Trail Overview
The overall environment is a striking, sun-drenched desert landscape that climbs through rolling dirt hills to offer uniquely magnificent, elevated views of the distant Book Cliffs. Beginning right off the paved section of 18 Road, this shared multi-use route is often bustling with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, so you will want to keep a very watchful eye for crossing traffic as you navigate the dirt. Covering the 3.1 miles generally takes around 25 minutes, which averages out to a highly calculated pace of roughly 8 mph. This slow, deliberate speed is necessary as you climb through the fun, undulating whoops and sweeping switchbacks. You will discover a fantastic scenic viewpoint right around the 0.5-mile mark that is perfect for a quick photo break. Further along the way, the route smoothly intersects with the Southern Express hiking and biking trail at 0.7 miles, and eventually meets Trail 220 at the 2.4-mile mark to offer even more access to the beautiful outdoors. This track provides a truly special path to a secluded section of the Book Cliffs that other roads simply do not reach. Please keep in mind that camping is strictly prohibited anywhere along this route, as clearly indicated by the multiple warning signs posted at the trailhead. Because this is a more remote desert track with ever-changing, soft soil conditions, traveling alongside another capable vehicle in your group is highly recommended to ensure a safe and successful journey.
Difficulty
This trail surface consists of soft, powdery desert dirt that is heavily scarred by deep, aggressive washouts and rutted sections. The drive starts with manageable 6 to 8-inch ruts and mild 5 to 8-degree off-camber tilts that will lean your vehicle slightly toward the downhill slope. However, as you push past 1.4 miles, the terrain degrades, with washouts deepening to 12 and 14 inches. The most technical obstacle appears at the 1.6-mile mark, where a massive washout has compromised the right side of the trail. To safely navigate this hazard, you must hug the trail tightly to the left. This specific obstacle demands approximately 18 inches of approach clearance, making all-wheel or four-wheel drive absolutely required to maintain traction, and locking differentials are highly recommended if your rig is equipped with them. To successfully conquer the steep, uneven washouts visible in the photos, always strive to straddle the deepest crevices, rely on your vehicle's approach angles, and maintain a slow, highly calculated momentum to protect your undercarriage from scraping.
