5/31/2026 Posted On: 5/31/2026 By: dbranstr Info: Yes an AWD (RAV4, CRV, etc.) can make it to the end of the 4wd trailhead. I did in my wife's Rav4. But the descent is more the issue. It's steep and even in 1st gear I had to use the brakes a lot and they were getting hot! I stopped to cool them off. 4wd low for the descent would be nice. | 1 |
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5/24/2026 Posted On: 5/24/2026 By: ryansappleid Info: I have low clearance 2wd. Here is what I recommend for this: Everyone will be waiting for the gate to open at 6am. Perfect time to ask around for a ride to the trailhead. Someone is guaranteed to say yes. Then leave your car at the HQ and you’re golden! | ||||
5/17/2026 Posted On: 5/18/2026 By: E_A_Marcus_949 Info: Clear and dry to the upper 4WD trailhead. Very straight forward, any car with some clearance can make it but the parking lot area is the roughest part and may need slightly more clearance. Forester did fine. | ||||
5/8/2026 Posted On: 5/8/2026 By: theolubke Info: 4wd road is operable to Four Way, but closed above that due to sloppy conditions that make turning around difficult at the 4wd TH. | ||||
5/4/2026 Posted On: 5/4/2026 By: Noopio55 Info: Trailhead clear all the way to the top. No snow, conditions good | ||||
7/6/2025 Posted On: 7/6/2025 By: Btuperkwh Info: Upper trailhead easily accessible by a Subaru Outback. | ||||
6/6/2025 Posted On: 6/10/2025 By: dakotasmama Info: I’m not even sure 4WD is necessary, unless it has rained recently and the road is muddy on the couple of steeper spots, but if you have a regular clearance car you WILL scrape the bottom, especially towards the end and in the parking area. | ||||
5/18/2025 Posted On: 5/19/2025 By: BillMiddlebrook Info: The road from the ranch headquarters is fully open and dry all the way to the upper 4WD trailhead at 11,650'. Much of it has been recently graded. However, AWD or 4WD is still required mainly due to the steep terrain. | ||||
7/19/2024 Posted On: 7/20/2024 By: The_Ramp Info: Bill's directions to the Cielo Vista Ranch gate were dead-on and I was able to navigate to it late at night in the dark. Most folks were sleeping in their cars but there was at least one tent pitched in the corresponding meadow on the other side of the gate (which you can access by climbing the fence). Also on the other side of the gate is a porta-potty though there is no lock on it. The Ranch staff arrived promptly at 0600 and started letting vehicles in, checking names on a list as well as well as inspecting IDs. The drive to the HQ building was VERY muddy after the previous evening rains and caused some sliding, including almost toppling a truck with camp-top in front of me. After exiting our cars and receiving a 30 second spiel from another Ranch staff member (presumably Carlos?) at the HQ building, we were sent on our way to the TH. They did this in waves so folks didn't have to wait for every vehicle to arrive at the HQ building. The road to the TH is in pretty good shape, at least compared to it's sister roads at Lake Como and S. Colony Lakes. But it is very steep and unrelenting with a couple rough spots. I could see how it would be a problem if overly muddy like the lower road, which thankfully it was not on the day I climbed. It was important to give some space to folks in front of you, especially during the steep stretches to maintain some momentum. I saw lots a Suburus make the trek. The road eases up at some meadows before arriving at the Four-Way, which is where I parked. The upper TH is a mile further on a similar condition road. You have to sign out at the HQ building upon exiting. You will also get the lock combo for the gate key safe at that point as well. Again - Bill's description on this website was very helpful and incredibly accurate. Thank you for making this a fun and successful day! | 4 |
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6/22/2024 Posted On: 6/23/2024 By: dwoodward13 Info: Open to upper 4x4 to AWD SUVs and above. One note if it rains significantly the night before, the road from the gate to HQ is going to be a mess. We had significant rains and all manners of cars from Subarus, 4x4 F150s, to Broncos and such were having a really rough time in the significant mud. I think everyone ended up making it but not without a lot of sliding and maybe a car or two ending up in the ditch. Non-AWD/4x4 don't even try if you have these conditions. | ||||
5/19/2024 Posted On: 5/19/2024 By: ballardwf04 Info: Open to 4way. Probably open to upper TH in the next week or so, only a couple drifts near the parking lot | ||||
7/23/2023 Posted On: 7/23/2023 By: CRCrux Info: Trail was steep, but easy with 4 wheel drive. We have a truck camper that is 8.5' tall. On the section from 4-way to the 4wd trail head there low branches that we couldn't avoid. Broke a few branches on the top of the camper but no damage. | ||||
7/15/2023 Posted On: 7/15/2023 By: IsaacD Info: Made it to the top in my stock Mazda CX-5 with no issues. Road is generally in good condition, the toughest part is getting into the parking lot at the end. | ||||
7/9/2023 Posted On: 7/10/2023 By: sehessler92 Info: Got my crosstrek up to the 4WD TH. There are some deep ruts in the middle of the road right shortly after the HQ then a couple steep sections but nothing I was super concerned about. The 4WD TH parking lot has some larger rocks and is a bit more rough but manageable | ||||
7/7/2023 Posted On: 7/16/2023 By: ZooDude Info: Went up in my stock Chevy Colorado 4x4. Honestly the steepness is the only real challenge. and the parking lot itself is pretty bumpy with some big ole rocks so maneuvering to get in and out takes some caution. But overall, no issues and I would consider this a easy to moderate class 3. |
