Trail Overview
Red Top (FS 23205) is a short, punchy climb that takes you straight into the thin air of the high Sierra. This trail is a fun two-track adventure that serves as a rugged staircase to the very edge of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, topping out above 9,000 feet. The surface is a loose mix of dirt and sand, but don't let the soft stuff fool you—it is heavily peppered with plenty of embedded rock and minor rock gardens that will test your suspension flex. The route demands a vehicle with legitimate capability; you'll be navigating moderate bouldering sections where line choice is everything. Along the way, keep an eye out for a mysterious collapsed structure, a ghostly reminder of the area's history, before settling into a high-altitude dispersed campsite. It’s a technical, scenic crawl that rewards those willing to put their tires to the test.
Difficulty
This trail earns a solid Rating 4 because it moves beyond "bumpy dirt road" into a more challenging territory. The presence of moderate bouldering and consistent rock gardens creates obstacles that require precise wheel placement and significant ground clearance. A standard SUV will likely struggle; the recommendation for a short wheelbase and 35-inch tires (or a lift) is not an exaggeration. Without them, you risk high-centering or sustaining undercarriage damage on the embedded rocks. This is a low-speed, technical drive requiring 4-Low and driver experience.
