Trail Overview
Hugh Ryan (FS 6S024) is the surprisingly scenic backbone of the Miami Mountain network, acting as a wide, welcoming bridge between Highway 41 and the western slopes near Highway 49/Worman Road. This easy, graded forest service road offers a smooth cruise on a surface of gravel, dirt, and decomposed granite (DG) that packs down like concrete. But it’s the history written on the landscape that makes the drive fascinating: the road served as a critical fire break during the 2017 Railroad Fire. As you drive, you’ll witness a stark, living timeline—on one side, a wall of mature, unburnt timber stands tall, while the other side reveals a regenerating forest slowly rising from the ashes. It’s a major artery for adventure, providing spur access to a web of popular OHV and moto trails like Hugh, Halfmile, and Stagecoach. Midway through, you can stretch your legs at the Lone Sequoia Trailhead, which offers convenient parking and pit toilets.
Difficulty
This trail is a textbook Rating 1 experience. The road is wide, graded, and well-maintained, designed to accommodate standard passenger vehicles, trucks, and trailers hauling OHV toys. The surface of gravel and decomposed granite provides excellent traction and drainage, meaning mud is rarely an issue even after rain. There are no technical obstacles, steep off-camber sections, or significant ruts to worry about. It functions essentially as a dirt highway through the forest, making it a stress-free connector for any vehicle with basic ground clearance.
