Trail Overview

This trail is a very scenic run that runs along and through the Capitan mountains. The trail starts with a loose gravel/ sandy path that runs through a forest area that was decimated by forest fires a few years ago. You will get into some green forest areas that have dispersed camping locations with rock fire rings. There are multiple scenic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The trail continues and starts to get progressively more difficult with loose rock terrain and wash out areas. There are some areas that have mud/ water crossings that are less than 12 inches in depth. Midway through the trail you will start to hit bigger rock sections with rocks that are 12-18 inches in height. There are multiple off-camber spots that run along drop offs on the side of the trail. There are some steeper hill climbs that are on loose rock with only room for one vehicle. There are no bypasses to any of the obstacles and little room to turn around.

Photos of Capitan Pass

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Difficulty

Uneven rutted roads with multiple obstacles and rock gardens that are 12-18 inches in height. Steep grades that are on loose rock. Water/mud crossings 6-12 inches in depth depending on season. The trail is only one vehicle width in most locations with no room to pass or turn around. Possible body damage depending on vehicle modifications.

Technical Rating

gary stout

Jun 11, 2026

Open

Fire closed the entire area

Rhett

Jan 19, 2026

Open

Entered from CR C001 trail presented no issues, quite dusty for the first half, some washout at the beginning of the trail. No significant issues until the end when a ground guide was required in one of the hairpin sections where a large boulder roughly 6ft in diameter had fallen and blocked half the trail. A ground guide is not required, but it will give you the warm and fuzzies if your rig is wider than 80". Regardless, the trail took longer than two hours as the sun had set completely by the time I made it to 246.

Ben Weh

Dec 27, 2025

Open

Easy trail with a few large rocks that could be avoided if necessary. Took around 3 hours to complete.

John miller

Oct 15, 2025

Open

Extremely rough rocky trail both directions color coding very misleading. Broke rear suspension even though barely doing 1-3 mph with transfer case in 4x4 low and transmission in lowest setting “1”. Took 4.5 hours. ATV only should attempt under current conditions.

Layne Marlow

Aug 21, 2025

Open

Base trail with a lot of Rock Gardens with a couple of canyon spring crossings.

Liam Lowe

Jul 09, 2025

Open

The trail is 90% 8-24” and sometimes bigger rocks. Had a flash flood warning 7/9/25. Keep a lookout for black bears, I saw some on two separate occasions. One 8-10” deep water crossing with a rocky bottom. One short ledge/shelf climb.