Trail Overview
This short out-and-back trail is only about one mile long, but it packs several technical obstacles into a short distance. The first 100 to 200 yards are the most challenging, with steep, rocky terrain where 4WD is essential and airing down your tires is highly recommended for improved traction. The trail is best suited for side-by-sides and other narrow vehicles, although a short-wheelbase, high-clearance Jeep with an experienced driver should have little difficulty. Expect deep ruts approaching 18 inches on one side of the trail, tight tree corridors with low-hanging branches, deep cross ruts, and a short off-camber shelf section that requires careful tire placement. The effort is well rewarded as the trail opens into a beautiful mountain meadow, where you’ll find several excellent opportunities for dispersed camping and a peaceful place to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Difficulty
The first section of this trail contains several technical obstacles that require careful driving. Shortly after leaving the trailhead, you’ll encounter a deep cross gully where approach and departure angles are important to avoid undercarriage contact. A short off-camber climb follows, leading onto a narrow shelf road with minor hillside sloughs that require extra caution. Along the route, expect several ruts up to 12 inches deep, often on only one side of the trail, making precise wheel placement essential. Beyond these obstacles, the trail becomes much more forgiving and offers an enjoyable drive in dry conditions.
