Trail Overview
Welcome to Cline Buttes OHV Trail 23, a wonderfully scenic access loop that primarily serves to connect explorers to further trail networks in the area. This route is a beautiful, notably narrow double-track dirt road that meanders gracefully through tight groves of high-desert juniper trees and low-lying sagebrush. The journey begins along mostly flat terrain composed of firm, compacted sand and small, rolling whoops, eventually passing through an open wire gate set between rustic wooden posts. As you continue, the trail winds beautifully near the edge of a small canyon, where striking, blocky rock formations rise dramatically alongside the dirt track. Along the way, the path introduces slightly off-camber sandy sections that wrap tightly around tree wells, demanding focused steering to stay properly aligned. Further along, as you pass a brown trail marker post for route 23 and a large fallen juniper branch, the landscape presents a distinct uphill section heavily littered with loose, bowling ball-sized river rocks and bumpy cobblestone rock gardens.
Difficulty
We assign a balanced difficulty rating of 2 out of 10 for this route. While much of the trail is a gentle, sandy drive, the notable rock gardens require your full attention to navigate safely. The most significant obstacle is the section featuring loose, rolling cobblestones and scattered, embedded rocks. To safely conquer this rocky terrain, it is essential to maintain a slow, steady momentum and intentionally place your tires directly over the highest stones; this driving technique preserves your vital undercarriage ground clearance and prevents costly scraping. Additionally, the narrow, off-camber sandy sections weaving through the tight junipers require highly controlled steering to prevent sliding sideways into the encroaching branches or tree wells. By choosing careful, high lines through the rock gardens, the terrain is easily manageable.
