Trail Overview
This 3-mile point-to-point trail starts and ends on Soldier Mtn Reservoir - FS 37N03 and ends on Pit Canyon Flat - FS 37N57Y, traveling through the Lassen National Forest in an area featuring a mix of pine and oak trees along with some small grassy meadows. The trail surface consists of hard-packed dirt, maintaining a width of one to two vehicles throughout the route. The trail drops over 370 feet and climbs 100 feet, creating a net descending profile with some elevation variation along the way. Drivers will encounter a lot of ruts up to 12 inches deep throughout the route, along with some additional small ruts under 6 inches, requiring consistent attention to tire placement and line selection.
Heading south, some glimpses of the distant mountains reward drivers along a shelf road section, adding scenic value to the technical drive. Permits are required for any open fires, so visitors should check local fire restrictions before planning any campfire activities along this route.
Difficulty
The primary challenges include managing the frequent deep ruts throughout the route, which require careful and consistent tire placement, along with navigating the shelf road section safely.