AF Canyon for a beginner.... Where to go and what to see.

[Troop92]

Hi guys. Been lurking a while, just now starting to post.

Have a 1992 Trooper with a bit of lift, 32" M/Ts, and a limited slip rear. A buddy has nearly the same setup...

We were hoping to explore AF Canyon over the next few weekends. As newbies to the area, what are some good trails that we can have a good time with but avoid, er, heartache?

Thanks guys!

 

[sixstringsteve]

Come join us for the quarterly training day. We'll be leading a few trails up there with experienced drivers who know the trails.

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.ph...y-July-19th-20th&highlight=quarterly+training

 

[Stephen]

Hi guys. Been lurking a while, just now starting to post.

Have a 1992 Trooper with a bit of lift, 32" M/Ts, and a limited slip rear. A buddy has nearly the same setup...

We were hoping to explore AF Canyon over the next few weekends. As newbies to the area, what are some good trails that we can have a good time with but avoid, er, heartache?

Thanks guys!

Welcome to RME, always good to see another Trooper on here!

As Steve suggested, the QTD would be a great way to get your feet wet. Another is to get the trail map from the fee station and explore using that. There are also a couple great maps in RME's Trail Maps section. Or just post up whe you want to go in the Upcoming Trips section and I'm sure someone will be happy to head out with you.

 

[Troop92]

Thanks for the welcome guys. I wish I could do the 19th-20th, but I have a work commitment that I probably can't shake, though I'll try. Dang work!

I think we were aiming for the Saturday, July 6th. I know, after the holiday, but he and I have nothing better to do. Looking at the descriptions on the above training day link, I think we could do Mary Ellen and Forest. Mineral basin, maybe not...

@Stephen - are you on PlanetIsuzoo by chance? I'm pretty sure I bought my snowflakes from your dad.

 

[sixstringsteve]

it's going to be crazy busy up there that weekend. Like 10 times busier than moab. Crowded as in you'll pass 10 other jeeps going the other way on the trail, and abuot 20 quads and UTVs. For me, it would definitely take away from the enjoyment. But hey, even a crowded day up the canyon is still far better than a day at work.

I have no doubt your rig could handle any of the trails up there, but I'd highly recommend rock sliders for Mineral Basin. Yes, it can be done without them, but the potential for sliding into a rock and dinging your rockers is very high on one or two spots of that trail.

 

[Troop92]

Drat, I hadn't considered the crowds... Hmm... Yeah, I'd definitely rather go when there weren't a lot of people. Take my time, see the sights, that kinda thing. Another wekeend it is.

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my rig. He's my baby, gotten me through some rough stuff. We had him up Hardware Ranch last weekend, and went all over the place. Cut the trip short due to losing the clutch on the way down Mount Logan. That was fun.

 

[Stephen]

@Stephen - are you on PlanetIsuzoo by chance? I'm pretty sure I bought my snowflakes from your dad.

I am, and yes you did.

 

[sixstringsteve]

If you post up in the "upcoming wheeling trips" thread I'm sure you'll get a lot of people that will join you.

 

[spacecase]

im game for a AM Fork trip, just put some new (used) shoes on the yota. need to test out the rear end clearance also.

 

[ZUKEYPR]

I owned and still wheel with Isuzus. In fact our club was founded on Isuzus, not many around though anymore. You can do any trail in AF Canyon, but as suggested earlier I would stay away from Mineral basin until you have sliders.

 

[bobn]

Troop92, good to see you here on RME. Just saw the pics of your snowflakes and new tires on PI. Very nice. Maybe I need to rethink using the snowflakes

 

[TurboMinivan]

We were hoping to explore AF Canyon over the next few weekends.

As others have said, your rig sounds capable enough. But what nobody has said is this: for the love of all that is sacred, please do not go up into the canyon with only one vehicle! This is Rule #1, and it should never be broken no matter how easy or familiar a given trail might be.

(I mention this because on my last trip to Mineral Basin, we rescued a bozo who was going solo in his YJ on 35s and he got himself hopelessly stuck. He and his girlfriend would have been there a long time had we not come along.)

 

[Troop92]

@spacecase - we'd love to provide a reason for you to test out all your new additions..

@zokeypr - yeah, not really wanting body damage on my first trip up AF... That would def put a damper on things

@bobn - happy to be here. Lovin' the snowflakes. Really pulls it all together

@turbominivan - I would never presume to do something like that. Just plain stupid. Pretty sure that was the first thing my old man told me when I got the keys to his old truck. I read your post, lucky bugger - I'd like to know his reaction when it happened! "So... Sweetie... You want to get out and push?"

I'm pretty flexible as far as times go. I think weekends thru July are full, but I can swing a weekday afternoon evening with a touch of warning. Open to anything.