Trail Overview
Experience an exhilarating and moderately technical journey along BLM 177, a dynamic 2.2-mile dirt trail that offers a thrilling off-road experience. Accessible directly off BLM 174, this versatile route welcomes a wide array of explorers, including hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists, motorbikes, side-by-sides, Jeeps, and all street-legal vehicles. Right from the start, the trail demands your attention as it plunges into a steep, adrenaline-pumping downhill section heavily carved with rugged ruts ranging from 6 to 8 inches deep. As you carefully navigate the early terrain, be highly vigilant of the several intersecting motorcycle-only routes; crossing traffic requires heavily reduced speeds and constant situational awareness. At approximately the 0.2-mile mark, drivers will face a formidable rocky obstacle that necessitates precise line choice and roughly 16 inches of approach and departure clearance to safely conquer. Beyond this early challenge, the trail transforms into a mesmerizing roller coaster of rolling hills, sharp climbs, and sudden descents. You will soon encounter a much longer, sustained section of consecutive rocky obstacles that significantly amplifies the technical driving experience. Throughout this rigorous, action-packed drive, you are continually rewarded with magnificent, sweeping scenic views stretching endlessly in all directions across the breathtaking desert landscape.
Difficulty
This thrilling trail earns an intermediate level 4 technical rating due to its immediate steep descents, continuous elevation changes, and multiple formidable rocky features. Drivers must expertly navigate aggressive 6- to 8-inch ruts right from the start, followed quickly by a significant rock obstacle at 0.2 miles requiring at least 16 inches of robust approach and departure clearance. The combination of consecutive rocky obstacles, the absolute necessity for precise line choice, and the hazard of intersecting high-speed motorcycle traffic makes this an engaging route that absolutely requires experienced driving, reliable vehicle clearance, and constant behind-the-wheel vigilance.
