Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Smithsonian Butte Road
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Canaan Mountain Wilderness
Tips
maniboyflex
December 12, 2025
Smithsonian Butte Road is a backroad link between Rockville and Apple Valley, with stunning desert views. The surface is dirt and can get washboarded or sandy in spots, so wider tires make the ride far more enjoyable. The climb from either direction is steady, but the payoff is huge: wide-open plateaus, quiet riding, and a real sense of being out in the backcountry. Carry plenty of water, especially in warmer months, as there are no services along the way.
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Details
Informations
Distance 2.69 km
Uphill 100 m
Downhill 10 m
Weather
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Thursday 1 October
31°C
10°C
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h