Trail Overview
Rusty Nail Road (BLM 886) begins precisely where the rugged Ben Lowe Road concludes, marked by a prominent cattle watering area and clear signage officially designating the start of the trail and its intended direction of travel. Averaging a leisurely 7.3 mph over its 3.4-mile length, this relatively brief, 28-minute transit leads explorers through a diverse landscape, transitioning from sparse, sun-drenched high desert scrubland into sections of thicker, shading pine trees. While the trail generally guides travelers toward the Delta area, it continually offers truly outstanding, panoramic vistas that showcase the sprawling, distant valleys and multiple sweeping mountain ranges against the skyline. Because the route meanders through open grazing land, cattle are a common sight, and drivers are explicitly requested to proceed slowly and respectfully when sharing the road with livestock. Along the journey, visitors will discover a fantastic, secluded dispersed campsite perched directly on a scenic overlook; while it provides unparalleled, expansive views of the valley below, campers must exercise caution due to its close proximity to a steep, sudden drop-off. Ultimately, the trail features only mild surface imperfections and is an enjoyable, highly scenic drive.
Difficulty
Rusty Nail Road (BLM 886) comfortably earns a Level 2 Easy-to-Moderate technical rating, making it a notably more relaxed and forgiving drive compared to the trails preceding it. Over its 3.4 miles, the underlying dirt and sandy surface remains generally stable, allowing for a comfortable average speed of 7.3 mph. The most significant obstacles drivers will encounter are relatively mild, shallow ruts and small, easily navigable ledges that typically only range from 4 to 8 inches in depth. While the trail lacks severe rock crawling or deeply trenched washouts, the presence of loose sandy sections and minor uneven terrain means a high-clearance 4x4, SUV, or AWD crossover is still recommended for the most secure and comfortable experience.
