Slick Rock Jeep Trail
Slick Rock Road (F.R. 7N17) is a moderate to difficult 4x4 trail that begins at Lake Alpine, skirts the Carson Iceberg Wilderness and ends at Utica Reservoir after crossing multiple granite slabs, rock piles, boulders, and alpine creeks. In 2018, a reroute project added 0.75 miles and two new rock crawling obstacles to this road. This is a 4x4 street-legal vehicle only road.
During the winter, there is a period where either Highway 4 or Spicer Road may be closed, making Slick Rock Road an out and back trail.
Slick Rock Road is only open to wheeled motorized use when at least one of the access roads (Highway 4 or Spicer Road) is open. If these roads are both closed, Slick Rock Road is only open to tracked over-snow vehicles. Call the Calaveras Ranger Station at 209-795-1381 for more details or current information.
General Information
Both ends of the road have ample space for parking and information; the Lake Alpine end has an information kiosk with a map. There are no amenities on the trail, so please tread lightly and remember to "Pack it in, Pack it out."
Closest Restrooms: Marmot Day Use (Lake Alpine side), Rocky Point Campground (Utica side)
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
The Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System routes (roads and trails) or areas designated open to motorized travel. The Motor Vehicle Use Map also displays uses allowed by vehicle class (highway-legal vehicles, vehicles less than 50 inches wide and motorcycles), and seasonal allowances. It is your responsibility to reference the MVUM to stay on designated routes for motor vehicle use. Information on Travel Management direction and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) programs should be obtained by contacting the forest directly.
Seasonal Road and Trail Closure
The Motor Vehicle Use Map indicates which roads and trails will be closed and may be picked up at any ranger district office. Roads identified in the MVUM as being open may close due to local weather conditions as necessary.
April 15 - December 15
No fee
No water
4x4 street-legal vehicle only road. This trail can be very difficult for some users, so it is recommended that vehicles traversing this trail are adequately set up. High clearance vehicles with 4wd, oversized tires, a low range, lockers, and rock sliders are recommended. There are no bypasses for the more difficult sections. Please plan ahead before you traverse this trail. There are plenty of videos online demonstrating what this trail is like that can be referenced to assist you in planning your trip.
Getting There
Parking
Both ends of the road have ample space for parking.
Additional Information
Operated By
US Forest Service
Recreation Opportunities
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Scenic Drives
OHV Road Riding
OHV Camping
Scenic Driving