| All 4x4/ATV trails are open to hikers, horses, mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATV’s, and jeeps. They are typically winding and steep with large rock steps and so are often very difficult for horses, mountain bikes, and motorcycles. |
| Home Page Hiking Off-Road Vehicles Mountain Bikes Horses |
Difficulty Rating 1 through 5 –
1-Stock Vehicle – no body damage - stock tires
2- Stock Vehicle – body and undercarriage damage possible
3 – Modified Vehicles advised (lockers and lift). Body damage possible.
4 – Modified Vehicle advised in dry / required in wet – Advanced 4x4 skills recommended. Body damage likely.
5 – Modified Vehicle required – Advanced 4x4 skills needed. Body damage likely.
1-Stock Vehicle – no body damage - stock tires
2- Stock Vehicle – body and undercarriage damage possible
3 – Modified Vehicles advised (lockers and lift). Body damage possible.
4 – Modified Vehicle advised in dry / required in wet – Advanced 4x4 skills recommended. Body damage likely.
5 – Modified Vehicle required – Advanced 4x4 skills needed. Body damage likely.
| West 97 Liberty - Trails 323, 324, 325, 326, and 326.1 |
4W323 WILDCAT GULCH
RATING – 2
MILES – 1.0
Elevation Low – 3000’
Elevation High – 3600’
Gain – 1000’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115) and follow to the end, OR run 4W324
from its origin up to this same spot. 4W323 takes off about 1/10 mile back from the end of the 115 road.
Description –
This trail is a relatively easy downhill about ¾ mile to a meadow, at which point the trail cuts left and in about ½ mile ties into 4W324.
NOTE: From the meadow, the trail used to continue another 1.5 miles down Wildcat Gulch at which point several different routes were
available to exit to US-97, all of which go through private land with no easements. Most of these routes have been blocked off by
landowners, and, as of this writing, the few landowners still permitting access are reconsidering it. Do not count on being able to out
Wildcat Gulch.
RATING – 2
MILES – 1.0
Elevation Low – 3000’
Elevation High – 3600’
Gain – 1000’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115) and follow to the end, OR run 4W324
from its origin up to this same spot. 4W323 takes off about 1/10 mile back from the end of the 115 road.
Description –
This trail is a relatively easy downhill about ¾ mile to a meadow, at which point the trail cuts left and in about ½ mile ties into 4W324.
NOTE: From the meadow, the trail used to continue another 1.5 miles down Wildcat Gulch at which point several different routes were
available to exit to US-97, all of which go through private land with no easements. Most of these routes have been blocked off by
landowners, and, as of this writing, the few landowners still permitting access are reconsidering it. Do not count on being able to out
Wildcat Gulch.
4W324 GUARD STATION
RATING – 4
MILES – 3.5
Elevation Low – 2500’
Elevation High – 3700’
Gain – 1200’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115). The trail will take off from the left side,
about 200 feet past the guard station.
Description –
You will immediately cross a small creek (tank tracks have been laid to avoid environmental damage). The first part is not a problem
in dry conditions, but can be challenging if wet. At approximately the one mile mark, you will begin one of three hillclimbs. The first is a
deep chute with loose shale. Get a good run to clear the top. The second climb is long and steep with a challenging root section near
the top. The last climb is loose gravel with a rock shelf near the top. A winch is a recommended piece of equipment for this trail
system.
You will cross a Forest Service road after the hillclimbs. Take a right and travel approximately 500 feet and make another right turn
back onto the trail. You will drop down into a hole. The trail is tight and brushy. You will then pop back onto the road, take a left
followed by a quick right back onto the trail. This is the last part of the trail and will take you to the top. Turn right to access other 4WD
trails. This road at the top is open to ATV’s
RATING – 4
MILES – 3.5
Elevation Low – 2500’
Elevation High – 3700’
Gain – 1200’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115). The trail will take off from the left side,
about 200 feet past the guard station.
Description –
You will immediately cross a small creek (tank tracks have been laid to avoid environmental damage). The first part is not a problem
in dry conditions, but can be challenging if wet. At approximately the one mile mark, you will begin one of three hillclimbs. The first is a
deep chute with loose shale. Get a good run to clear the top. The second climb is long and steep with a challenging root section near
the top. The last climb is loose gravel with a rock shelf near the top. A winch is a recommended piece of equipment for this trail
system.
You will cross a Forest Service road after the hillclimbs. Take a right and travel approximately 500 feet and make another right turn
back onto the trail. You will drop down into a hole. The trail is tight and brushy. You will then pop back onto the road, take a left
followed by a quick right back onto the trail. This is the last part of the trail and will take you to the top. Turn right to access other 4WD
trails. This road at the top is open to ATV’s
4W325 BAKER RIDGE
RATING – Dry – 3 / 5+ Winch Necessary in Red Top option (impossible when wet)
MILES – 2.6
Elevation Low –2800’
Elevation High –4800’
Gain – 2000’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left onto FS Road 9700-192 (this is the next FS Road after the Liberty Guard Station).
Description –
This trail is all uphill You climb along a ridgeline. You will have one fairly challenging hillclimb near the top. Finish on FS Road 9702.
Turn left to access 4WD327, 326, and 324. Turn right on the FS Road to access the historical Red Top Mountain Lookout
(approximately 3 miles north).
RATING – Dry – 3 / 5+ Winch Necessary in Red Top option (impossible when wet)
MILES – 2.6
Elevation Low –2800’
Elevation High –4800’
Gain – 2000’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left onto FS Road 9700-192 (this is the next FS Road after the Liberty Guard Station).
Description –
This trail is all uphill You climb along a ridgeline. You will have one fairly challenging hillclimb near the top. Finish on FS Road 9702.
Turn left to access 4WD327, 326, and 324. Turn right on the FS Road to access the historical Red Top Mountain Lookout
(approximately 3 miles north).
4W326 MILL GULCH
RATING – 3 dry 4 wet
MILES – 2.6
Elevation Low –2800’
Elevation High –4500’
Gain – 1700’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115). Continue up the 9700-115
approximately 1.25 miles. The trail will start on the left hand side.
Description -
This trail is steep from the onset. The first part is very brushy. It runs the gulch line then climbs out. Then drop back down into gulch
by an old mine shaft. Take a right back to the gulch and climb back up to FS Road. Take a left and go about 15 feet then take a right,
continuing uphill. This section is also very brushy. You will cross over another FS Road and continue up toward the ridge. The trail Y’s
– right is easier (still difficult when wet), left difficult) is steeper and soft. Then you are on top. Turn left to access 4WD324 or right to
access 4WD327 and 4WD325.
RATING – 3 dry 4 wet
MILES – 2.6
Elevation Low –2800’
Elevation High –4500’
Gain – 1700’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115). Continue up the 9700-115
approximately 1.25 miles. The trail will start on the left hand side.
Description -
This trail is steep from the onset. The first part is very brushy. It runs the gulch line then climbs out. Then drop back down into gulch
by an old mine shaft. Take a right back to the gulch and climb back up to FS Road. Take a left and go about 15 feet then take a right,
continuing uphill. This section is also very brushy. You will cross over another FS Road and continue up toward the ridge. The trail Y’s
– right is easier (still difficult when wet), left difficult) is steeper and soft. Then you are on top. Turn left to access 4WD324 or right to
access 4WD327 and 4WD325.
4W326.1 MILL RIDGE
RATING – 4
MILES – 0.6
Elevation Low –3200’
Elevation High –3600’
Gain – 400’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115). Continue up the 9700-115
approximately 1.5 miles. This trail starts on the right side about ¼ mile past the trailhead for 4W326.
Description -
This was once part of 4W326, but was bypassed because it includes a difficult hillclimb. It remains an alternate for those looking for a
real challenge. The trail ends on the 118 spur; travel up it about ¼ mile to re-join 4W326.
RATING – 4
MILES – 0.6
Elevation Low –3200’
Elevation High –3600’
Gain – 400’
Trail Access –
Traveling north on Highway 97, turn left (west) at the Liberty Guard Station (FS Road 9700-115). Continue up the 9700-115
approximately 1.5 miles. This trail starts on the right side about ¼ mile past the trailhead for 4W326.
Description -
This was once part of 4W326, but was bypassed because it includes a difficult hillclimb. It remains an alternate for those looking for a
real challenge. The trail ends on the 118 spur; travel up it about ¼ mile to re-join 4W326.