Cracker Box Ridge (FR 17N05) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Cracker Box Ridge (FR 17N05) in CA
An 8.9-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Colusa County, CA. The road serves Stonyford OHV Recreation Area.
Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 8.9 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (8.9 miles). Climbs 880 ft over 8.9 miles -- sustained grades near 28%, with pitches to 35%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 4 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Trough Spring lies 0.3 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.0 miles off. Snow Mountain East stands 3,349 ft above the site, 7.8 miles northwest. The nearest town, Nice, is 18 mi off.
September normals 51–82°F, 0.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov