11S03 Lusardi Truck Trail

Total Miles
5.9

Elevation

789.75 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Winter

Trail Overview

11S03 Lusardi Truck Trail is an 11.6-mile out-and-back trail rated 3 of 10 located within the Cleveland National Forest, Trabuco Ranger District. Lusardi Truck Trail ascends the Carney Canyon between the Black Butte (west) and Black Mountain (east) to the National Forest boundary at 5.8 miles. The trail is a limited-use trail restricted to street-legal vehicles only. The truck trail continues to the north across private property and is only accessible to CalFire. A steel barrier exists on the north end of the trail and a short walk further north is the private property gate at the forest boundary. The trail is mostly hard-packed dirt with a couple of rocky points. There are a couple of creek crossings; some have concrete erosion control installed to cross. This is a multi-use trail, so the potential exists to meet up with equestrians or mountain bikers. There are several offshoots along the way for exploration, but there is no legal means to loop around off of this road. There are several areas for dispersed camping along the trail and a couple of side trails that can be explored. The Forest Service may close this road during and after seasonal weather. Don't expect to get cell phone service on this trail and the nearest services are in Ramona.

Photos of 11S03 Lusardi Truck Trail

11S03 Lusardi Truck Trail
11S03 Lusardi Truck Trail

Difficulty

The trail consists of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slick rock surfaces. Mud holes are possible, but there are no steps higher than 12 inches. 4WD may be required, and aggressive tires are a plus.

History

Cleveland National Forest road and trail closure status is found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5340229

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Matt Walter
Sep 21, 2024
2016 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Normal
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
A couple ruts and minor rocky spots, no major obstacles
Dan Golden
Sep 14, 2024
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Only saw one other rig on the trail. There were a few hikers along the way. Narrow and a little bit over grown. There are some logs / stumps that you need to look out for about half way up the trail. The end of the trail has a small spot to turn around.
Andrew Padilla
Sep 14, 2024
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Dusty
No signs of the rock, must have been cleared. Potential for pin stripes towards the end due to overgrown brush.
Christian Garcia
Sep 07, 2024
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Obstructed
Rock in the middle of the road about 2 minutes in the trail.

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