Trail Overview

This is a fun ride up the canyon from Indian Wells Brewery that takes you to the Nadeau-Magnolia Mine. This is one of the few abandoned mine sites that still maintains its historical charm. The road up is a pretty easy climb, with only a few ruts here and there. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views.

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Difficulty

This is an easy dirt road all the way to the mine. There's limited turnaround area for larger vehicles.

History

Nadeau Magnolia Mine is the site of a former gold tungsten mine set at an elevation of 3,100 feet in the southern Sierra range.

Technical Rating

Michael Bailey

Jun 15, 2026

Open

road splits nadeau to the right, three pines canyon to the left. nadeau road dug out pit on hill. left three pines canyon passable but heavily rutted. Further up road nadeau crosses spring, Mud pit, and tight bush coverage.

Ezio

Apr 13, 2026

Open

It's not a green anymore. I made it 75% of the way in a stock vehicle with 7.5 inches clearance and AWD, I needed to stop and lay recovery mats 4 times to get through deep ruts. The last 25% was possible with careful line placement, the recovery boards, and a spotter, but I was alone with the rain creeping in so I turned back after walking a section on foot. If you have a true off-road vehicle like a lifted jeep or anything on 33s or bigger, this is a mild challenge and nothing more. For stock vehicles, high clearance is required, boards are required, and a spotter is needed. This is more like a blue path level 4 now.

Balaji Subbiah

Dec 20, 2025

Open

Trail is heavily rutted all the way honestly …you will need a 4x4 with some clearance to navigate the routes and helps if u have a spotter…this is not a 1-3 but more of a 4-6 rated trail just due to ruts…its not technical. Did this in Dec 2025 with no rain…