Trail Overview

Ponderosa Fire Line - Upper (FS 6S017) is the rowdy, untamed sibling of the gentle lower road. While the section below Hugh Ryan is a smooth cruise, crossing that junction acts like a portal to a much rougher reality. This upper 1.2-mile stretch immediately sheds its civilized veneer, transforming into a tight and twisty battleground of traction and suspension. The wide gravel disappears, replaced by a narrow two-track that is full of deep ruts carved by seasons of runoff and heavy use. It serves as a critical, albeit bumpy, artery for the moto crowd, providing direct access to adrenaline-fueled single-track trails like Ridge, Gino, and Dot. Because it feeds these popular rides, expect to share the narrow corridor with dirt bikes. It’s a short, technical climb that demands focus, rewarding those who enjoy picking a line rather than just pressing the gas.

Photos of Ponderosa Fire Line - Upper - FS 6S017

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Difficulty

This is an unmaintained challenge. The deep ruts create uneven, off-camber situations that require high ground clearance to avoid dragging your differentials or bumpers. Standard passenger vehicles will likely bottom out. 4WD is highly recommended to manage traction through the loose, eroded sections, and drivers must be comfortable picking specific lines to keep the vehicle level.

Technical Rating