Trail Overview
This sandy trail starting off Opal Canyon Road can feature deeper sand at times, where airing down, great tires, and four wheel drive become highly recommended. Climbing almost 300 feet in just under 2 miles creates sustained grades offering nice views of the Eastern Sierras at higher elevations. The seasonally graded route makes its way through Opal Canyon within Red Rock Canyon State Park, where OHVs require a green sticker and other requirements. The trail gets very dusty, especially when wind gusts kick up the fine particles. Fairly smooth overall, with no real obstacles except the slow, inclined hill climb through deeper sand sections. After climbing out of the canyon, the trail transitions to more pumice with small embedded rocks creating a bumpier surface, though still without real obstacles. Lined with creosote bushes and desert grasses throughout.
Difficulty
The deeper sand sections on that slow, inclined hill climb require Four Wheel Drive, great tires, and airing down as highly recommended equipment. The 300-foot climb over under 2 miles means sustained grades that demand low range. After the canyon exit, the pumice with small embedded rocks creates a bumpier ride without serious obstacles. Seasonal grading helps maintain fairly smooth conditions. A very dusty nature, especially in the wind, reduces visibility significantly. Main challenges are the deeper sand climb and dust rather than technical obstacles. Proper equipment makes this accessible State Park route.
