Trail Overview
This is an adventurous route with an interesting layout. The official Forest Service entry points have become heavily overgrown and are actively being reclaimed by nature due to infrequent travel. Instead, the established and traveled route begins at a T-junction bordering private property and cuts directly up the hillside, climbing out of Rattlesnake Canyon. As you proceed up the hill, you will navigate through a series of washes and dips before encountering ruts and a few scattered boulders. The trail's climax is a loose and rocky climb. Once you conquer the holes at the top of this climb, you are generously rewarded with outstanding, panoramic views of the surrounding valley and distant mountain ranges. From this vantage point, the trail bounces along the ridgeline, eventually linking back up with the official National Forest route to continue deeper into the foothills. The trail ultimately intersects with Agee Spring to the north, giving you the perfect opportunity to head west and check out the water source. Throughout the drive, keep an eye out for a vibrant array of seasonal wildflowers that bloom across the hillsides. You will encounter quite a few cattle gates along this route. You must leave them exactly as you found them. You might catch one stray bar of LTE that fades in and out, but it is entirely unreliable. Download your onX Offroad maps for offline use before you head out
Difficulty
The majority of the trail sits at a solid 3, featuring smaller washouts and the occasional short boulder field to cross. However, the long, loose, rocky hill climb near the end of the route, complete with medium-sized ruts and holes at the top, pushes the difficulty closer to a 4. High clearance and 4x4 are recommended.
History
The destination of this spur, Agee Spring, highlights the historic reliance on natural water seeps in this arid landscape. For over a century, local ranchers, Basque sheepherders, and early prospectors utilized these exact foothill corridors to move livestock and supplies between the valley floor and the life-sustaining springs tucked into the mountains.
