Trail Overview
This trail drops down from the main road into a scenic valley, weaving through a dense forest of juniper and pinyon pine. This loop is a dream for drivers who enjoy navigating ruts and washed-out trail sections. While it makes for slow going in a 4x4, the terrain is incredibly fun and much faster for those on dirt bikes or smaller off-highway vehicles. As the trail descends into the valley, it offers outstanding panoramic views before swallowing you back into the dense tree line. The thick forest canopy provides excellent shelter from the high desert winds, and you will find plenty of flat, secluded spots tucked among the trees that make ideal dispersed campsites. Because the vegetation is so thick and sheltered, your odds of spotting local wildlife are very high; don't be surprised if you come around a tight corner and find yourself face-to-face with a mule deer or a coyote. There is zero cell service back here. Download your onX Offroad maps for offline use in this area.
Difficulty
This trail is rated a 3 due to an abundance of deep ruts, off-camber transitions, and washed-out sections that require slow, deliberate driving. Mild rocky patches add to the uneven terrain. The trail is extremely narrow in places; if you are driving a full-size vehicle, aggressive "pinstriping" (paint damage) from the encroaching branches is virtually guaranteed.
History
The dense groves of pinyon pine and juniper that define this valley have been vital to human survival in the Great Basin for thousands of years. Long before early prospectors and ranchers arrived, the indigenous Western Shoshone peoples relied heavily on the pinyon pine forests. The nutrient-dense pine nuts harvested from these trees every autumn were a crucial winter staple. When you camp in the sheltered basins of this loop, you are utilizing the exact same natural windbreaks and resources that have drawn people to these specific, tree-lined valleys for generations.
Offroad