Trail Overview
The overall difficulty of this trail is somewhat dependent upon your direction of travel and your preference for obstacles. Traveling east to west you reach the Big Hill, or Caution Hill, almost immediately near the east end of HC4. It is just scary regardless of your travel direction. Down is probably easier but that first ledge is very challenging and will get everyone's attention. When attacking the hill upwards there are multiple obstacles that are made more challenging by the steepness of the hill, loose sand, tight turns, and significant rock ledges. Understanding how to attack this hill, and its challenges, is essential to conquering the hill. This trail has numerous areas of steep slick rock, and rock climbs with steep rock ridges, many of which are off-camber. If you came in from the west, the problem comes when you reach the bottom of the Big Hill and decide to backtrack rather than go up the hill. You need to remember that long sand hill near the White Pinnacles you came down. Going up can be a whole different challenge as there is no place to get a run at this hill or to anchor a winch line. The sand on this hill can be very soft and deep which creates a challenge for many vehicles. Overall, this is the second hardest section of the trail in the trail park and should be given due care and judgment before entering. Please Note: HC is a set of defined trails, AKA, a trail park. These defined trails vary in difficulty to provide challenges for all types of vehicles and skill levels. It is also a great area to learn new skills on these trails. HC is NOT an open-riding area. You are expected to stay on the defined trails and under no circumstances create new trails. In addition, please do not build upon someone else's desecration of the area by riding on trails or bypasses that have been created by others. Please obey all BLM-posted signs. OnX asks everyone to support the Tread Lightly principles.
Difficulty
The Big Hill has increased in difficulty over the last few years with use and erosion. The new rock, eroded area lower on the hill is a new, distinct challenge. Especially when going uphill. It is a mistake to underestimate the danger here. There have been two deaths on this hill in the recent past. The sandhill challenge is elevated by the dry climate, overuse, and lack of places to attach a winch line if needed. If you get stuck between the big hill and the sandhill, your options to exit become very limited. Only skilled riders in groups should attempt this section of the trail. This trail, like most in HC, is getting tougher all the time.
