We reached an elevation of 1150m in a "Mitsubishi Pajero Junior" in 4low. While we could have pushed further, a particularly steep and loose section felt too risky to attempt. The road is well-worn, with several rocky, loose climbs that benefited from 4WD. Fortunately, there are very few deep cross ditches or water bars. A previously blocked area with numerous downed trees has been cleared and is now fully passable. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle can make it quite far with a bit of patience.

Follow-up from previous bulletin regarding down trees starting around 4km.

Drove up to about 5.7 km where some snowmobilers parked their trucks. No vehicle tracks past this point. Walked to the viewpoint around 6.1 km.

Lots of down trees up to about 5.7km - it looks like there may have been a slide taking out lots of trees. Someone has since cut a path through the down trees up to about 5.7 km but you'll need a high clearance 4x4 as you still need to drive over small, down trees.

Went up in a Tacoma with 1 in lift on Feb 11 2026. There's some fallen trees along the way from 3.5 to 4.2, easy to go around. At around 4.2 there's a cluster of fallen trees that completely blocked the road. Walking past it, there's several more trees fallen which makes a tuck passing very risky. Conditions further ahead are unclear.

Drove all the way up to the top in a Subaru Forrester with a 1 inch lift. The usual rock garden areas are still present and have degraded compared to last years fall conditions prior to the ski season. Had to pick my line a few times, but slow and steady got us through. Definitely used the skid plates on the way down with some of the dips and rocks.

Made it to 7.5 km in my Honda Pilot Trailsport with 8.3" clearance. Couldn't get past this slide debris in AWD. Not enough traction. Need 4x4 to pass. Recommend at least 9 or 10" clearance on this road as I definitely used my skid plates.

Was able to drive to 850m, consistent snow started from there. Relevant for skiers, there was one larger bare patch around 930m.

It's in good shape. Subbie would make it up.

Drove all the way to the top (1300m) in a stock 4runner didn't use 4-low until the last few switch backs. Great views of Pyroclastic Peak.

Changing this road to yellow or "Somewhat Degraded" as green "good condition" is not appropriate. I would not attempt this road without a high clearance 4WD.

Snow free to switchback just before 8 km at 1050m elevation. Loose rocks and minor water bars, best with 4X4 with good tires

Clear all the way up to the look out at 750-800m. Just a few patches of snow just before that, but the snow had previously been driven over before we got there. its a bit slick since its soft from being in the sun, but easily passable.
Thanks to all those that cleared the trail up to the look out. You can easily tell the areas with trees that were fallen across the trail on the way up.

Snow starts at around 720m although there's two large patches lower down that I was able to push through. The road is melting out fast though!

Snow level starts at around 800m. I didn't drive up this way but could see from our route.

[From JG Kelly] - Shovelnose 2023 send off! December 31st Snow starts at approximately 950m. Put on chains right away based on some beta on how slick it is. Found the snow to be isothermal on top over ice and was a real white knuckler up to the switchback at 1030m. Skinning up was easy travel, new snowline around 1400m.

[From Fernando Lessa] - Could drive my high Clarence car up to 700m ( not the best rd, but doable). Snow level is at around 1000m. Was raining hard ( forecast was calling for rain up to 1500m!).

Consistent snow started around 900m (with a few small bare patches here and there) and we were able to drive up to about 1050m

Snow started around 400m, and we were able to drive up to ~650m with chains on.

[From Andrew Moldovan] - snowline starts at around 750m and gets considerably deeper the higher you go. Some trucks drive to around 800m and vehicles may be able to reach 1000m with proper chains and 4x4.

During winter this is a sled-access area, but before/after it is snow-covered the road is driveable. We used for early season ski touring in 2022. 1-2km from the bottom there was a big group stuck at a bunch of downed trees. Helped cut the trees with chainsaw, the group hand-sawed and a guy with a full-size truck pulled the cut trees off the road with a strap. Everyone worked together to eventually get the road clear. Chains on here as we were on continuous snow by now, we were able to drive through snow all the way to 1,100m (3x Tacomas, 4Runner, GX450/Landcruiser and Nissan Frontier). Road likely driveable higher in summer without snow.

Adding some pics - couldn't add to previous bulletin

[From 4WDABC] - a number of users report making it to the end or near the end over the last 2 years. The last kilometer or so is fairly chewed up loose gravel with the odd larger boulder