Trail Hollow West (Lightning Ridge)

A true hidden gem in the Uintas, Trail Hollow West, often called Lightning Ridge, is a loop trail spurring from the top of Rhodes Canyon. This is a non-maintained forest service road with a few obstacles to be aware of. If the loop is run clockwise, the bulk of the obstacles before the overlooks are rocky patches and a small steep climb. These rocks are a mix of loose and embedded but are nothing much larger than softball size. If the loop is run counter-clockwise, a few more considerable challenges must be conquered uphill before the incredible views, including a 1-foot rock shelf and some loose rocky hills with slightly larger-than-ssoftball-sized rocks. Due to this, many drivers choose to run clockwise to the overlook and then return the same way, skipping the more challenging portions of the trail.

The views from the cliffs are some of the most impressive views of the Uintas offered by a simple drive. Sheer rock cliffs drop 1,000 feet in front of you while you peer over the surrounding mountains above ten thousand feet. Camping is limited, but a few good sites lie on the exposed cliffs. None are soft-grounded or large, but a few rigs could make it work. If the weather cooperates, this could be some of the best camping in the area.