Old Road to Rancho Venados

Trail Overview

This out-and-back trail, once the road to Rancho Venados, offers a serene adventure through a seldom-traveled path. As you embark on this journey, you'll be transported to a bygone era, traversing a faded two-track that winds through a mystical, forgotten forest. The initial mile is particularly enchanting, featuring several old structures that evoke a sense of history. The trail intermittently fades in and out, navigating through marshy sections that may become quite wet during the winter months. You'll encounter a few detours due to fallen trees, but faint alternate routes are visible with careful observation. While motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, or side-by-sides will have no trouble, be prepared for a deeply rutted section if you're driving a Jeep or high-clearance 4WD; some rock-stacking may be necessary. Several gates along the way, secured with rusted chains and locks, remain open, hinting at their long-standing neglect. As you progress, the trail rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Ultimately, the trail ends in a T-junction with a well-maintained road: left leads to Laguna Hanson, and right heads towards Rancho Venados. Note that both routes are gated, necessitating a return journey unless you arrange with Manuel at the ranch house a mile to the right of the trail's end. He can provide guidance for accessing a gate that leads to the south side of Laguna Hanson.

Photos of Old Road to Rancho Venados

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Difficulty

This historic trail is relatively moderate but features a few sections that may demand careful wheel placement and some rock-stacking to navigate through rain-induced ruts.

Technical Rating