Trail Overview
Get ready to peel out on Potato Patch (FS 5S090), a 4.1-mile slice of backcountry excitement that serves up a dynamic mix of speed and technicality. This trail is a spirited connector linking Beasore Road (FS 5S07) to Save the Rock (FS 5S039), offering a fun and fast rhythm for much of the drive. You'll weave through a towering mixed-conifer forest, dodging massive granite boulders and threading the needle through corridors of huge bucked logs. While much of the route is a breezy, sandy double-track that begs for a little throttle, don't get too comfortable! The trail earns its rougher reputation with several steep, loose ledge climbs that abruptly test your traction and line choice. Along the way, keep an eye out for prime dispersed camping spots, including the scenic Potato Patch campsite.
Difficulty
While the average speed on this trail might suggest an easy drive, the rating is driven by specific, punchy obstacles. The route features short but steep climbs with loose, rocky ledges and eroded surfaces. These sections require 4-Low and a steady throttle to maintain momentum without spinning out on the low-traction dirt and embedded rock. High clearance is mandatory to avoid dragging differentials on the ledges or getting hung up on uneven ruts. It is a trail of dual character, with smooth cruising interrupted by technical traction tests.
