Pumphouse Road

Pumphouse Road, FR5661, is a scenic out-and-back route through the Lincoln National Forest that provides a refreshing escape from the surrounding desert landscape. The road travels through dense, heavily forested terrain, offering welcome shade and cooler temperatures during the warmer months. Numerous dispersed camping sites can be found along both sides of the route, making this an appealing option for those looking for a quiet overnight stay or a simple day trip into the forest. No special permit is required to travel the route, although visitors should follow all applicable U.S. Forest Service rules and regulations.

The route is predominantly well-graded gravel with occasional sections of exposed rock, with some rocks reaching approximately 4 to 6 inches in height. Overall, the trail is relatively mild and does not require a high-clearance or heavily modified vehicle. Any AWD vehicle, such as a Subaru, should be capable of comfortably completing the out-and-back route under normal conditions. As with any Forest Service road, conditions can change with weather and seasonal maintenance, so travelers should be prepared for changing road conditions.