Trail Overview

This is an unmaintained Forest Service road. It is gravel but has very deep potholes and deep ruts. A high-clearance rig is advised with a good approach and departure angle. In the winter months, it will most likely be covered with deep snow. The views from the top are amazing. It's one vehicle wide with some wide spots to pass.

Photos of Fossil Creek

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Most of the road is gravel and very easy, with just a handful of tough spots, deep ruts, and potholes. There is a lot of snow in the winter.

Technical Rating

Clay Rydick

Dec 02, 2025

2002 Lexus LX

Open

Muddy/Wet

Large puddles, some erosion/washouts rarely deeper than 1’. No snow on the trail, occasional patches visible to the side of the trail near the top. Ice crusting over the surface of some puddles in the last mile, not thicker than 0.25”. Suggested AWD/4WD, medium high clearance or an occasionally ambitious lead foot (based on conditions encountered, subject to current trail conditions). Gate was closed at the top, but alternate trail was open heading west from the gate for less than a mile, providing stunning views of the mountain and the valleys below. Heavy fog below, none present for the majority of the trail. Significant rainfall in the days following may have altered the conditions. Stunning views mostly limited to the last mile of the trail, deer sightings along the length of the trail.

Roger Caceres

Jun 23, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Make sure you bring a chainsaw and machete for the last part of the trail , big rocks and lots of wild life

Melvin Sanders

Jun 22, 2024

Open

Normal

The description of the trail is largely correct if you’re staying on this trail. If you break off of it, you might find some massive obstacles. The last mile or so of this trail was blocked by a “private property” sign and locked gate.