Trail Overview
This is an extremely short, 0.7-mile spur trail that provides direct access to a spectacular summit and the Bald Mountain fire watchtower destination. The trail starts as a relatively clear two-track, but the difficulty ramps up quickly as it climbs. The final portion of the climb crests onto an exposed, cracked granite slab, transitioning from dirt to a smooth, high-traction granite slab (visible in photos). Follow the embedded blue reflectors to keep yourself centered on the track and away from the edge. This FS road was impacted by the 2020 Creek Wildfire, but retains patches of healthy forest. The challenging ascent leads to one of the area's best viewpoints, offering excellent regional scenery. At just under 8,000' elevation, this trail is best visited in Summer and Fall.
Difficulty
The R3 rating is justified not by poor traction (granite is excellent for rubber tires), but by the steep, sustained grade and the high articulation required to ascend the final, blocky granite slab. Four Wheel Drive is mandatory to maintain stability and prevent momentum loss on the uneven surface. High clearance is essential to avoid undercarriage impact on the blocky granite steps that define the final climb. This is a short, low-speed test of vehicle architecture and careful line selection.
