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

Show in App
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.

Popular Trails

Oriflamme Canyon Loop

Oriflamme Canyon Loop

Total Miles
14.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Deer Lake, Gold Valley

Deer Lake, Gold Valley

Total Miles
39.8
Tech Rating
2 Moderate
Best Time
Su
Kernan

Kernan

Total Miles
5.5
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Blue Ridge Truck Trail

Blue Ridge Truck Trail

Total Miles
8.0
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you’re missing today!