Carbine Flat Spur A

Carbine Flat Spur-A provides drivers a chance to test their off-roading skills and vehicle capabilities over a challenging trail.  Located in the high desert of the San Bernardino National Forest, Carbine Flat Spur-A slowly descends from the Carbine Flat area to the varied landscape of Juniper Flats.  Along the way, the trail passes several motorized and hiking trails that beckon exploration.  Near the west end of the spur is the Deep Creek area with popular hiking trails to nearby hot springs. From here, there is access to dozens of other marked BLM trails in the 100,000-acre Juniper Flats.

Forest Service trails on Carbine Flat Spur-A indicate a solid blue square for a “More Difficult rating,” but the trail could easily be rated “Most Difficult” or black diamond.  The trail surface is often very rocky with a few significant protruding rock formations and steep slippery climbs.  An experienced driver in a lifted 4x4 is necessary for this trail.  The most difficult obstacle, about 1.7 miles from the trailhead (N34° 21.108', W117° 07.318'), is an unavoidable rock waterfall requiring careful wheel placement.  The west end of the trail features a steep climb over a very worn, rutted, off-camber surface with exposed boulders, making it best suited for those with lockers. The quickest exit to paved roads from the trail's end is via Pack Mem Trail JF3300, which is an intimidating 1,000 feet descent down a shelf road.

Several level clearings suitable for dispersed camping do exist, but they are exposed to the wind and can be found next to the trail.  For those looking for a prepared campsite, the Forest Service Horse Springs Camping site, located about 3 miles east of the trailhead, offers tree-shaded campsites, picnic benches, fire rings, pit toilets, a group ramada, and a picnic area.  Campfires are prohibited in the National Forest.