Trail Canyon - FS 43338

Trail Overview

Trail Canyon is a beautiful but demanding route that serves as a vital mountain link to the Park Canyon system. The trail begins low in the expansive sagebrush flats before climbing steeply into a dense and aromatic forest of Utah Juniper and Pinyon Pine. This transition provides a stunning change in scenery, but the driving becomes increasingly intense as the elevation rises. The route is physically engaging and technical. Expect several challenging drops and wash crossings with steep entry and exit angles that will test your vehicle's approach and departure clearance. The trail features sustained off-camber sections caused by deep ruts and erosion, along with scattered boulder gardens that require careful line selection. Once you enter the forested upper sections, the trail narrows significantly; paint damage is guaranteed, as the heavy brush and low-hanging branches are impossible to avoid even for compact SUVs. This is a true "explorer's" trail for those who enjoy technical challenges and don't mind a few new desert pinstripes. There are some stunning ruins at the end of the trail. Expect very limited to no cell service. While a single bar of LTE may occasionally fade in, it is unreliable for navigation. Download offline maps before entering the canyon.

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Difficulty

Rated a 4 due to the combination of steep-sided washouts, deep ruts, and significant off-camber tilts. This trail is overgrown and requires pushing through dense vegetation. The steep transitions in and out of the washes can become treacherous and slippery during spring snowmelt or after a summer monsoon.

History

Trail Canyon has served as a rugged corridor through the Toiyabe Range for over a century. In the late 1800s, these high-altitude forests were the lifeblood of the Austin mining boom, providing the massive amounts of charcoal needed to fuel the silver mills. The narrowness of the trail today is a direct legacy of its origins as a primitive "wood hawk" path, where men and pack animals hauled timber through these tight canyon walls to support the "Silver Queen" of the desert.

Technical Rating

Trail Canyon - FS 43338 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike