Slick Rock Jeep Trail

Area Status: Closed

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.

Title:	Slick Rock Jeep 2
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Title:	Slick Rock Jeep 1
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Title:	Slick Rock Lake Alpine
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Title:	Slick Rock Utica
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At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Calaveras Ranger District (HWY 4) Closed to wheeled, motorized use from December 15th to April 15th.
Operational Hours:	Open as long as Slick Rock Road is open to vehicles.
Reservations:	None needed
Area Amenities:	Tent camping: Available along portions of Slick Rock Trail Parking: Both ends of the road have ample space for parking.
Fees:	No fee
Open Season:	April 15 - December 15
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Best Season:	Summer
Busiest Season:	Most summer weekends
Restrictions:	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.
Closest Towns:	Bear Valley, Dorrington, Arnold
Water:	No water
Restroom:	No toilets
Operated By:	US Forest Service

General Information

General Notes:

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.

Access our MVUMs

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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

OHV Camping

Primitive camping is available along portions of Slick Rock Trail; no amenities.

OHV Road Riding

Scenic Driving

This road provides through access from Highway 4 to Spicer Road, and is a highly popular area for dispersed campers as there are many picturesque dispersed campsites along this road.