Outdoor Adventure USA

ssc wrote:Welcome,
I will let John give the heads up on the trails as he has alot of knowledge on them. My question is what experience do you have driving off road? Many times it isn't the rig as much as the driver. Pick good lines, know where each tire is and the skinny pedal is not your friend-generally. Oh, one last thing. If you drive a toyota, don't ever let John navigate.

Good Luck, Steve

Thanks Steve. I need to learn proper technique for sure. I have one trail under my belt. Otay Mesa. The guys I'm going with have many years experience. Everything helps so I welcome everyones input. Thanks guys.

MudFace wrote:BorregoWrangler, Can you comment about these? In particular if a stock FJ is capable. Thx.

Canyon Sin Nombre
Arroyo Tapiado
Arroyo Seco del Diablo
Carrizo Stagecoach (marsh)
Fish Creek Wash / Split Mountain Road
Tule Wash

Oh yes, you'll be just fine, especially if you're going with a group. Stock FJ's get around pretty good. I mean, at least for a Toyota! Canyon Sin Nombre is the gateway to the Carrizo Badlands, a geologic wonderland. The folded layers of uplifted sediment can be easily seen in the canyon walls. Be prepared for some pin-striping as you head thorugh Carrizo Creek to the old stage station. If the water is deep that's the only area that may cause any difficulties.

Heading down wide, sandy Vallecito Wash will take you to Arroyo Tapiado where you can explore the mud caves. Some are up to 1000 feet long and 80 feet high. Don't forget a flashlight. The next trail over is Arroyo Seco del Diablo which can be fun when parts of the canyon walls have collapsed. That'll take ya to Diablo Dropoff (can be a bit rocky) and into Fish Creek. Keep an eye out of the fossil reefs that line across the canyon floor. They'll often create a small shelf across the wash. And of course there's the wind caves just before you reach split mountain. Its a steep 1 mile hike to the top.

Tule Wash is near 17 Palms, Arroyo Salado Wash and Ocotillo Wells OHV Area, just south of hwy S-22. Take Arroyo Salado Wash Trail south a ways past Fonts point. Hope you have fun and if you take any pictures, post 'em up!

BorregoWrangler wrote:

MudFace wrote:BorregoWrangler, Can you comment about these? In particular if a stock FJ is capable. Thx.

If the water is deep that's the only area that may cause any difficulties.

Awesome. Great info John. What happens IF the water is deep? What can I do?

I'll post pictures for sure. One of my boys in the group has a fancy camera. The anticipation is killing me.

Hold your breath. I know--I am a lot of help.

Regards, Steve

MudFace wrote:

BorregoWrangler wrote:

MudFace wrote:BorregoWrangler, Can you comment about these? In particular if a stock FJ is capable. Thx.

If the water is deep that's the only area that may cause any difficulties.

Awesome. Great info John. What happens IF the water is deep? What can I do?

I'll post pictures for sure. One of my boys in the group has a fancy camera. The anticipation is killing me.

Thanks. Just make sure that you're in the middle of the group so someone can pull you out either from the front or from the rear. I highly doubt you'll have any issues, though. In 4low, with your locker engaged (not a must but it helps) and your speed up a bit you'll be fine.

Welcome mudface!

ssc wrote:Hold your breath.
Regards, Steve

Good call, Steve - it's soooo difficult to hold someone else's breath (sorry - it's late )

Welcome aboard Mudface. Hope to see you Saturday.