Bare Mountain Road

Total Miles 6.9
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Fall, Summer
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

This trail is not for the weak-hearted. It is a very tight squeeze for a full-sized 4x4, it has massive overgrowth, and some very technical portions of the trail are seriously eroded. The trail has several extremely rocky areas that require 4 low and a locker. There is one particularly challenging section where a rock wall is to one side and a steep, several hundred-foot cliff drop-off is on the other. A wide vehicle or a vehicle with wide tires will not be able to pass this area. The issues are compounded by the fact there is nowhere to turn around, and you can't back up because of the technical rock section right before it. I could barely make it through this section in a Ford Bronco 2dr. To make matters even worse, the trail on the cliff drop-off side is seriously eroded. There is a 3-foot section where a tire could easily slip off the cliff side due to erosion. Attempt this trail only if you are confident in your abilities. A knowledgeable and competent spotter would also be very helpful. WARNING: The National Forest Service has rated this trail open to all vehicles. However, due to trail deterioration, it is not recommended for full-size vehicles.

Photos of Bare Mountain Road

Difficulty

The trail has several extremely rocky areas that require 4 low and a locker. There is one particularly challenging section where a rock wall is to one side and a steep, several hundred-foot cliff drop-off is on the other side. A wide vehicle or a vehicle with wide tires will not be able to pass this area. The issues are compounded by the fact there is nowhere to turn around and you can't back up because of the technical rock section right before it. I was barely able to make it through this section in a Ford Bronco 2dr. To make matters even worse, the trail, on the cliff drop-off side is seriously eroded. There is a 3-foot section where a tire could easily slip off the cliff side due to erosion. Attempt this trail only if you are confident in your abilities. A knowledgeable and competent spotter would also be very helpful.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Nate Kirsch
Nov 15, 2025
Open
Yeah I have no idea where the original trail info came from or what they are talking about, but this was one of the easiest gravel roads I've driven in the area. There were no sections that the road ever narrowed even close to my FJ80's width. Sure there were some flooded potholes, but I would legitimately rate this a 1/10 difficulty road. A stock Subaru could do it.
Adam Shelton
Jun 18, 2025
Open
I continued this trail from FS54, I am not sure but original review may be from a later portion of the road beyond the Soda Peaks Trailhead. From what I experienced packed dirt and Rock, no technical sections requiring more than avoiding a few sharp rocks. Trail has deep pot holes and sections of overgrowth that a full size truck would experience pin striping with, but in my Bronco was able to avoid the overgrowth.
Andrew Molina
Mar 08, 2025
Open
Once you hit about 3200 alt you’ll start running into snow, not recommended without higher clearance, better tires, and some recovery equipment just in case

Bare Mountain Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • High Clearance

Bare Mountain Road Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map