The guys on adventure4x4 might have more pics. I know those FJ Guys are there like ALL THE TIME. They practically live there.

I can (and maybe bill) but its a bit hot out there now, we will need to wait for it to cool down.

quote:

Originally posted by penski61:
can anyone pre-run this trail ? maybe tell us who can and cant make it on the trail

I would think any brave 4x4 wheeler w/ good brakes- ability to adjust fron to rear bias would be very helpful, crawler gears for engine braking effect, spare parts, spare diapers.

ASking for more specific - who can/who can't is reaching , imo.

In the second writup below the author states that his willys has full width axles and still made it throught the squeeze. Full size/width body might be asking for lots of transfered paint/ busted off mirrors, though.

Here's another couple writeups
Pinyon Mtn
anotherlink
some youtube vids of Heart Attack HIll
2008 runand teaser pic a tthe top of Heartattack hill( the dropoff)


and some early history
SD&AE RAilWAy build, CArrizo Gorge TRestle( worlds highest wooden trestle, the Mud Caves, and Ghost Lights

the squeeze doesn't scare me.. it's that dropoff...

quote:

Originally posted by steeevo:
the squeeze doesn't scare me.. it's that dropoff...

Understandable. As I recall there's two options at the top- one hard, other harder. There's a hole that eats a wheel and rig flops over((front)braking just before the hole/in the hole would be a bad thing)). I hear some lighter rigs just pull the emergency brake- like ManX buggies.

Rocks to fill the hole, a strap/winch from above to help ease a rig over would all be options for those that are mortal/want to take the hard line/ are squeemish. If any doubts, the easier line should be taken.

We can always call Ranger Rick to get the scoop, in a month or so.
760 767-5311<< Anza Borrego Desert State Park

how deep is that hole that eats tires?
Will it swollow a 35? One would things that flexy SAS rigs could do it without lifting a tire. but i also realize that pictures do no do justice when showing the angle of obstacles.

It changes, I'm sure.. I haven't seen it for several years. ANd I should say that I've only ran down and up it( a hiking buddy of mine challenged me)- never've wheeled it. I've driven east to west about 7 miles and west to east about 20. Just 2wd( locked).
It's the 3 mi ,in between, thats really challenging, and of that only 4 spots- overhang rock, the squeeze, HAH, and another climb about a mile after that.

Erosion takes it's toll on HAH, as does wheelspin from those going up it- another reason the Park doesn't like the backwards appproach, as challenging as it may be. I'm sorry I suggested it in the first place.

However, there's nothing that says peeeps couldn't mosey up the FIshCrk from Split Mtn trailhead, get lost in different offshoots, see the windcaves, SAndstone Cyn,scenery, be shutterbugs, and end up at the bottom of HAH to watch N4Wheelers coming down.

Note for any "east to westers"( the backwards run), Prerunner's/2wd's would be stopped about a mile east of HAH( or so) by a short,steep"ish" rocky descent. A good challenge for 4wd. Some rock stacking may be required.

Now im just turned on, I want to head out there after the heat and check it out.

Put my name on the list as maybe. I'll be bringing a few friends but only one truck.

Hey Bruce,
Glad to see that you made it here.

quote:

Originally posted by revans2003:
Now im just turned on, I want to head out there after the heat and check it out.

Ah , Robin, It's only 113F in Borrego , today.

EArthquake valley, where the Pinyon Mtn Rd trailhead is(elev 2360',4.5 miles down the road from "SCissor's Xing"), is a couple thousand feet higher, so it was only 105F or so . It would be just like a nice , mildly hot, sauna bath. Don't you have AC? Is your rig manual or automatic?

If AT, I would definately swap fluid for synth so you don't overheat your tranny , I mean overheat the automatic transmission fluid .....


The trail climbs a couple thou feeet in 6 miles, before descending through Fish Creek wash.

It would definately be warm down by Split Mtn, 30 or so miles, down the trail.

Another rig( or two or more) would definately be advised for any scouting prior to the main run.

Thanks for the advice Bill!

I will post up when the pre run happens (a couple of months, or maybe a night run)

quote:

Originally posted by revans2003:
...maybe a night run)

Better yet- a "morning" run. Temps would be lower, and we could see the countryside better.

There's nothing worse than trying to "dead reckon" at night. And I can dead reckon it, I reckon.

The first 6 miles is sand wash and a few rocks- nothing really challenging for early predawn hours.

We'd be at the Squeeze / HAH, a little after daybreak. Waht's better that watching the sun come up over the desert .. If we had our brothers in tow , and went for it, we could be down and through to Split mtn by 10am.

Or we could just stop at HAH, cook some breakfast/ BACON/eggs/hashbrowns, make some fresh brew coffee, and wait for some other wheelers to come through.

AS you might suspect by all the youtube vids, it's just about the most popular traildrive in Anza-Borrego. WE shouldn't have to wait long.

If we hit Ramona by 330am, we'd be at PinynMtn trailhead by 5am, easy. It's lightish,now (at 530). And it would be cooler- nightime lows, now, are 80.

Mmmmmmmmmmm, pre ruuuuuuuuun. Too bad I'm busted.

OOps, I'm sorry,major error on my part, I forgot a crucial B/fast menu item:
fresh squeezed, homegrown OJ -w/ all the pulp/fiber.

I've got the breakfast handled...