Trail Overview
BLM 106Y is an exciting, distinctly roller-coaster-like 1.3-mile backcountry trail that promises a deeply engaging drive for adventurous off-roaders. The vividly colored landscape playfully alternates its driving surface between patches of rough, loose white gravel and sections of heavily tracked, distinctly soft red sand. As you safely navigate through the dense, mature green juniper forest under a brilliant blue sky, the route heavily undulates, aggressively climbing up and plunging down over a couple of notably steep, demanding hills. Along this dynamic transit, the trail frequently merges with a utility powerline corridor, utilizing the steep, rugged right-of-way to conquer the drastic elevation changes. At the crest of these dramatic climbs, the tight treeline beautifully opens up, deeply rewarding drivers with spectacular, sweeping panoramic views of the magnificent, towering stone cliffs and vast desert valleys sprawling in the distance. It is a brief but highly thrilling ride that perfectly showcases the rugged, vertical nature of the region.
Difficulty
BLM 106Y firmly earns a Level 4 Advanced technical rating due to its drastically undulating, high-consequence terrain. The primary obstacle on this brief 1.3-mile route is a remarkably steep, highly intimidating hill climb and descent. Navigating this severe grade requires vehicles to successfully clear imposing, uneven rock ledges larger than 12 inches while actively struggling for traction on a remarkably loose, shifting mix of gravel and red dirt. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle equipped with low-range gearing and properly deflated tires is absolutely mandatory to safely conquer the severe ledges without losing control, sliding, or sustaining severe undercarriage damage. Standard AWD crossovers will quickly fail on these steep, rocky inclines.
