Signal Peak
Two routes: the one climbing out of Rattlesnake Creek to the top of this peak (named for numerous communication facilities and historic concrete bunker lookout) is an easy trip. From the west, the route is way more difficult.
...threads along the steep southern crest of Red Mountain with dramatic views...
The real challenge can begin just beyond the modern facilities at Signal Peak.
DESCRIPTION:
From Fordyce Summit, the road climbs over 700 feet to the peak. The road is rocky and rutted and high clearance is essential, and 4-Wheel Drive capability with low-gear capability and limited slip differential will be useful. This route can usually be traveled by a rugged SUV on a good day with a good driver.
The route climbs by a couple of small lakes and mine shafts then threads along the steep southern crest of Red Mountain with dramatic views as it approaches the modern communication facilities. Where the road does a sharp switchback to the right, look to the left (west) down the sharp ridge and you’ll see the original concrete bunker that served as a Central Pacific Railroad lookout. The main purpose was to watch for tunnel fires and to provide warnings to oncoming trains; so the lookout was used even in winter months when forest fires where not a threat. It’s little more than a 1/4th mile walk down to the historic structure. Enjoy the fantastic panoramic vistas and try to imagine living up there in the winter months.
The real challenge can begin just beyond the modern facilities at Signal Peak. The road continues west and rapidly drops down over 2300 feet to the Indian Springs OHV Staging Area for the Fordyce Creek Trail. The route is full of water bars and other barriers that give a most difficult rating to the route.
The route can be done also from the bottom climbing east to the top. Steep pitches, washouts and water bars add to the challenge.
4WD, easy or most difficult.
DIRECTIONS:
To Signal Peak
From the east via Rattlesnake Road: Exit I-80 at Cisco Grove and drive to the paved frontage road on the north. Turn left (west) and follow less than a mile to the Rattlesnake Road (FS#85). Turn right. Continue east on the gravel road about a mile past the Woodchuck Campground; then turn left (north) up the Lake Sterling Road (FS#85-02). The road becomes rocky and steepens but 4-wheel drive is not required. Continue past the road that drops to the right (east) down to Lake Sterling. In another 1/10th of a mile the road forks: left is the Signal Peak: right the 4WD road to Fordyce Lake.
From the west via Indian Springs OHV Staging Area: Exit I-80 at Cisco Grove and follow as above. Turn left (west) and follow the frontage road for about 2 miles to the FS Indian Springs Campground. Turn right (north) onto the beginning of the Fordyce Creek Trail and continue up the dirt road for about a ½ mile to the OHV Staging Area. The Signal Peak 4WD route begins to the right as a narrow track.
ACTIVITIES:
OHV - 4-Wheel Drives (Rating: Best)
A Sunday Drive via Rattlesnake Creek that warrants a picnic lunch to enjoy the awesome views. Continuing west to Indian Springs is a difficult challenge - most difficult.
OHV - All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) (Rating: Good)
From Fordyce Summit the Signal Peak route is a fun ride and returning the same route makes a nice family trek - especially if you bring a lunch. Choosing to continue west and dropping down to Indian Springs, would be most difficult due steep, narrow grade and challenging barriers. Most riders would prefer to come up the grade than go down it.
OHV - Motorcycles (Rating: Good)
Either the easy route from Fordyce Summit or the challenging route from Indian Springs are doable for skilled riders. If you enjoy awesome views, the ride is one of the best.
