4N16 - Grapevine Canyon

Trail is washed out

This trail is completely washed out between waypoints 2 & 3. Single track motorcycle is all that can make it past the washout. There is a red post at beginning of trail that says road is washed out.

There is a washout right now

The trail is completely washed out and impassible less than a mile below the antenna station.

Coming from the north side (Apple Valley/ Lucerne) 3/4 of the assent we ran into the first washout making the trail very narrow. After getting out to get a better look we decided we could safely drive through this narrow soft sandy wash with exposure to 20’ foot drop. Not much further we reached a 2nd washed out portion of the trail. This section was even softer sand, increasingly narrower with a massive protruding Boulder greeting you on the safer of the two sides. There was evidence someone had attempted to pass through, sunk into the sand and begun to slide into the gully before getting winched out. This was our last trail before heading home after a week of camping and wheeling. With the weight of all our packed gear and a four hour drive home ahead of us we thought it best not to risk this treacherous washed out part of the trail. This being one of the more mild and fun trails in the area thought it would be a good idea to share this dangerous section.

Don’t let the “easy level 2” rating fool you, this trail has some pretty deep washes and larger rocks…not to mention plenty of slippery sandy areas. My wife whole heartedly seconds the notion that the trail is not for those who dislike heights. Overall the trail appeared to be in good condition (no impassible washouts or major trail damage) but I would definitely say it’s a “moderate 3” in its current condition due to some deeper washes and larger rocks in trail. As you approach the communication towers (way point 4) there is an off-shoot to the left below the towers that heads up a steep incline…don’t misinterpret the instructions for waypoint 4 (stay to the left, do not go up to towers) as applying to this offshoot. The offshoot branches into 2, more difficult routes, one is steep, narrow and slippery. I made this mistake and found it far more difficult than anticipated. Overall a fun trail with much more to offer than a simple “easy” road.

Had some difficulty finding the trailhead, found the roads that crossed the rail tracks to be impassible, finally did find a way under the tracks and back to the trail. Also missed the turn at WP5, but JF3225 beyond was worth it, vary narrow winding path through some large rocks. Tried the left 3N17 near end, not in a WK2 Trailhawk alone, no, no. Looks like the Lucerne side has been graded, washouts remedied.

Not a trail for people afraid of heights. Good pucker moments on some of the washes filled with sand. Horse spring camp was nice and we found some hidden swings!!!! SHHHHHH... Will be back to camp at some spots we passed. Didn’t see anyone out there

Did this trail from top to bottom with a stock Xterra and a 2000lb trailer. Hardly anyone was on the trail but the look on people's faces was priceless when they saw a trailer coming down the steep narrow road. It's beautiful and the bouldering/climbing area is fun to explore. Several washouts required careful navigation to prevent sideways slippage. It would be easy to get stuck in the edge of a washout. We accidentally dislodged a 500lb boulder with the trailer and had to deal with it. When wet, this would be a difficult trail to tackle.

All the washouts have been repaired. They added drainage to stop it from happening. The trail is a little rough past the top radio tower, but 2 we would be fine.

Every time it rains, the washouts on this trail get worse. Today (12/30/2018) I made it partway, but eventually had to give up and turn around. I was able to sneak by the first few road washouts by clinging to the uphill side; but about .25 mi. from the communications tower at the top of the hill, the washout was severe enough that I decided I'd prefer to turn back rather than taking a potentially big risk. I'm not saying that the road is impassable; but the simple truth is, I'm out here to explore & enjoy, not to risk slipping sideways off of a 15+ degree side slope washout and roll my jeep down 500 feet of hillside. Happily there was room to turn around and go back.

Took a fun little jaunt with a group of friends. We saw signposts noting that the road was washed out but we easily navigated around any damage. I could see someone possibly falling into them if they were not paying attention.

Trip report: January 7, 2018 Please do not attempt to drive this trail all the way through. Many areas are washed out and road maintenance is required. Badly. I drove down this road in a 3500 dually truck, expecting it to be a nice, graded dirt road. The road from Fawnskin to 4N16 was fine, but this trail itself was quite difficult for a 2wd truck of this size. There are multiple places where the road is washed out after the communication tower. (coming from the Big Bear side.) There were a few instances where the tail end of my truck started to slide into the ravines caused by the washed out sections. I was almost not able to proceed due to this problem, as the truck began to slide into the wash and towards the cliff. Luckily, I was able to gas the truck enough to pull away from the edge of the road and out of the wash. I would not recommend taking this route unless you are highly proficient in off road driving, and possess a 4wd trail vehicle. The last wash we encountered took up about 1/4 of the width of the road. My buddies hopped out of the truck and guided me around it, but the sliding factor was still in play. In closing, I would only recommend driving on this road if you are comfortable with maneuvering around ravines and drive a 4wd vehicle.

At mile 1.1 of the trail where you Turn right on trail BLM JF 3225, there are two posted road closure signs. The road has been washed out in two places we could see from the base of the trail. I little further of a drive up just past the closure notices confirmed the closure. Some drivers if you want may choose to go over the washed out section but most stock 4WD vehicles will not be able to pass. Was looking forward to this trail.... next time I guess!

Road is closed(washed Out) just below the Communication Relay station (34.385822, -117.057161) as of September 1st, 2017.