Trail Overview

This is an easy cruise through the Frederick Watershed which is an unmaintained mostly gravel road. It can be done in just about any vehicle however I recommend an off-road oriented vehicle due to persistent bumps and ruts. There are a variety of activities in the watershed including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing along with many scenic roads and overlooks outside the watershed. The route is a loop with one spur which is Fishing Creek. There is only one way in and out of the watershed and all other access points are blocked. There are also no other places in the watershed that have 4x4 access. I included a picture of one of the gates because as you approach it looks like a dead end, however the intent is to go to the side.

Photos of Frederick Watershed

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Difficulty

4 wheel drive is not necessary and you will occasionally see a front wheel drive car or crossover on this trail. However, there are persistent bumps and ruts along with a handful of ruts and puddles which would swallow a car if you choose to veer into it.

History

Roughly 10 years ago there was a lot more 4x4 access and some trails off of the main road. There used to be a water crossing (which you will see is blocked by a bright yellow gate) and fewer roads in the area were paved. Even 5 years ago there were small offshoots with really deep puddles that required 4WD which have been either blocked off, filled in, or literally both. The reduced access is entirely due to abuse. Please respect this place.

Technical Rating

Dennis Roberts

Aug 15, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

It was a nice trail but there are a lot of holes and washout

Alex Hernandez

Jul 25, 2026

2012 kia soul

Open

NormalDustyRough/Deteriorated

I did the whole loop in a manual FWD. Safe to say it was the best experience I’ve had. You do not need a 4x4 vehicle to complete this trail but I would consider one when it rains/snows. Since it was my first time here it took me about 2 hours to complete because i would stop to take pictures or explore a bit.

Mo ZJ

Jun 16, 2026

Open

NormalDustyMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Did the entire circle. Definitely a 2- not a one. Hugh clearance needed for sure if you are taking the whole route. Watch them puddles lol. Looks are deceiving.

Jun 13, 2026

2004 Toyota 4runner

Open

Rough terrain, very fun but def more like a 2 than a 1

Bill Lang

Jun 03, 2026

2022 Ford Bronco

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

A lot more rugged and rocky than I expected for an easy trail

Jady Bowie

Jun 01, 2026

2023 Mazda CX-5

Open

Normal

There wasn't many people and it was open the whole way through, only took me a little under an hour. Wasn't difficult at all in a AWD!

Isaiah

May 30, 2026

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

Open

Normal

Easily navigable in a crossover. As other comments said, the ruts get more and more aggressive. You can straddle most of them or avoid them by hugging the shoulder though.

Brandon Knapp

May 02, 2026

2026 Toyota 4Runner

Open

NormalMuddy/WetWashboard

Trail was easy, some deeper ruts from water runoff and some puddles from previous days rain. Nothing too crazy left my 4Runner in 2 wheel drive.

eric clapprood

Mar 21, 2026

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Open

Muddy/WetNormal

First time on trail. Went pretty good

Colin McPheeters

Mar 21, 2026

2004 Lexus GX

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

Nothing technical but it is rough.

Max

Mar 15, 2026

2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

Northern section of Gambrill Park Rd. is slightly deteriorated (unmaintained in winter)

Freddy Conde

Mar 06, 2026

2024 INEOS Grenadier

Open

NormalMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

For the most part it was a wet and foggy day while on the trail which made it that much more interesting and enjoyable to go through. A low hanging branch right in the middle of the trail at one point. There are rutted areas which makes it a less smooth trail during the winter season. A sign stated that this trail is not maintained during the winter so it's expected to have rutted areas. Easy trail and one of my favorite trails to go on.

Darin Jackson

Jan 27, 2026

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Open

it was very fun to do this trail in the snow because typically it's very simple but the snow definitely added a layer of fun did get stuck almost but that was part of the fun. And there were a lot of people out there which was surprising.

Jon Bruck

Jan 18, 2026

2021 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Drove up today and tried to access via the top of Gambril Park road, thinking this would be easier navigation but the intersection is blocked by gates and chain link fences. I’ll have to check it out another time from another direction

Colin McPheeters

Jan 04, 2026

2004 Lexus GX

Open

Large tree down, able to maneuver around it with no issues though.