Trail Overview
Appendicitis Hill Spur #5 is a scenic and easy-going route perfect for beginners, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and SxSs looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area. This unpaved, 1.4-mile spur (3 miles round trip) sits at an elevation of roughly 7,100 to 7,300 feet, connecting with the Appendicitis Hill Loop in two separate locations. Traveling through the steep, volcanic landscape, offroaders will experience mild elevation gains of about 268 feet and an easy technical rating of 2.
While the route is easily passable for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles under dry conditions, early season travelers through mid-May should expect lingering snow, and recent rains can quickly turn the dirt surface into slick mud. The trail serves as an excellent gateway to Crawford Peak and the wider 22,000-acre wilderness study area, offering opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. Drivers can complete the entire trek in about half an hour, though stopping to appreciate the spectacular views over Antelope Valley is highly recommended.
Difficulty
Through mid-May you may find snow on the trails, and if it's rained recently, it will be muddy. Otherwise, a pretty easy trail with fantastic views.
History
Appendicitis Hill is named after USGS surveyor T.M. Bannon, who suffered an appendicitis attack while surveying the peak. The Bureau of Land Management oversees approximately 22,000 acres in the surrounding Wilderness Study Area, which also features Crawford Peak rising to 8,500 feet and overlooking Antelope Valley.
Access Description
The route crosses Bureau of Land Management public land within the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area. Ensure vehicles remain on designated trails to preserve the surrounding environment, and check weather conditions beforehand as rain can make the unpaved surface highly muddy.
