Trail Overview

Ironclads is a challenging out-and-back loop branching off Bunce School Road Trail. It features loose rock climbs and descents, tight off-camber turns, boulder fields, and a couple of steep ledges. Scenic views are limited, but your attention will be focused on navigating the trail's numerous obstacles. The trail starts off easily, passing by some potential camping spots, but quickly presents its first challenge with a difficult bypass. Several vehicles have turned around at this point. Once you reach the loop portion, you have two options: head left to immediately begin the loose rock climb, or head right for a more gradual ascent. Both routes offer equally challenging obstacles. There's a nice pull-off spot for lunch where the two paths meet. If you choose to go right, be sure to stop 0.9 miles into the trail at the large rock formation on the right;a short walk to the top rewards you with one of the few excellent views on the trail. This trail is often impassable in the winter.

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Difficulty

This is a difficult trail with very deep ruts. There are large boulders during off-camber turns and steep ledges on two main obstacles. You may need lockers. Proper tire placement is a must, even with 37" tires. Not recommended for stock SUVs.

Technical Rating

Mark

Nov 15, 2025

Open

Trail is perfectly fine. Nothing special that would make any of the obstacles more difficult. Completed without any issues in a 4runner. 2.5 inch lift on 33s

Nathan Levi

Nov 02, 2025

Open

Drove counterclockwise from the Bunce School trail. I’d say we are novice off-roaders but we were able to clear the first kind of “gatekeeper” feature with a spotter helping with wheel placement. 4 Lo and rear diff locker made it possible for us, again, a more experienced driver could make it without, I’d be hesitant without a lift and really good clearance. Didn’t encounter snow or ice but this was a record high temp for early November,

Sean Delgado

Oct 05, 2025

Open

Was able to complete this on 31s, had spotting which helped. Wasn’t busy just a couple of dirt bikers. Was tons of fun!!

Ben Gehret

Oct 04, 2025

Open

Trail was completely dry. Beautiful day. Ran it counterclockwise this time, which is the direction I recommend for a little more challenging experience.

Vince Kort

Aug 27, 2025

Open

First time I’ve been here since before Covid. The trail is much more eroded than what it was and is more difficult to run but still fun. My Land Cruiser with opens did fine but my buddy definitely had to use his lockers in some sections. I would say 33” tires would be the minimum to run this and a locker would be nice. Other than that it is a lot of fun and it’s not a very long trail.

Isaiah Craig

Aug 17, 2025

Open

We really enjoyed this one. I had fun with it in my 98 xj on 31s. I think the 37" tire recommendation is excessive. We had no trouble and didn't need to take any bypasses. Quick fun trail

Gary Lee

Jul 18, 2025

Open

Ben Gehret

Jul 12, 2025

Open

Between Ironclad and T-33 Crashsite, Crashsite was a little more tech and a lot more tight spots. Great trail. I got stuck once while backing up. Hung up the rear diff on a rock. I busted out the powertank and HPA Systems jack to get the Braptor unstuck.

Lyndy Anderson

May 24, 2025

Open

Trail was dry, 4lo and lockers required in areas. Need high clearance. Busy but it’s a holiday weekend. Big puddle that is fun but it’s deep and you can go around it. Water went over hood.

Gary EDWARDS

May 23, 2025

Open

Mickey Hilton

May 18, 2025

Open

Had a blast on the trail took up a few jeeps some modifications on some and more on others also brought up the 4 wheeler and had a good time on all of it. It did rain and hail on us but didn’t make the trail any more difficult. Saw a moose while up there definitely will be back to do it again