Trail Overview
Gold Lake Shore Upper Segment (FS 12M01) is accessed directly from the Snake Lake Trail. The upper section of the trail, prior to the main descent, features numerous prime camping opportunities with stunning overlooks of Gold Lake. As the trail descends, you will encounter a couple of deep, loose sections with embedded rocks and dirt. Fortunately, because this route is well-traveled, there are multiple workarounds established at these obstacles, allowing drivers to choose a line that best matches their skill level and vehicle capabilities.
Difficulty
The difficulty stems primarily from the steep descent which drops roughly 189 meters (620 feet) in elevation over a short distance. The presence of deep, loose ruts and rock obstacles requires careful tire placement, though the available bypasses keep it from scoring higher.