Trail Overview
This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail serves as a scenic access route to a prominent viewpoint within the Klamath National Forest. Starting and ending on the Ragwort (FS44N12) trail, the route winds through a mature forest of pine trees and sagebrush, offering a classic high-country experience. The highlight of the trail is the plateau at the summit, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the valley below and the surrounding mountain ranges, with Mount Shasta as a dramatic focal point on the horizon. It is a rewarding climb that prioritizes scenery, though the ascent requires careful navigation.
Difficulty
This is a rating of 3. While the base surface is hard-packed dirt with small embedded rocks, the trail becomes noticeably rockier and more technical as you ascend the grade. Much of the route runs along a shelf road, which requires steady steering and cautious speed management. Furthermore, the trail is quite tight, with overgrown bushes at several points that can make passage difficult for wider vehicles and increase the risk of pinstripes. The combination of the shelf-road exposure, rocky incline, and encroaching vegetation makes this trail require an experienced driver and a vehicle with good clearance.
