TORCH TRAIL REVIEW #020 | STRAWBERRY PASS (ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST, CA)
Looking for a scenic Northern Sierra run with impressive views? Strawberry Pass, also marked as Forest Route 11N23, is a classic off-road route tucked inside the Eldorado National Forest between Highway 50 and Highway 88, near Kirkwood Ski Resort. Regarded as a novice trail, it's a step above a basic dirt road, with one section that'll still get your attention.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
How difficult is Strawberry Pass? Strawberry Pass is considered a novice trail, but don't let the label fool you. It's not a hard trail overall, but it isn't a true beginner route either. Most of the drive is a manageable forest road with a handful of rocky sections, building up to one intermediate-difficulty spot that's the trail's main challenge.
Strawberry Pass also has some interesting history: the route used to be more rocky and technical, but was graded in 2021 to support fire crews during the Caldor Fire. That regrading smoothed out much of the trail, leaving just one difficult section remaining today.
THE TERRAIN
From Strawberry, CA on Highway 50, take Mile 42 Milestone Road, then turn right onto Strawberry Creek Road (11N23). The trailhead is roughly 3 miles ahead on your left. The trail exits near Highway 88, close to Kirkwood Ski Resort and Caples Lake, with some of the best views on the route waiting near the top.
Strawberry Pass isn't full of obstacles, it's primarily a scenic drive. A single intermediate-difficulty section is the trail's main obstacle, and it's the reason this route earns more respect than its "novice" label suggests. A bypass is available for drivers who'd rather skip it, making the trail approachable for a wider range of rigs and experience levels.
LEXUS GX470 OFF-ROAD REVIEW
Scouting Strawberry Pass with Chad from @SoccerMomOffroad in his Lexus GX470, riding on a 2.5" suspension lift kit and 33-inch tires, showed that even a manageable trail can throw a curveball. A radiator hose came loose partway through the run, and the crew ended up running the trail on low coolant, needing two gallons to top up. It was a close call, but proper trail prep kept the GX470 running without overheating.
TIPS FROM THE SCOUT
- Check Your Fluids: A quick pre-trail inspection of hoses, belts, and fluid levels can catch a problem before it becomes a trailside repair.
- Extend the Run: Strawberry Pass pairs well with other Sierra routes. Link it up with Long Canyon 4x4 Trail (TORCH Trail Review #017) or continue on to the Lost Lakes 4WD Trail for a longer day out.
What Rig Do You Need for Strawberry Pass? Most of Strawberry Pass is friendly to a stock 4x4 with good tires due to the regrading after the Caldor Fire. The trail's one intermediate section is the exception:
- Mostly Stock-Capable: A stock 4x4 with all-terrain tires can handle most of this trail without issue.
- Extra Clearance Helps: A mild lift and larger tires, like the GX470's 2.5" lift and 33s, help with the trail's one rocky section.
- Trail Prep: Given this run's coolant scare, solid maintenance and basic repair items are worth just as much attention as ground clearance.
SUMMARY STATS
The trail runs through the Eldorado National Forest between Highway 50 and Highway 88, exiting near Kirkwood Ski Resort and Caples Lake.
- Location: Eldorado National Forest
- Route: Strawberry Creek Road (Forest Route 11N23)
- Difficulty: Novice trail, with one intermediate section (bypass available)
- Terrain: Forest road with rocky sections, scenic overlooks
- Recommended Setup: Stock-capable for most of the trail, but a mild lift and AT tires help with difficulty
THE VERDICT
Strawberry Pass delivers a scenic Sierra run with just enough challenge and incredible views waiting near the top. It's easy to see why this one's a local favorite. Combine it with Long Canyon or extend the day with the Lost Lakes 4WD Trail for a full backcountry outing.
A huge thank you to Chad for charting this route and keeping his Lexus GX470 running strong! Head to @SoccerMomOffroad for more trail reviews and off-road adventures.
Even a novice trail can test both your prep and your rig. Is your vehicle ready for whatever the trail throws at it?
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Where are you heading to next? Drop your favorite local trail in the comments and tag us @torchoffroad - we're always scouting the next episode! -TORCH
