Trail Overview
Three Mile Canyon Road is a Forest Service road located in the Sacramento Mountain range and Lincoln National Forest. The trail winds into the canyon and then back out to lead the traveler to Carr Gap (if starting the trail from the west side) and brings tremendous views of the Sacramento Mountains. There are two gates to travel through with reminders to keep them closed due to cattle. Along with cattle, sheep, javelina, deer, and bears can be regularly seen. Use caution around wildlife. The trail is about three-quarters rough going with a small portion on county roads that are still dirt but maintained fairly decently. It consists of loose rocks, very rutted-out mud pits, and fallen trees. This trail, while doable in most stock 4x4 vehicles, should be driven with caution as there are no guard rails for the massive drops into the canyon, and no cell service throughout the trail. Word of caution: while dry, the trail can be done easily, when wet, this becomes an entirely different yet beautiful beast. Care must be taken to avoid sliding into trees and rocks from the slippery uneven terrain. Having a winch or other vehicle could prove useful if traveling during rain or after rain as the trail becomes very much impassable in some areas. This area is at a high enough elevation where snow will stick and accumulate. Traveling down this trail in the snow could prove unwise and is not recommended.
Difficulty
When dry, this trail is easily doable in any stock 4x4. Wet/snow conditions are going to be tough and only experienced drivers should take on the challenge. Small crossovers and AWD vehicles will have a fun yet challenging time in dry conditions. Use caution and drive in pairs with smaller crossover-based vehicles.
