Maxwell Road

Total Miles9.9
Technical Rating
2Easy
Best TimeSpring, Summer, Fall
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map
Maxwell Road trail photo

Trail Overview

This is an off-road connector between Lake Hughes Road and the Liebre Mountain and Sawmill Motor Way (USFS Route 7N23). It takes you through the western Sierra Pelona Range, which is the lower elevation mountain range in western Los Angeles County, California. Much of this area was burned in the Lake Fire of 2020, so you will see a large amount of burnt trees and resurgent undergrowth.

Photos of Maxwell Road

Difficulty

Some areas are a bit rough, but with moderate clearance and careful choice of lines, a 4x4 vehicle will have little to no trouble on this trip.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Ezio
Dec 22, 2025
Open
NormalDusty
Open running east to west, no access (locked gate) at 8N04 / old ridge route.
Ezio
Nov 23, 2025
Temporarily Closed
Closed GateWeather Event
Closed as of Sunday November 23 2025 in the morning, likely due to heavy rain last week
Nao H
Oct 26, 2025
Open
Matt M
Jul 04, 2025
2025 Ford Escape
Open
Very easy trail. Probably doable with any AWD with modest clearance
Steve Meier
Jun 12, 2025
2023 Toyota Tacoma
Open
NormalDusty
I started from Lake Hughes Rd and went out to Sawmill CG. The road is very easy, 2wd + standard clearance will get you through it. I never went to 4wd. You get some very nice views from this trail.
Dale Lauterback
May 18, 2025
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Open
NormalDusty
Trail is open on the North Side nera Burnt Peak
Louis Oberlander
Apr 19, 2025
Temporarily Closed
K G
Apr 19, 2025
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Locked gate approx. 3/4 of a mile from Lake Hughes Rd
Carlos Rodriguez
Apr 13, 2025
Temporarily Closed
Dale Lauterback
Mar 30, 2025
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Eileen Santos
Jan 26, 2025
2013 Ford F-Series
Open
Snow/Ice
Gabe Pelayo
Dec 28, 2024
2024 Husqvarna FE501S
Open
Normal
jennifer SHEPPARD
Dec 21, 2024
2024 Ford Bronco
Open
NormalDusty
Super easy in a Bronco. Seems like maybe it was recently graded. Beautiful views. No obstacles- all very doable in a much less capable suv.
Kyle Miller
Jul 27, 2024
2024 Subaru Outback
Open
NormalDusty
Entrance off Lake Hughes Road open and can loop around to Pine Canyon Road. Road closed just West of Bear Campground due to fallen tree. Unable to access Old Ridge Route.
Mikro Kosmos.
Oct 01, 2023
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate

Maxwell Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Maxwell Road Map

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