Trail Overview
Continuing north from Deer Lake Road, the Lots A Lakes OHV Trail - FS 12E66 trail presents a stunning yet dramatically shifting landscape. As you wind your way along the route, you will pass high above the glistening, deep blue waters of Deer Lake, eventually connecting to the intersection with the Gold Lake and Lots A Lakes OHV trails near Summit Lake. The initial dirt path quickly transitions into much rougher territory, alternating frequently between packed soil and loose, chunky gravel. Along the higher ridge sections, the route carves out a beautiful, exposed rocky shelf road that provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and offers access to incredible dispersed campsites overlooking the lake below. The driving experience is highly engaging, characterized by numerous short, steep climbs paired with tight, winding turns. You will weave through dense, moss-draped pine forests and tackle challenging, uneven ground that constantly changes character from smooth dirt clearings to deeply rutted, rock-filled ascents.
Difficulty
The path is heavily laden with jagged rock shelves, large protruding embedded rocks, and steep sections covered in loose, shifting cobble. Because of these uneven climbs and the constant presence of chunky rocks that can easily catch a bumper or scrape a chassis, taking a low-clearance vehicle on this route is highly discouraged. Progress requires a slow, deliberate pace and precise tire placement to successfully guide your vehicle over the rocky steps and safely conquer the tight, steep ascents without sustaining undercarriage damage.
