6S06 - El Cariso Truck Trail

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4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Lake Elsinore, California (Riverside County)
Last Updated: 07/29/2018

Trail Information

Highlights

6S06 - El Cariso Truck Trail is in the Cleveland National Forest above Lake Elsinore. The lower half of the trail is seldom used so it is a great off road trail that is 4x4 worthy. Lake Elsinore, to the northeast is a prominent feature as you navigate the trail. The trail ends at 3S04 Main Divide Road. Ortega Highway/Highway 74 is 100 feet to your left, the best viewing of Lake Elsinore is to the east 1.1 miles to "The Lookout Roadhouse". A short distance to the west on Ortega Highway will bring you to various campsites including the Ortega Oaks "Candy Store"

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (25)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

The trail is definitely harder than it was just a few months ago. Ruts are very deep and will require 4x4 with some good clearance. That being said, we made it up in a GX470 on 32s and a LX470 on 35s without too much trouble.
Trail Review: 6S06 - El Cariso Truck Trail - Kyle Johnson
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/14/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Ran up this trail today going north to south. Made it halfway had to turn around. Would of been much comfortable having someone with me to spot. Sections of the trail are pretty washed out. Other than that lovely views of lake Elsinore. Recommend lifted vehicle with 4wd.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 04/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Fun short trail. As others have indicated, the recent rains have deepened the ruts considerably on the first half of the trail. I would say it is now a 4 rating due to two very rutted portions. You'll appreciate 4 low, good AT or MT tires aired down, and if you have sway bar disconnects, use them. Overall, though, I made it without headache in my lifted Cherokee Trailhawk on 32s, so I feel any 4x4 will make it, although if you don't have a low range or good tires, it will be more nerve wracking. 4 rating because it's short. When they open the rest of Main Divide, I will run it all the way to Santiago Peak.
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1600
Not Reported
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/26/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Did this trail from top to bottom which wasn't too difficult. Did get some pretty decent suspension flex in a few areas, and my friend had a wheel in the air in one or two spots (didn't disconnect his sway bars). It had recently rained which may have made some of the wash outs worse. The muddy hill at waypoint 1 was a lot of fun to climb.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/04/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice trail full of ruts. My stock jeep compass trail hawk made it down just fine (did use a spotter) as well as my friend’s stock wrangler rubicon. Definitely a lot easier going down than up. Nice alternative if the Santiago gate is closed off of Ortega. If you’re car doesn’t have much flex expect a wheel in the air a lot.
Trail Review: 6S06 - El Cariso Truck Trail - Max Carter
Trail Review: 6S06 - El Cariso Truck Trail - Max Carter
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