2009-12-17 Carveacre Road / Pancake Rock

[sdnative]

My friend wants to do some 4-wheel driving next week, and I figured Carveacre Road would be as good of a place as any. I have wanting to get back up there too. I was thinking Thursday the 17th.

Anyone interested in this? Probably not too likely on a weekday, but being the week before Christmas, I figured people may have some time off work.

Probably just be a half-day trip. This trail is located south of Alpine in San Diego county.

[BorregoWrangler]

I think I can make it!

Oh, sorry Eric, I'm not riding shotgun. Gotta take out the old heap.

[sdnative]

Great!

No shotgun for you. I already have a passenger.

[MagicMtnDan]

I haven't Googled it yet but where is Carveacre Road and, more importantly, what is it?

Is it a rock trail, dirt road, or some combination thereof? Most importantly for my W-I-D-E truck, is it a tight Jeep-trail or something that the larger trucks can do (it's a question I need to get answered for each of these excursions).

Thanks

[BorregoWrangler]

I haven't Googled it yet but where is Carveacre Road and, more importantly, what is it?

Is it a rock trail, dirt road, or some combination thereof? Most importantly for my W-I-D-E truck, is it a tight Jeep-trail or something that the larger trucks can do (it's a question I need to get answered for each of these excursions).

Thanks

Directions to Carvacre Trail (Pancake Rock)

From El Cajon (I8 & 67)

Go east on Interstate 8 about 21 miles. (About 40 miles east of San Diego.) At Japatul Valley Rd. (Exit 40) go south approximately 4.5 miles to Lyons Valley Rd. Continue south on Lyons Valley Rd. approximately 4.5 Miles to the entrance to Barret Correction Facility. Air down at the open area near the entrance. Continue on Lyons Valley Rd. south approximately 1 mile. The trailhead will be a very sharp right as you round a curve.

When turning off of Lyons Valley Rd, the trail immediately becomes very rough. Vehicles need to immediately go into 4 WD as you turn off Lyons Valley Road. There is only enough room at the trailhead for 2 or 3 vehicles and the trailhead is in a dangerous curve. Vehicles should be spaced out to avoid problems at the trailhead. The trail itself isn't too rocky but it is quite rutted. Although there area a few tight spots along the trail for full-size rigs, I've still seen plenty of them up there.

[sdnative]

It is basically an un-maintained county road that has gotten pretty rough over the years. It is an up and back type of trail, one way in one way out. There used to be another way out, but I have heard there is a gate there now (although I have not been over to the far north end of the trail for over 2 years so I am not sure of the current status).

MOST of the trail is plenty wide for full-sized vehicles, except a couple of spots where it gets tight. Still do-able, just tight. There may be opportunity to add custom pinstriping with the tight brush in some spots (it may have been trimmed back recently, not sure). The challenge comes from the deep ruts, climbing pancake rock, and the rock play-area on the other side.

[sdnative]

Here's some past run reports:

http://www.oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=441

http://www.oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=437

http://www.oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=229

[BorregoWrangler]

So where and what time should we meet up for this?

[sdnative]

I still have to check with my friend, but I am thinking be at the trail head at 9:00. I'll be coming in from the Jamul side, which is probably out of the way for you. If you want, we could meet in Rancho San Diego somewhere, or just meet at the trail head.

[BorregoWrangler]

9:00 at the trailhead sounds good.