The Cliffs

Total Miles 2.1
Technical Rating
6 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

One of the hardest trails in the area, the Cliffs rewards you with a beautiful overlook of the Keweenaw Peninsula. This trail is not easy to navigate in a full-size vehicle and is best for high clearance, short-wheelbase vehicles with at least one locking differential. The water crossing at the start of the trail can scare off most people as it usually sits at 18-20 inches deep but can rise to over 36 inches in spring and after heavy rain. Once you navigate the water crossing, you will pass the gatekeeper, a couple of large boulders that prevent most long-wheelbase vehicles from passing. If you can't make this obstacle, you will have to back down the trail to the water crossing where you can turn around. Once you pass the gatekeeper, the trail will turn very rocky with loose boulders, sand, and washouts. After this, it's a fairly easy climb to the first overlook. The second overlook is a narrow rocky gulch up to a small camping area and overlook.

Photos of The Cliffs

Difficulty

There's a water crossing that is 18-36 inches deep, large boulders, deep washouts, and diff bashing obstacles.

History

Check out the remains of the Cliff Mine and the town of Clifton from the late 1800s.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

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Jeff and Laura Bomer
Oct 03, 2025
Open
Awesome trail!
Abimelec Garcia
Aug 12, 2025
Open
Few water crossing and mud, in some areas is very narrow with all those branches. This trail it goes from easy to moderated and some hard areas.
Matthew Wolke
Aug 03, 2025
Open
Eric Hawkins
Jul 31, 2025
Open
Shawne Z
May 27, 2025
Open
A few muddy spots, nothing too difficult.
Matthew Kasinec
Oct 22, 2024
Open
Fun little water crossing. Was about 20 inches judging from our videos, but goes deeper entering from the paved side, due to a decline. Turned around and came back.
Peitong Li
Jul 18, 2024
Open
Short but sweet little trail. Can be done in 40 minutes. The water was sitting at about 15 inches, so don’t worry. The cliff view was fabulous as a reward.
Chris Calloway
May 20, 2024
Open

The Cliffs Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

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

The Cliffs Map

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