Sand Gulch to The Banks

Total Miles 5.9
Technical Rating
6 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Sand Gulch to The Banks trail photo

Trail Overview

From the Sand Gulch Trailhead, the road starts out easy for the first mile then turns rocky with larger rocks and ruts. In winter time it is best to travel from Sand Gulch Trailhead to the banks which is the north end. There are steep hills on the northern slopes that you can make it down in the snow but would be hard trying to go up. Cell phone coverage most of the way. Lots of dispersed camping along the way.

Photos of Sand Gulch to The Banks

Difficulty

The trail is rocky with some larger obstacles. If you like to rock crawl over medium size rocks this is a good place. Watch for places to pull over as the trail has some stretches where it is too narrow to pass oncoming vehicles.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

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Cary Travnichek
Dec 27, 2025
Open
The beginning is easy. It turns really rough and rocky. I highly recommend 33's or bigger. Rear locker. Its a very challenging road.
John W
Dec 13, 2025
Open
Was able to make it around counter clockwise with no issues in my Xterra on 33s. Never had to use my locker. Fun trail with some minor/moderate rock obstacles on some climbs/descents. I think the trail should be closer to a 4/10 and most capable 4x4 vehicles can probably do it while stock.
Dani s
Nov 21, 2025
Open
I agree, pretty challenging for an average setup.
Jack w
Nov 08, 2025
Open
Andy Schmidt
Aug 10, 2025
Open
Challenging trail for your avg rig. Nothing too difficult. 2021 Bronco with 35’s did just fine without having to use lockers. No one else was on the trail
Tony Torcivia
Jul 29, 2025
Open
Fun trail. Good mix of easy to moderately challenging. Didn’t see anyone else out there. Completed with a stock 2025 4Runner ORP. Got some heavy rain, which made some parts of the trial slippery & clay like. Lots of dispersed camp sites & some nice views.
Xander Victoria
May 21, 2025
Open
Good trail that is not super easy but also not extremely difficult
matthew christensen
May 09, 2025
Open
This was a great trail. Lots of small rocks and some bigger ones. I enjoyed all the views and the trip.
Roger M.
May 03, 2025
Open
Very fun trail 3.5" lift and 35s highly do able. Rocky areas just take it slow and have fun. Dispersed camping in very scenic areas and lots of wild life saw snake and lots of birds for those bird watchers out there.
Andrea Young
Mar 16, 2025
Open
Great trail, obstacles are fun and frequent. Beautiful drive and no one back there
Adam Stegman
Mar 01, 2025
Open
Trail is dry until you get most of the way up. There is still some snow and ice at the upper elevations that is keeping the trail pretty muddy in certain sections.
Trevor Barr
Jan 12, 2025
Open
Enes G
Jan 01, 2025
Open
Mick DeNudt
Dec 28, 2024
Open
Dan Strome
Jun 30, 2024
Open

Sand Gulch to The Banks Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

Sand Gulch to The Banks Map

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