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.


This waterfall offers multiple lines to choose from.


Switchbacks as you climb the mountain.


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

[Crawldad]

Originally Posted by azcharlie

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.


The Rock Garden was easier than usual.


It was after that the trail got more interesting. As there were a couple washouts.


Here Mike shows just how interesting it gets.


Then on the way down there is a chance of a little scrapage on the driver side.

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'.


This waterfall is at the end of the wash where you need to turn left for the ascent to the top.




This notch is at the same waterfall at the end of the wash.

[Lifes A Jeep]

Here is an update from a run in early November 2008

We departed from Price Rd around 9:30 and made our way to the Cabins. From there we headed to the mill. On the way, I slashed a tire and we made a quick change.

We continued and ate at the mill. Everything was uneventful until we hit the switchbacks. The trail has continued to erode and a lot of rocks are getting exposed. We worked our way through and made our way to the top. There are several very tippy spots and a few technical sections along the way. Considering the consequences of rolling down the hill, the pucker factor was very high!

After enjoying the views we worked our way down to the Luge Bypass. We took a look and then went down one at a time. It is much more difficult compared to the past. And what a rush! All of us got down fine and we finished off the loop and headed out to box.

This section is right before the Mill. This is on the right side and looks more difficult that it truly is.


Start of the switchbacks. More rocks have been exposed.


The top of the luge has washed out. Careful tire placement is required.








When you drop into the luge bypass, you slide into the wall on your drivers side. Body damage is possible.