Trail Overview

This is a beautiful, graded, well-maintained dirt road surrounded by the Ventana Wilderness. The road initially climbs an easy grade to Chews Ridge, then narrows and starts to descend a slightly more rocky and steep grade with incredible views of Black Butte, Black Cone, and Junipero Sera Peak, ultimately leading to a Zen retreat center where the road ends. The road may be subject to closures or become impassable following severe storms, but it drains well. 4WD is not necessary during the dry season but would be recommended in wet conditions. Sedans can travel this road but may have clearance issues with ruts in some areas and would not be advised during the rainy season.

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Difficulty

Following rain, there can be deep puddles, some mud, and very shallow water crossings, especially in the last 1.5 miles of the road.

Technical Rating

John Hobbs

Dec 13, 2025

Open

Trail is in very good condition. A little steep and narrow last half mile. No cell signal. Excellent views.

Ben Gutierrez

Nov 29, 2025

Open

Made a day trip with our family in our 2021 RAV4 PHEV for our first backroad adventure. Hasn’t rained in a couple of weeks and the trail was dry. Stopped at an empty campsite for a picnic of Thanksgiving leftovers. It was very quiet and we only saw a few other cars that were stopped at hiking trails. It was a very well maintained road with only a few ruts and small rocks. The kids loved it and want to go back.

Brandon H

Nov 28, 2025

Open

This was a fun easy trail with good views and well maintained roads.

Lucas Caparas

Oct 10, 2025

Open

Koko B

Oct 06, 2025

Open

It had just rained 3 days prior. Trail was Mainly dry. Plenty of loose rocks leading towards the end.

Cody R

Sep 18, 2025

Open

Easy trail and well maintained. Majority of trail was dry even with a slight drizzle. Great spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Kip R

Jun 21, 2025

Open

Road was well graded w/ little erosion. Loose rock, particularly toward the bottom of the canyon

Subharanbir Singh

Apr 12, 2025

Open

Anthony Lee

Apr 08, 2025

Open

Dusty Dust

Feb 09, 2025

Open

Rick Mendez

Feb 01, 2025

Open

Some mud, mostly flat a few small rocks. A minivan tourist got stuck up here and had to be towed out.

Dave F

Jan 24, 2025

Open

loserwitha Raptor

Jan 18, 2025

Open

Easy road with a 4x4 amazing views and access to easy hikes. basic dirt road steap sections could be very slick in the wet.

Bruno c

Nov 02, 2024

Open

Came in on a dry/dusty day. Road requires attention but nothing technical. After camping overnight, it was raining pretty hard, but the dirt absorbed and didn't get slick. I was able to ride my motorcycle down without issues. Only concern would be after days of rain and landslides possibly happening.

Zachary W

Oct 16, 2024

Open

Trail is well maintained though almost all dirt. Trail is steep in some areas. Small sections of washboard. Signs say washing out is possible in winter but fall it is just dusty. We saw someone in a Prius able to go more than halfway down the trail without issue. Be on the lookout for ornery hunters and the mule deer they are looking for. Also, China Camp Campground is closed with signs posted only after you get down to the campsites specifically. Hot Springs are closed to the public along with the Tassajara Zen Temple at the end of the trail from September through April.