Best for
Stock 4WD SUVs, Jeep Wranglers, Gladiators, Bronco Sport and adventure beginners
Surface
70% pavement and 30% forest roads
Difficulty
⭐⭐ 2/5 (Easy–Moderate)
Vehicle
Stock 4WD SUV or comparable adventure vehicle
Get your first taste of adventure on a beginner-friendly journey through tall pine forests, creek crossings and beautiful mountain scenery. This route blends paved travel with approachable backcountry roads for a memorable introduction to overlanding.
Perfect For
- Stock 4WD SUVs
- Jeep Wranglers
- Gladiators
- Bronco Sport
- Adventure beginners
Route Directions
- Start at Mossy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – Chula Vista
- Take Highway 67 North
- Pass through Ramona
- Turn onto Black Canyon Road
- Enter Upper Santa Ysabel Truck Trail (12S07)
- Continue through Mesa Grande backcountry roads
- Finish at Hideout Mountain Lodge
Terrain
- 70% pavement
- 30% forest roads
- Mild washboards
- Small ruts
- Seasonal creek crossings
Highlights
- Tall pine forests
- Creek crossings
- Wildlife viewing
- Great beginner overlanding experience
- Beautiful mountain scenery
Recommended Equipment
- All-terrain tires
- Airing down tires optional
- Stop 1Start
Mossy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – Chula Vista
Begin the Forest Explorer Trail before heading north toward Ramona and the mountain backcountry.
- Stop 2Finish
Hideout Mountain Lodge
27413 Highway 76, Santa Ysabel
Finish your beginner forest-road adventure at Hideout Mountain Lodge.
Route
Mossy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – Chula Vista → Hideout Mountain Lodge
Final checkpoints and turn-by-turn directions are provided to registered teams.