Trail Overview
This short backcountry trail offers an impressive variety of terrain, scenery, and unique viewpoints packed into a relatively brief route. The trail begins by climbing steadily through the sagebrush for roughly the first quarter mile before reaching the first high point. After passing through a gate, the landscape opens up, revealing a dramatic descent along a steep shelf road composed of loose gray material that drops quickly toward the canyon floor below. Once in the canyon, you’ll pass an old cabin that provides a scenic location for a dispersed campsite. Continuing onward, the surroundings become increasingly green as the trail winds around a large open meadow undergoing reclamation. As the route begins climbing toward its eventual endpoint, expect some ruts and muddy sections where careful 4WD wheel placement will be important, particularly after wet weather. The trail continues through lush vegetation at the valley floor before reaching a final climb and a turnaround area near a trailhead designated for non-motorized users, including hikers, horseback riders, and cyclists.
Difficulty
In dry conditions, this is a fairly straightforward route suitable for vehicles with reasonable ground clearance. There are a few sections where careful wheel placement is important, particularly when navigating ruts and crossing areas where the road has been affected by runoff. Aside from these sections, the route is relatively easy to follow and should present few challenges for a properly equipped vehicle. Conditions can change significantly after rain or snow, so extra caution is recommended when the trail is wet or muddy.
