Trail Overview
Branching off the main Corral Hollow corridor (Forest Road 7N11), Forest Service Road 7N11D is an out-and-back scenic spur that heads out to the high overlook at Flagpole Point in Stanislaus National Forest. The trail travels across open mountain hillsides covered in broad patches of mule ears and summer wildflowers, weaving past pockets of tall pines and firs. Outdoor enthusiasts take this short drive to reach Flagpole Point, an awesome viewpoint featuring a rocky peak and wide-open views of the surrounding valleys and distant ridgelines. The single-lane roadbed consists of packed native dirt, loose gravel, and scattered surface rocks. The track rolls along the ridge with mild climbs and dips before finishing at an open rocky turnaround where drivers can park and take in the panoramic scenery.
Difficulty
Rated a 3, this trail presents a narrow dirt road with uneven ground and loose rocky sections. Obstacles include small loose stones, mild dirt ruts, and light rocky climbs that require steady momentum to avoid spinning tires on the loose soil. Maintaining a slow, steady pace and choosing smooth lines around larger embedded rocks helps prevent underbody scrapes and keeps traction solid all the way to Flagpole point.
