Trail Overview
The Copenhagen Cutover provides a direct and efficient line across the heart of the Antelope Valley. Emerging from the rugged mouth of Copenhagen Canyon on the western side, the trail "blasts" straight across the valley floor, serving as a link for explorers needing to transition between mountain ranges. The sense of scale here is immense; as you cross the basin, you are framed by the Monitor Range to the west and the jagged Antelope Range to the east. The drive is characterized by wide-open perspectives and a steady cruising pace through the silver sagebrush. This is one of the most reliable areas in the district for spotting the valley’s namesakes: Pronghorn Antelope. If you time your crossing for the early morning or late afternoon, it is very likely you will see herds grazing near the track or racing across the flats. While the majority of the road is broad enough for easy passing, there are several segments where the trail narrows, and the eastern end features a series of mild ruts that require a more attentive eye. If you are looking to shave miles off your journey to reach fuel or provisions, this cutover "fits the bill" perfectly. This is active open-range territory. You may encounter cattle gates along the route; please leave all gates exactly as you found them (closed means closed) to assist local ranching operations. Expect zero cell service for the duration of this crossing. The vastness of the basin floor puts you well outside the reach of highway towers. Download offline maps before leaving the Tonopah or Eureka area.
Difficulty
Rated a 2 for its easy grade, but drivers should be alert for increased rutting at the eastern end of the trail. These ruts are not severe in dry conditions but require basic tire placement. Suitable for most high-clearance SUVs and 4x4 vehicles. Under dry conditions, standard crossovers can manage this route easily.
