Martinez Canyon (3.5)

[Lifes A Jeep]

Martinez Canyon

Trail Rating: 3.5

Trail Difficulty: 33 inch tires and 3 inch lift recommended. There are numerous rock gardens to traverse. A good spotter will help. Many lines are optional. The 2nd half of the trail takes you up to the top of the mountain. There are several washouts so use caution on the ride up.

Trail Description: Martinez Canyon is roughly a 3 mile loop trail that starts at Martinez Cabin and takes you past Martinez Mill, past several mine shafts and takes you to the top of the mountain to a spectacular view. You come back down the mountain via a steep descent that drops you right out where you started by Martinez Cabin.

A group of 6 capable rigs can make it through the canyon in 2-4 hours. Plan for another hour getting to and from the Cabin. Stock jeeps can make this run but 33 inch tires are recommended.

Bring a camera and plenty of water. The trail is remote. Do not travel alone.

Typical Rock Garden found throughout the trail.
5796

This waterfall offers multiple lines to choose from.
5797

Switchbacks as you climb the mountain.
5798

Start of rapid decent that takes you back to the cabin.
5799

[Crawldad]

The trail was in good shape until the switchbacks. There are two spots where it got a little tippy. Then the last part of the loop where you slide down the hill was washed out and everyone scraped their drivers side a little on the way down. There were other wash outs on the switchbacks but they weren't that bad. You just have to be carefull.

What he said.
The road on the way in was a little bit of an indicater that things might be a little washed out.
I expected more water. The only real water we found was at the Bowl before the Rock Garden.
http://i16.tinypic.com/6239fms.jpg

The Rock Garden was easier than usual.
http://i13.tinypic.com/6g34c4k.jpg

It was after that the trail got more interesting. As there were a couple washouts.
http://i17.tinypic.com/6h6lqa0.jpg

Here Mike shows just how interesting it gets.
http://i18.tinypic.com/4kulaog.jpg

Then on the way down there is a chance of a little scrapage on the driver side.
http://i11.tinypic.com/67fr40h.jpg
For those running tomorrow, don't say we didn't warn you.
Really it's not that bad. Just make sure to pay attention on the switchbacks.

[Sean K.]

A mod asked me to post some pics of the optional lines.

This one is just to the right (if you're heading up the trail) of the "normal" rockgarden before the mill but after the 'cave'.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0718.jpg

This waterfall is at the end of the wash where you need to turn left for the ascent to the top.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0759.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0760.jpg

This notch is at the same waterfall at the end of the wash.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0744.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0749.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0750.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/blt4rox/Martinez%20Canyon%2002-24-2007/100_0753.jpg