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California Trails

Horse Mountain

Upper Lake, California (Mendocino County)

Last Updated: 01/14/2019

Trail Information

Highlights

This is one of the most fun easy 4WD routes in the southern Mendocino National Forest. A perennial favorite with fans of dispersed camping, it passes quite a few cleared level spots in the forest, many with simple fire rings and some with views. This trail is simply a blast to drive; although it has occasional erosion gullies that need to be navigated with care, much of the rest of the route is surprisingly smooth, and lacks the punishing washboard bumps that are so common elsewhere in the MNF. After the final short, steep hill to the top of Horse Mountain, you'll find that trees around the summit clearing block views down to the valley; however it is still a great spot for a picnic lunch.