James Ridge

Total Miles 3
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

James Ridge is a narrow single-vehicle-wide trail that connects Sixteen Springs Canyon Road. to the Three Mile Canyon trail. There are no obstacles larger than 10" along the trail, however, some of the rocks can be loose and on light grades. Most high-clearance AWD and 4x4s will have no issues completing the trail. While the trail surface is primarily rock, there are a few sections of dirt that become small mud holes after rain or snow melt. The trail is primarily single-vehicle wide with very little room to pass for a majority of the track due to heavy brush and trees. Views are limited with only a couple of small areas where the trees open up slightly giving an overlook of the valley to the west. Cell service is strong for the majority of the trail with a few areas being slightly weaker. Dispersed camping is permitted along the trail, however, due to the thick vegetation and brush, there are very few spots to accommodate. There are no legal motorized spurs off the trail and drivers should stay on the main trail. The James Ridge L.O. can be found at the north end of the trail just off Sixteen Springs Canyon Rd. and provides room for parking and a picnic table.

Photos of James Ridge

Difficulty

There are no large obstacles along the trail, but be prepared for downed trees as there is no room to bypass and they must be cleared. Some minor rutting and standing water in mud holes will be present and become deeper after rain or snow melts.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Sterling Armstrong
Dec 30, 2025
Open
Trail was got on the narrower side in some parts. My truck rubbed both sides at times and my tires touched the edge of the trail on both sides as well multiple times. Anything wider than stock width trucks should take some caution. Trail was not difficult but water has washed away a lot of the dirt leaving a much rockier terrain than advertised. Newer 4x4s may not find it too bad overall but will find the constant throwing around to become quite tiresome and irritating. Any older 4x4s will find the trail easy but quite abusive in some areas. No photos as none of them do it justice.
Eric Yi
Dec 13, 2025
Open
Easy trail, hopped onto this one after hitting fuel break. Basically just a gravel road but instead of gravel its rocks. I just sent it thru the entire trail as we were hungry and wanted to get lunch in cloudcroft. Was in 2WD the whole time.
Chaise Poland
Jan 04, 2025
Open
Trail was as described: dry, rocky, and very windy. Expect trail rash as about a third of the trail is narrow. Managed to see two bull elk!
Chris Carrasco
Nov 22, 2024
Open
The rocky surface sections are normal. Recent rains and snow have caused the few dirt sections to become muddy with standing water/puddles.
Chris Carrasco
Aug 08, 2024
Open
Kristopher (FREE) Loder
Jul 06, 2024
Open
Heath Green
Apr 13, 2024
Open
fun trail dry very rocky watch your tires
Michael Morlan
Oct 28, 2023
Open

James Ridge Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

James Ridge Map

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