Ultimate 4WD Destination in California: Bull Creek Road (Burma Grade Trail)
Bull Creek Road (Burma Grade Trail) is a backcountry trail located just outside Yosemite National Park, near Briceburg, in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California.
Conquering Bull Creek Road's Exceptional 4x4 Trail
This is an exceptional 4x4 trail out of Briceburg and the Merced River Canyon. It’s 24.78km (15.4 miles) long and accessible year-round. The Briceburg Bridge is a unique part of the road; trailers and RVs over 18 feet are not recommended to cross it. The trail leaves Briceburg and immediately starts to climb along a steep shelf road that switchbacks up the ridge, ascending 1,500 feet in 5 miles. There are several switchbacks on this route, and you quickly climb out of the canyon in a short period of time. After passing through the first set of switchbacks, the trail follows a mild section that parallels the canyon for a while.
Mastering the Scenic Challenges of Bull Creek Road
The road is very narrow at places, so keep an eye open for the rare other vehicle. The upper portions of the trail meander through areas surrounded by Oak and Pine trees. The trail is a narrow single-track for most of its length. There are only a few adequate passing places along the narrower sections, so you should be prepared to back up if you meet an oncoming vehicle. Expect a rough road surface; mud and slick clay are possible but will be easily passable during the driest times of the season. Good mix of sand, gravel, and even a few rock patches.
Navigating the Unpredictable on Bull Creek Road
At times, heavy rains can create deep ruts before the county grades the road, so it’s advisable to always check the current status of the road, especially during the rainy seasons. You may encounter rocks up to 6 inches in diameter and loose road surfaces. The shelf sections of the road have limited spots for passing, but some of the switchback corners have adequate pull-offs. Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak. Bring mosquito repellent.
Road suggested by http://autoramblings.com/