Trail Overview
Sheep Canyon is an ideal route for beginner offroaders and drivers of stock SUVs seeking a scenic, low-stress connection between Lytle Creek and Swarthout Canyon. This easy, dirt track winds through the rugged chaparral of the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, offering scenic vistas of the surrounding peaks and canyons. The trail features a mostly graded dirt and gravel surface with minimal technical challenges, making it highly accessible for standard high-clearance vehicles. While the route is mostly straightforward, drivers should expect occasional loose dirt and mild ruts, particularly on the steeper uphill sections which can become slick when wet.
Connecting Swarthout Canyon Road to Lytle Creek Road, this point-to-point route serves as an excellent connector for longer offroad adventures in the Cajon Pass area, allowing travelers to easily link up with neighboring forest service roads. Because only street-legal vehicles are permitted, the trail is ideal for dual-sport motorcycles, overland rigs, and stock four-wheel-drive SUVs, while non-street-legal vehicles and SxSs are prohibited. The route is generally open year-round, though winter storms can occasionally bring light snow or muddy conditions. Seasonal gate closures may occur during periods of high fire danger or severe winter weather.
