Lead King TH, lower road to Crystal

[tjf242424]

I'm looking to do Hagerman from Geneva Lake this weekend. I'm hoping to drive our 2011 Outback to the lower TH near Crystal and then hike up the road to the 4WD Lead King TH and on to Geneva Lake. Is this a reasonable plan? I know the road to the actual TH is not suitable for a Subaru, but I can't find much about the road along the creek (Rt 3) to Crystal.

[rizej7490]

It's a pretty decent 4x4 road to get down to the mill. Last time I went to the mill we took Lead King Basin around to the mill and then the lower road back out. The lower road is much shorter but it does have some sections where decent clearance is required and depending on what time of day your on the road it can get very busy. Here's a link to a 4x4 site that describes the road (https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/272-crystal-city) and a another link to a video showing some of the rocky spots (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVXviwaGLZc)

[HikerGuy]

I drove into Lead King (upper road, stock 4wd pickup, 96 Ford Ranger) this past Saturday and hiked Hagerman on Sunday. I really enjoyed the west ridge route, btw. With the exception of the first tower bypass which is loose, I found the route to be quite solid and enjoyable, would not hesitate to do it again if not for the long, bumpy drive in.

When I was leaving, there was a Ford Escape at the Lead King TH, so that tells you it's definitely possible to get an AWD up there. I'd think a Subaru is probably more capable than an Escape. Not sure if they came in high or low. I felt the upper road would be awfully tough for an AWD, but a good driver could probably make it go, there's only a couple of tough spots otherwise not too bad. You'd probably not have to like your car too much though. I usually drive a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and there's no way it would have made it. Someone else will have to chime in on the lower Crystal route.

[fahixson]

Did you look at the upper road to Lead King TH? I believe it's called Lost Trail Rd. We drove it in a 4Runner a couple weeks ago and it didn't seem too bad. It's narrow and annoying when you cross paths with another vehicle, but could be something a Subaru could handle. We saw a couple smaller pickup trucks (F150, Tacoma, etc.) and I think a Subaru, can can't remember which model. You end up at the same spot as the lower road through Crystal and it's not a bad hike up to Geneva, maybe 1-1.5 hours with an overnight camping pack.

Of course the upper road doesn't take you by Crystal Mill. So if you're planning for the lower road to see the Mill, this alternative wouldn't help you.

[rizej7490]

To add more to what has already been said if you are taking the upper road it starts off easier and the closer you get to the actual TH the harder it becomes. I would highly advise do NOT try to drive the lower road and continue around because the section between the TH and the mill is a different beast altogether. I know the switchbacks can be a bit narrow but there are places to pass at the end of each switchback

[tjf242424]

Thanks for the replies. I've driven the Outback up a bunch of rough roads around the state. I've found that level 3 roads are fine (S. Colony, S. Winfield, etc), level 4 just probably isn't worth it. Baldwin Gulch was the one that sealed the deal. I made it, but it probably wasn't worth the stress/uncertainty. I was able to reserve a jeep in Glenwood, which will probably make for a more enjoyable experience.

[KansanClimber]

I took my 2008 Outback with a 2" lift up (and down) to the Lead King TH...thought it was pretty doable, but I'm not sure I would in a stock Outback. Agreed with what everyone else said, the closer you get to the TH the worse it is. IMO that means you could take it as far as you felt doable then park it in one of the infrequent parking areas and hike in. Otherwise, rent something with good clearance and a short wheelbase. No beta on the Crystal Mill option.

[RWinters]

Clearly just my opinion here but if you are going to drive anything is should be the upper road. BUT only when reasonably dry. The lower section absolutely is high clearance 4wd. We came down it last weekend and it has my utmost respect as far as roads go!

AND the SW ridge route on Hagerman is the way to go. We climbed it during the snowstorm last Saturday and still managed to enjoy it. The looseness of the rock is overhyped IMO.

[Steve_P]

I've driven both and the lower road is much, much worse IMO- it's essentially all rock, and not rounded rock. It's not a clearance problem in a stock 4WD truck like a Tacoma, but it's brutal on tires. No way I'd take an Outback on it.