Fossil Bed Road

Driving Irwin road, we noticed that Fossil Bed Road is blocked off with Road Closed signs.

Easy enough for a 2wd car in good weather up until rainbow basin trail. Going west from there you will need a little more clearance, tire, and experience. There are a few washes, dips, and areas with soft sand.

The section from waypoints 1 to 2 and a little beyond, to the end of Rainbow Basin Loop, is very well graded. Any vehicle can navigate it, including RVs. There is some mild washboarding, but it is flat and 10 ft wide all the way to Owl Canyon Campground and the Rainbow Basin entrance points. From waypoint 3 to 7 the road can be rough, and as described above, has some washouts that can surprise you. You need some clearance to make it. 4wd is preferred because of soft spots, but 2wd would be OK if a buddy is with you. A stock SUV would make it fine. A Suburu should be OK as long as you take it easy. There are twin tracks for large portions of the trail. Both are comparable for ruts and washboards. They are mainly for passing traffic.