3N06A Cold Water Canyon

Surprised there weren't that many people my last visit, this place has gotten really popular in the recent couple years. Trail has gotten a lot easier also, not sure if it was maintained or just ridden so much that it flattened out all the fun parts. Open diffs 4hi, AT tires was able to clear it easily.

My reviews up to this point have been nice. Like the REM song, "Shiny Happy People". In fact my off-road experiences as a whole (so far) have been that way. But this trail, or perhaps the people who led me up it, had me a little peeved. I have only gone out with my normal group of buddies taht are uber experienced, sadly they were all in UT. The leaders of this pack were all in Toyota Tacomas... several of them very nice rides. But this trip behind them may have been the very best advertisement that Jeep could ever make. I am not sure where we were on the trail when the challenges began to really slow the Toy's down (stop is more like it). I understand many of the Toy drivers were new like me, so I get it. But at the first rutted out section, which my (stock) Jeep made it through in one pass, took these guys try after try to get through. They sat there spinning their tires, making a ton of dust and digging the holes even deeper for those of us behind (and those yet to come up this path). At the second difficult section we were literally sidelined for 10 minutes. At that point one (of the THREE) spotters asked the driver "Are you in 4x4, because your front tires are not spinning". He was not in 4H... he was not in 4L... he was in 2H. By the time we finally got up to the next obstacle, I got out of my Jeep and wandered around with my dog. I knew I would be there for a while. Groups coming down got backed up by us... groups from behind us got frustrated and turned around. Then, since I was very near one of the few decent spots to engage in a 6 point turn, I decided to turn around. As a newbie driver I know that there is risk to damage to my Jeep and me and my dog by following spotters who 'may' be slightly above my skill level. My spotting "master" told me a few weeks ago when I spun tires one time, then tried again: "Stop! If it didnt work a second ago it isnt going to work now." That lesson was not passed on to todays leader(s). They allowed this guy to spin and spin and spin (in 2H) making this trail nearly impassble for those behind them and future endeavors from others on different days. So, even though I am new, I am going to impart what little wisdom I have learned in a short time... ready?: When you are off roading, does it give you more hair on your chest to proclaim "I did it in 2H the whole way"? I've seen what neglecting to switch over has done to this trail, and see it on others... seriously, switch into 4H or 4L and clear the obstacle without digging a hole to prove you or your vehicles 'manliness'. Being a good steward of the trails and our land should be of upmost importance to you and your group. Trust me, you look way more manly rolling through the trail like a rock star than trying to stay in 2H and rutting up the place for everyone else. Seriously lame. These guys proved nothing but that they could dig trenches before succumbing and turning around. Second observation: Having a spotter is sometimes needed, especially for newbies like me. But, the quality of the spotter, in my opinion, needs to be of a MUCH higher caliber than those they are spotting. At one point there was literally 3 people giving three sets of instructions to these new drivers... and no one thought to tell the guy to bei n the right gear for the job that needed to be done. This is the first trail I didnt make it up, and I am not happy about it... I dont like quitting. But damn these dudes really jacked the trail up with their bravado/lack of skill/lack of courtesy.

Wasn't too bad...only 1 semi-difficult spot where the ruts are pretty deep, but a good line and 4 high will get you through no problem.

I was able to do this trip solo. There were two spots I had to throw on both lockers because of the snow but this trail made it fun. I saw maybe 5 other cars here on an afternoon so it seems it could get crowded and some parts of the trail are narrow. Otherwise there's an epic camp site at Yellow post but you'd have to be lucky to get that spot on a nice day.

Great trail. Ran it solo after doing Paiute Spur. Didn't see anybody all day on either trail or any of the connectors. I stopped just after waypoint 6. It gets a little narrower there and there is a pretty large rock right in the middle of the trail. Looks like somebody tried to drag it out of the way but it's sill there and quite an obstacle. I'm sure you could get around, but it's right in the middle so you've got a drop off on the left side and a pretty steep bank on the right side. There was more and more snow past that point too and I decided to get out and walk the last .25 mile. I'm glad I did because there is a major tree across the trail right before the last switchbacks and there is no way around it. (I've uploaded a screenshot with the location of tree.) As of today it's impossible to get to the very top with a vehicle. Trail's end is not very exciting in my opinion, and I didn't feel like I missed much by walking the last bit. It's a small landing with views similar to what you see on the rest of the trail. Overall, though, it is beautiful and a fun drive. Lots of great views of snow capped mountains around. I drive a Rubicon on a 2 inch lift and stock 33 inch tires. No troubles at all. I did use my rear locker once, but I really didn't need to - a different driving line would have seen me through. There was lots and lots of trash which was disappointing. On the way back down I picked up an entire trash bag full of garbage and strapped larger cardboard boxes that wouldn't fit in the bag onto the roof. Difficulty rating seems pretty accurate.

Nice little trail. If you are hoping to get to Cone Camp, Yellow post site 19 at the top you will need 4 wheel drive. I have seen 2 wheel drive vehicles get beat up trying to make it. Traveling the trail with snow on the ground is a bit sketchy.

Sure, it’s rough, and I spose that gets it a red rating, but anybody can do this in a decent vehicle. I’m super green and I still sent it no problem in my long crew cab truck. 4x4 or AWD is probably needed for the last section. Turning around at the end-end is hairy if you have a long girl like me. Good fun. But not scary or dangerous.

A fun little trail that’s great for newer wheelers to practice on without getting into too much trouble but still difficult enough to keep more experienced wheelers from getting bored. The scenery is beautiful, with lush foliage and spectacular views from the top. We’ll definitely be returning to this one regularly.

I’ve ran this trail 5 times in the past 2 years and it’s different every time. Sometimes the ruts are really deep, some times exposed boulders make the trail chunky, but I’ve been doing this in my 2019 Honda Passport. I just take it to where all the yellow post sites are top, not to the very very top, which turns into a very narrow and steep road (which I would consider optional). I’d rate this trail a 4, especially under good conditions. Compared to a trail like Fins N Things in Moab, Utah, I think this would be is substantially easier.

Fun little trail that ends at the bottom of Mt. Baldly, plenty of places to pull over and enjoy nature, and not very technical. Good for all skill levels!

The trail was open but a recent storm left a lot of snow. I could not see the actual trail over the creek bed. From driving it in the past, I know over the creek bed there are large rocks marking the trail and did not want to take the risk of getting off the trail and hitting snow that wouldn't hold the jeep above the rocks and decided to try later when the trail was more clearly visible.

Trail in good shape. I ran this twice over with a day between to try out some new lights for the JKU :). First trip, shift cable snapped out of the bushing at the bottom, I snapped it back in (should have went home, but..) and ran to the top without airing down and in 4WH in Drive. At the top just before the campground (Nice room for quite a few 4x4, Tents, and people), ran into someone coming down, when trying to move to the side, shift cable bushing completely let go (luckily, I was over enough to let others by). By this time complete dark (lights working great!) I ended up zip tieing the cable to the trans shift arm. The bush fix allowed me to start in neutral and have reverse and drive (lots of slop with the shifter in Park and 1). It was enough to get up the 100' to the top, turn arround and make it home. Next day got the bushing from Autozone (Dorman 14055 Automatic Transmission Shift Cable Bushing). Second trip let the wife drive (she was not with me on the first trip). Aired down this time (way smoother!!), she motored right up until we caught up to a few trucks. It got a little lose towards the top and a they were having some difficulty. The first two made it, but I ended up towing the third (open diff) up the top (about 1/2 mile or so). Love it when the JK helps out the trucks! But the trail is all good, no lockers on my JKU and no problem, but the trucks definately had issues. Navigate some pretty big holes and the right line will get you up no problem.

Beautiful Trail!! First time taking out my Colorado on a trail. Had no issues on 4H Stock. The deeper you get the Rockier it gets but any 4x4 Stock can handle it, lifted is even better to avoid any undercarriage damage, but i had no issues. Beautiful place to Camp!

Wow surprisingly hidden gem in lytle creek. Fun spot to camp and you have reception at the top. It’s does get increasingly tough as the trail goes deeper. But stock 4x4 with some clearance should make it. JLU on 35s 2.5 inch lift.

Awesome trail... Very fun for all experience levels! The 5 Rating is accurate as of Aug. 9th when we ran the trail. There is just 1 major obstacle and it's a slight hill climb up through 3-4 deep ruts that will flex your vehicle out. Just take it slow and pick your line carefully and you'll be fine. The first half of the trail before the major obstacle is just loose rocks and dirt but expect bigger rocks as you get deeper into the trail after the major obstacle. Any high clearance 4WD can do it. AWD with low clearance will have some issues but should be good with a few bumps and bruises on the undercarriage. 2WD is NOT ADVISED because there are more than 1 or 2 sections that you will most likely get stuck.

Fun trail with great views!

This trail is better than Paiute IMHO. Better views and better camping spots! Stock with a little lift made it easy. Tons of people out in the trails.

Definitely a fun trail with a few sections towards the end where your suspension definitely flexes out.

Nice fun trail that offers nice views and some fun challenges that most stock 4x4 can do. I had no problem on my JLU on 4H But it was more challenging then what I seen on YouTube or here on trailsoffroad, there is still some snow up there but nothing to worry about, this is a great trail for a day adventure or a Quick weekend camping trip.

Nice trail with some great views as you climb. It’s slow going as it’s very rocky, most rocks are small until you start making your way up from waypoint 4 to waypoint 5, then you have to put a little thought into your lines in a couple spots and not positive a stock rig can reach it without bottoming out. I can see this area being tricky if the road is icy. I have a JKU on 33’s with 2” lift, open diffs and didn’t have any issues.

First time on this trail, and we went in January. This was a few weeks after a big snow storm hit the area hard, and while the majority of the snow had melted away, we still had plenty of snow to play around in. The snow was still heavy/deep enough further into the trail that we had to turn around. Great scenic trail. Will go back again in spring/summer to make it to the end.

Did this trail last weekend in my XJ. I didn’t need lockers at any point (until I got to the snow portion) but having a lift and 4wd was nice. Snow makes this trail super sketchy, at some points I had to have a spotter to keep from going off the snow bank and down the cliff. Recommended at least 33’s and 4low, but portions you may be better off with lockers and 35’s+. Fun trail, one of my favorites when Cleggy is busy.

Finished trail with an Fj60 with 2.5" lift with 31" tires with no problems. Definitely need 4WD after waypoint 3 because of loose rocks, incline, and very rutted sections. My skid plates made contact with the rocks a couple times between waypoint 3 and 4 with just scratches underneath. I'm sure any mildly lifted vehicle 2wd or 4wd could reach up to the first campsite at waypoint 3. I was the only one on the trail at the time and no one was at any of the campsites. UPDATE: Did this trail again with a buddy. I drove an FJ60 with 2.5" lift and 33" tires no problems all the way up. My buddy drove a stock 2nd gen 4runner 2WD with lockers and 31" tires also made it up no problems. If you are driving 2WD, rear lockers are a must and will need momentum and speed to clear many obstacles.

There entrance to the trail was pretty washed out and there are a lot of rutted sections between the 1st and 2nd waypoints, probably from all the heavy rains in February. I tried it in 2wd but ended up having to switch to 4wd because I got stuck. I was running a stock 4x4 with 2" lift and slightly bigger than stock tires so just a heads up for anyone trying this in a 2wd, I definitely would have gotten stuck in a few sections. Couldn't make it past the 3rd waypoint due to a tricky horizontal rut with a very narrow line unless you have big tires/lift. A bit of snow up there still which was nice. A great trail, but a stock rig might have some difficulty unless you have a good spotter and some experience!

I did this trail to Waypoint #5 (Yellow Post Site #19 Cone Camp). The first leg section from the trail head to Waypoint 2/3 (the first camp sites) is relatively easy where you will be driving primarily over loose shale / rocks. Starting at Waypoint 4 is when this trail gets interesting. There are lots of ruts and dips created by large rocks and/or sunken dirt. With a stock 4x4, go slow in these areas even with a good line because you may make contact with the shale and loose rocks with your underside. But I feel like the section from Waypoint #4 to Waypoint #5 is a nice section for novice offroaders to try out a trail that requires a bit of thought.

I love this trail. A combination of driving challenge, scenic beauty and some great yellow post campsites make this an excellent wheeling destination. My stock JKU had no problems with the trail