Back Way to Schmidt Tunnel

Total Miles
9.0

Elevation

1,339.74 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Winter

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Back Way to Schmidt Tunnel
6

Trail Overview

The trail is single-car wide with short climbs and descents. This is a short trail with great views from multiple locations of the trail. This is the backway to the William Henry Schmidt Tunnel. It's worth the drive to walk the tunnel and see the old abandoned house on the other side of the hill.

Photos of Back Way to Schmidt Tunnel

Back Way to Schmidt Tunnel
Back Way to Schmidt Tunnel

Difficulty

Most stock four wheel drives should make this trail with ease. Some of the climbs should be done in low gear and not recommended for 2 wheel drives.

History

This trail leads you to the William Henry "Burro" Schmidt Tunnel. This Tunnel took 38 years to hand dig and is 1/2 mile long, it was completed in 1938.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Tim S
Dec 08, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Uh…. Yeah. You better know what you’re doing. The downhill from East to West is gnarly, but I wouldn’t want to do that uphill from W to E. Whomever describes this as “easy” is smoking a good one. Easy for dirt bikes, and quads, sure. But if you’re in a 4x4 “regularly” rig; take.. you’re… time. Also, don’t trust the map
Guy Thomas
Oct 27, 2024
Dirt Bike
Permanently Closed
Officially Closed Sign
The right fork is barricaded. You can continue and meet back up on the trail about halfway.
Christian Seabaugh
Apr 15, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Washboard
Robert Titmas
Mar 09, 2024
2022 Toyota 4Runner
Permanently Closed
Officially Closed Sign
You can still get to the tunnel by other trials.

Access Description

The trail is accessible from Last Chance Canyon Road. Trail or from the Bonanza Gulch Last Chance Canyon Trail.

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