The Gauntlet Trail loop from Timberview Parking

If you're searching for a jogging route, let's be clear: The Gauntlet Trail loop from Timberview Parking is absolutely not it. Despite being listed with a distance of 6.0 miles (9.7 km), an elevation gain of 1030 feet (314 metres), and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this trail is rated difficult because it's an extreme off-road vehicle (ORV) course, not a running path. This is a trail for high-clearance 4x4s, not your running shoes.

What to expect on The Gauntlet Trail loop from Timberview Parking

The terrain on The Gauntlet Trail starts deceptively with a "cobblestone type trail" but quickly devolves into a brutal landscape of "large boulders and slick mud." Imagine navigating "Smart Car-sized boulders" that line the path; this is a "gruesome trail" with a "high potential for body damage" – and that's for vehicles. After rain, the conditions worsen significantly, with deep holes forming as silty sediment traps between rocks. This environment is exceptionally hazardous and completely unsuitable for jogging, making any attempt dangerous and likely impossible.

Planning your visit

For those interested in its actual purpose, The Gauntlet Trail is a challenging off-road vehicle trail located at Morris Mountain ORV. Planning a visit here means preparing for serious off-roading, not a jog. There are no specific logistics for runners because the trail is not designed for them. Its difficulty is based on driver skill and appropriate gear for a 4x4, not on a runner's fitness.

Trail details

• Distance: 6.0 miles (9.7 km)
• Elevation gain: 1030 feet (314 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 19 minutes