Manning Mill Spur - Forest Road 227A

Total Miles2.1
Technical Rating
3Easy
Best TimeSummer, Spring, Fall, Winter
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This spur trail at the end of Forest Road 227 is a narrow, single-lane dirt path that connects Forest Roads 227 and 260, continuing east to a tight turnaround point. The trail is just wide enough for one vehicle, with potential for trail rash from overgrown brush. Several long water and mud holes are present along the route, but they generally have solid bases--maintaining a steady, consistent speed is recommended when crossing. While some bypasses exist, they cross into private property, so it's best to stay on the main trail. A couple of dry rutted sections may be more challenging for longer vehicles. There are no facilities in the area, and cell service is unreliable, so plan accordingly and come prepared with recovery gear--and ideally, travel with a second vehicle for safety.

Photos of Manning Mill Spur - Forest Road 227A

Difficulty

This trail is generally easy overall, though it can become narrow in spots. The primary obstacles are several mud and water holes that, while potentially quite deep, typically have a solid base and can be managed with steady driving. There is also a short rut crossing that may pose a challenge for longer vehicles. Due to these features, vehicles equipped with lifts, mud tires, and a winch are recommended for safe travel.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Gary Garland
Jul 17, 2026
2025 Jeep Gladiator
Open
NormalMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated
The Manning Mill Spur forest service road was passable. It is narrow through most of it and I had to be careful not to hit trees negotiating some of the curves. There were several mud holes one of which was about bumper deep on my stock Rubicon Gladiator. We sent frogs scarring every which way as we went through. I used 4-low from that point just to be safe. There was one area that had a by-pass around it that I didn't try. It was on a steep hill and very eroded. Another place where there was a by-pass I went though and was thankfully for skid pans. We made it to Manning Mill Forest Service Road without problems.
Roger Lowe
Jul 12, 2026
2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Moab
Open
Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated
This trail is easily a 4, maybe 5. I was going from North to South coming down the mountain. Extreme washouts so clearance is crucial. As it flattens there was a long mud puddle close to the end of the trail that was very deep. I made it through, but once I looked down there was muddy water by my feet in the floorboard (so pretty deep if came in). If you go South to North you will need to have 4x4 with high clearance and good placement of your tires. Going up is probably a 5.

Manning Mill Spur - Forest Road 227A Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Manning Mill Spur - Forest Road 227A Map

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