Trail Overview

Old Durr Road is a historical route between Ellensburg and Selah with lots of beautiful scenery along the way. The trail starts near Ellensburg at a campsite, where you will begin your journey with a steep incline through rough and rocky terrain. From there, the trail gets easier, and your effort is quickly rewarded with the sight of rolling hills as far as the eye can see. On clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams are also visible. Sagebrush and dry grass are abundant, especially during the hotter midsummer months. Spring brings a delicate touch, with small wildflowers also dotting the path. No campfires are allowed from April 15 to October 15, and a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass is required.

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Difficulty

This trail is primarily unmaintained dirt and gravel with rocks and erosion in places. It begins with a fairly steep incline where 2WD or 4WD in low gear is recommended. Near the end of the trail, watch out for the deep ruts which could be an issue for lower-clearance vehicles. The ruts were not factored into the difficulty rating due to the road being wide enough to avoid them while still adhering to Leave No Trace practices.

History

Old Durr Road was originally a toll road built in the 1880s (and one of the first toll roads in the state) as an alternative route to the 28-mile wagon road through the Wenas Valley called the "Yellowstone Trail".

Technical Rating

Joe Day

Apr 20, 2026

2015 Lexus GX

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

Really cool road with great views. I only saw one other truck, a service truck heading up to one of the towers, in passing. Beyond that, it was just me, and it was perfect! The OnX description is accurate, but even then it was rockier than I had imagined.

Connor Sauby

Apr 18, 2026

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Open

Normal

Doable in even a stock crosstrek. Had a good time. Completely open and passable.

William Hull

Apr 13, 2026

Open

NormalDustyRough/DeterioratedWashboard

This trail is open, dry, dusty, and rough. A nice trail that goes through the sagebrush plains surrounded by rolling hills and peaks. It was partly cloudy but there was a good view of Mt Adams. This is the entry trail into this trail system of state owned land.

Evan Kelley

Mar 31, 2026

2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Open

NormalDustyMuddy/WetRough/DeterioratedWashboard

With 9.5” of ground clearance, driving slow, not taking any real chances, we did just fine. The conditions were nice and dry except for a few spots… ruts and rocks were more than manageable.

Tim Thompson

Jan 04, 2026

Open

John Ulibarri

Nov 08, 2025

2022 Ford Bronco

Open

Muddy/WetRough/DeterioratedWashboard

Miles Parker

Oct 19, 2025

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Rough/DeterioratedWashboardMuddy/Wet

John Ulibarri

Aug 23, 2025

2022 Ford Bronco

Open

DustyRough/DeterioratedWashboard

Great views. One of our favorite ways to travel between Yakima and Ellensburg. About halfway through there is a steep climb going south with lots of loose rock but otherwise easy work for any 4x4

Brandon Lynn

Aug 01, 2025

2022 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Dusty

Robert Brett

Jun 20, 2025

Open

Dusty

Ran North to South. Road into campsite was fairly easy 2wd shouldn't have an issue. Camp was very windy but was very spacious. There was a lot of broken glass on the ground. Leaving camp and headed south it is a steady climb up loose rock and occasional water run off ditches till you reach Umtanum Ridge Rd. After that the rest of the trail is pretty smooth with the occasional small crossing and water runoff ditch.

Basalt Overland

Jun 20, 2025

1990 Isuzu Trooper

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

As mentioned by others in previous reports, rutted and rocky but doable in 2WD when you pick the right lines. Use caution for drainages that are two feet deep at the road’s edge.

Alex Osborn

May 25, 2025

Open

I went up in a 2wd open diff 94 dodge dakota ext cab with a bald tires two winters ago the day before Christmas and I made it all the way over it is bumpy and don't go out alone unless very experienced and well equipped

Jacob Estep

Apr 18, 2025

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Open

Normal

Super nice trail. Easy for my crosstrek. Had to crawl forward a few times in order to not wreck my car… low clearance issues. Was great otherwise

Duola Well

Apr 12, 2025

Open

Normal

Drove the route in a high-clearance 4x4 with KO2 tires. The trail is relatively easy —— didn’t even need to engage 4WD. It’s a smooth ride with scenic views, making it a great option for a relaxed off-road experience. Be prepared for strong winds in the evening.

Aman Gandhi

Apr 06, 2025

2010 GMC Canyon

Open

Lots of decent sized loose rocks. Plenty of ruts and some off camber driving but easily passable with a stock 4x4, there are easy lines through everything. Route became extremely muddy just below the radio tower, was driving alone so turned around at that point.