Hells Half Acre
Total Miles
6.6
Elevation
1,438.44 ft
Duration
6 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Summer
Trail Overview
Hells Half Acre is an approximately 6-mile trail through ancient lava rock just southwest of Shelly Idaho. It is a moderate to difficult trail, with many tough obstacles that are not by-passible and the difficulty can be increased exponentially if you choose to, up to including extreme buggy lines. The best direction to run this trail is west to east in cooler times of the year as the lava rock gets scorching hot in the summer heat. Lava rock is a unique wheeling experience as it provides 100% traction, and this does require some skill on the driver's part as it is easy to get a tire wedged in a lava crack or wheel hop and break axles or u joints. Recommended at least 33" tires if you are a skilled driver but 35" tires are preferable, lift, skid plates, rock sliders, lockers, recovery gear, winch, tire repair or spare tire, and a buddy to help you spot. Many of the obstacles are a tipping hazard if approached wrong, and there are numerous jeep-sized holes and cracks you can drive in if you can't see ahead of you. I would recommend contacting the local off-roading groups in the Idaho Falls area and they would be more than happy to come along and guide you through it. It is common for trash to be dumped at the beginning and ends of the trail, if you run this trail please assist in our efforts to keep it clean and pick up some trash if you are willing.
Photos of Hells Half Acre
Difficulty
The main route has several required obstacles that are about a difficulty of a 7, but there are optional play areas and obstacles that easily qualify for a 10 rating. Expect to use your rock sliders and skid plates, vehicle damage is likely on a long wheelbase, tire damage is likely if not careful, and axles, u joints, and drivelines can easily be broken if not careful. Rollovers are possible and very likely if obstacles are attempted without trail knowledge or a spotter. SXS, ATVs, and dirt bikes can use the trail but it is much more difficult and damage and breakage are almost guaranteed.
Status Reports
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