Trail Overview
High Lakes is a premier destination for experienced offroaders seeking challenging rock crawling and scenic lakeside camping on a gorgeous high plateau. Located in the High Lakes OHV Area, this 17.5-mile trail features diverse and demanding terrain, with elevations ranging from 4,977 feet to 6,614 feet and a cumulative elevation gain of 2,859 feet. The route is rated difficult (6 out of 10) due to several tight spots between trees with large roots and a particularly challenging obstacle before Waypoint 05 that will test the limits of most stock high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. While a stock four-door Wrangler Rubicon can squeeze through with careful tire placement, modified vehicles with a suspension lift, larger tires, and skid plates are highly recommended to navigate the route safely.
Beyond the main route, extreme rock crawling opportunities await on F.S. 608 leading to Morris Lake. Despite damage from recent forest fires, the scenic high plateau remains a spectacular area for a weekend getaway, offering opportunities for remote camping, fishing, and relaxing next to pristine, glacier-carved lakes. The trail is open to green-sticker vehicles, with a convenient staging area located at Waypoint 04. Visitors should practice stewardship by staying on designated routes, packing out all trash, and being mindful of local regulations.
Difficulty
Difficult: Although much of this trail is moderate, one difficult spot before Waypoint 05 will stop most stock vehicles. We managed to get through with our stock 4-door Rubicon, but just barely. You'll find tight spots between trees with large tree roots. F.S. 608 to Morris Lake is extreme rock crawling.
History
This area, known as the Kimshew Mining District, has a long history starting with prospecting in the mid 1800s and continuing as late as 1980 with modern hydraulic mining.
