Forest Service Road 1S22

Trail Overview

This trail climbs over 200 feet and drops over 200 feet across just over 2.4 miles, starting conveniently just off Highway 120 within the Stanislaus National Forest. The first section features a previously paved surface that is quickly deteriorating to dirt, providing a transition from highway conditions to backcountry terrain. After passing through a gate, the trail transforms to sand and narrows to single vehicle width, becoming lined with young forest growth and brush that sometimes creates a natural canopy over the route. The trail follows a shelf road positioned above a small canyon and creek, offering pleasant water views and sounds during the journey. A couple of short sections feature deeper ruts caused by vehicles traveling during wet conditions, requiring careful line selection and speed control. At mile 1.5, the trail becomes increasingly overgrown with thicker vegetation, and overhanging trees will contact most vehicles, potentially causing scratches or damage to roof equipment. As the route approaches its terminus, branches and brush become overgrown from all directions, creating a tunnel-like effect that demands constant attention to vehicle clearance. The trail concludes at a small turnaround area that provides space for reversing direction, though maneuvering may be challenging due to the confined space and overgrown conditions. While 4x4 is not required during dry conditions, the narrow width, overgrown vegetation, and turnaround constraints make trailers strongly discouraged.

Photos of Forest Service Road 1S22

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Difficulty

This trail receives a difficulty rating of 3, indicating moderate to challenging conditions primarily due to the overgrown vegetation, narrow width, and confined turnaround area. While the terrain itself is manageable, the vegetation hazards and tight spaces require careful attention and acceptance of potential vehicle contact with brush and branches.

Technical Rating

Forest Service Road 1S22 can be accessed by the following ride types:

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