Ponderosa Way

Branching off from Buffalo Gulch Trail, this 3-mile out-and-back route offers big views and a fun ridge-line drive. The sandy track drops more than 700 feet and gains just 90 feet over 2 miles, making it a steady descent out and climb back. The trail averages about 1.5 vehicles wide as it runs along the ridge, where sparse trees and brush give way to sweeping 360° views. Midway through, the road narrows into a shelf section with dramatic vistas, before briefly opening into a meadow-like flat with more open scenery. Expect occasional ruts from water runoff, a few low-hanging branches, and scattered pieces of wood along the road edge. The route ends at a locked gate, requiring a turnaround.