Fordyce Creek
Fordyce Creek is an extremely tough and challenging trail located in Nevada County in Northern California, USA. On high flow days the creek remains impassable. Never underestimate this track.
The trail is gravel and very rocky. Recommended for experts drivers only. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle required. The trail is 11.9 miles long and considered as hard-core. There are tight maneuverings over large, steep and awkwardly positioned boulders. The route has humbled many egos. Body and/or mechanical damage is a frequent occurrence. It’s not for the sissies and shouldn’t be attempted by novice drivers. Rollovers can and do occur. Drivers must remain cautious as the journey has been known to claim the lives of careless drivers.
Located in the Sierra Nevada, there are multiple obstacles throughout the trail. The road still remains an adrenaline-pumping journey and is definitely not for the faint of lungs, heart, or legs. The trail should never be run alone. Travel in a group with at least one winch-equipped vehicle. The less the vehicle is equipped the more work and damage you can expect.
No stock vehicles. 4x4 vehicles with high clearance only. Great trail for experienced wheelers. There are five winch-hills and six water crossings on the trail. Be prepared. Stay off this trail if rain is expected. The water level can change quickly and without warning stranding vehicles at river crossings. There are deep water crossings at low water flows that are impassable during high flows. Road conditions are always changing. The trail is very washboard with deep dust in places and subject to flooding and standing water after rains. Water levels can drastically rise without warning, leaving vehicles stranded between stream crossings. Your best chance of a low flow rate is in late September until the first snow fall.
It shouldn’t be attempted without the appropriate training and equipment. So, understand your vehicles 4 wheel drive system and know how to use it. Minimum 33-inch tire size and one locker a necessity. At all times, make sure you travel with at least one passenger and one other vehicle. Two lockers with a very low gears are recommended. Take emergency supplies and extra parts; make sure you know your route. Know where you are and know where you are going; careful preparation for your trip will ensure that if, and when, things do go wrong, you are prepared for the situation.
Pic: Rusty Shackleford