This is a lightly used, unmarked trail that some call one of the most challenging (Solid 8+ out of 10 IMO) in Stoddard Wells OHV which has some really cool boulder wash fields like this one that we've been visiting the last few months. Haven't been taking many pictures because I'm usually driving but this time Twitch was my co-driver so I had more photo ops.

We were actually heading for Achy-Breaky but found the 2nd section of Pumpkin Eater on the way so took the trail which really appears more like a wash like many in Stoddard. After getting to the V notch Rick showed up in his CJ and told us that we should back down and start the 1st section which features a couple of waterfalls so we went that way and soon after that things got very intresting.

About a ¼ mile into toward the waterfall my drivers side warn hub busted while I climbing on a turn. These trails are really tight and better suited for SWB's, manual front lockers don't help the turning radius any but I usually manage with some strong-arming and two pts. if necessary but after 2yrs of wheelin I guess the hub just worn out. I actually had some spares on order but didn't get them in time for the run. Anyway, we said what the heck and continued in 3-wheel drive.

Rick's put on a good show in his unlock CJ renegade with 35's and 4:1's on the 1st waterfall but couldn't make the final turn so he winched the last few feet. In 3-wheel drive we had no chance so we winched most of the way but could have made it unassisted with the longer wheelbase if not broken. We then winched up a lifted Rubicon on 33's that was hung in the same place as Rick. After Rick broken his drivers side axle shaft a bit later we decided to call it a day and come back another time to finish the rest since it was late anyway.

Can't wait to finish pumpkin eater which normally takes about 5hrs to cover the ~ 1 mile wash type trail the climbs around a hill and down the other side with boulders all-round. Might be going back in a couple of weeks if you want to go bring it and your winch

The high desert round up is held here each yeah and this short article gives you an idea:
http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/events/0410_4wd_round/

Brian

Bit too much throttle on the waterfall and this is what happens



This is the V notch that's a bit too narrow for the pathy



The first waterfall:




This gives you an ideal of how steep the waterfall is:



Near the top:





The easier first part:

That's a nice looking pile of rocks!

Geez! that ?trail? is sure named correctly..

Went out there this weekend, didnt get to that trail, but a TJ that was with us busted 2 ujoints on achy breaky.

Stoddard wells is a really nice, park. You actually have to use the front axle in parts

very nice pics man!!

Xtoolbox....what size tires are you running on that beast?!?...are those 37's??? AND that blue vehicle (too much throttle pic)...is that a toyota FJ...anywho...is his rear axle all Fu#@ed up????? (like twisted in a way a rear axle should not be twisted??) Later...