road actually continues. You can go left up Elkhorn grade or right takes you back to soda Lake Road. I took the one to the right and it was a very good road with some beautiful views looking out over the San Joaquin Valley.

Great trail, much dustier than I expected. Can be done in any vehicle

If it’s dry and not muddy it can be done in a 2wd truck, SUV and some cars. Good places to stop and camp for the night. One spot of interest was a dip and then a steep incline that makes for a great jump. I was going a little too fast in my Ranger and launched it and got very airborne. But luckily Ford Rangers are indestructible so it was fine.

Relatively easy and do-able on my AWD, granted I went in good and dry conditions with minor areas still barely muddy (most likely would need 4x4 otherwise). Parts are of the trail are in BLM areas and private property. There will be signs along the road when you hit the private property areas, just stay on the road and don't detour. Scenery is amazing and if you take Elkhorn Grade Rd route at the end, it was even better. Just be mindful it can get steep, tight, and if you don't have a 4x4 and decent clearance (I'd say at least 7"-8") you may likely struggle/risk yourself as some parts did require greater flex and clearance angles.

The trail that is shown on OnX is easy. A 2, but the washboards can rattle your vehicle quite a bit. The issue people should know about is going from the end of the trail marked OnX to paved road - it jumps from a 2 to a 3-4. Narrow shelf roads with 6-12" deep ruts that force a tough line that tips the vehicle a little leaning off the shelf road. I wasn't expecting this - but turned out to add some fun to the otherwise peaceful route.

Easy trail, nice and relaxing drive.

Good condition, few holes here and there.

Very easy trail. Aired down to 20 psi and had very comfortable ride.

Super easy dirt road with nice views!

Washboards are a little rough in short wheelbase vehicle. I entered at Hurricane rd an went North, will try the South end another time.

The road was open from start to finish, I saw one vehicle at the Wallace creek trailhead. Super dry as you’d expect during this time of year.

Went Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, slight breeze, very hot sun, about 72-75 degrees. The road and the roads that branch off of it are in pretty good condition, slightly sandy and dusty, some break bumps and ruts from the rainy season but I saw people out there with a Prius so I think that tells the story. If your windows are open prepare for grasshoppers to catch a ride.

Trail is open but with all the rain this time of year some of the roads / trails get completely impassible because there is nowhere for the water to drain. BE CAREFUL some roads look bet and solid but when you break through the crusty top layer you will get stuck and there is a lot of spots with no cell service. I was lucky enough to spot a ranger driving by and he pulled my 05 Tacoma that was aired down to 15 psi with full off-road tires and in 4 low out of a 3 feet mud hole that was surrounding my truck.