Deep Creek Range 4x4 trails?

[Byways]

Nation:

I am searching for real, even serious 4x4 trails in the greater vicinity of the Pony Express route, perhaps on the lower eastern slope of the Deep Creek Range. Or between, say, Trout Creek (south of Callao) and Wendover. Doesn't need to be long; a few hundred yards would do, but preferably longer. Tough and rugged are good. A loop would be good, or at least something that goes somewhere rather than a dead-end.

The purpose: To test and demonstrate the off-road capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, which has front, center and rear lockers.

I am aware that the upper reaches of the Deeps are wilderness.

If you have a suggestion, please PM me. Or send an email to: backcountrybyways at gee mail dot com.

10,000 thanks!

Tony Huegel
Backcountry Byways Journal

 

[Cody]

I think tough and rugged, by the standards of this forum, would require the G-glass Benz to be airlifted out in pieces.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Tony, first off, fan of your book, kudos!

I have a few ideas that may work, I'll hit you with an email.

-Kurt

 

[Byways]

Thanks, Kurt! I'll look for the note.

tony

 

[RockMonkey]

Granite Canyon may fit the bill. It's not extreme rock crawling, but it is usually enough to challenge a stock SUV. I broke a Dana 35 there once.

 

[Byways]

That sounds great, RockMoney! Thank you. Any pics, by chance?

 

[RockMonkey]

That sounds great, RockMoney! Thank you. Any pics, by chance?

I don't have any handy, I don't think. I am probably headed that direction on Memorial Day weekend, and may decide to take a run up that canyon. I'm not sure when you are planning your trip.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Granite Canyon:

Unfortunately as of last its been signed as closed towards the top:

I've not been up the canyon since 2007 so I can't comment on its current condition or legality. I'd have to be on my other computer to pull up the maps and see what the current Motorized Travel Plan allows for. More info here: http://www.expeditionutah.com/forum/showthread.php?t=213

 

[Byways]

RockMonkey: Looking at late October.

 

[Byways]

Thanks for the photos, Kurt! I encountered something similar in the '90s as I climbed higher into the mtns. in a Cruiser. But I'm not looking to get up high, just need something more challenging than the road in the first photo.

 

[Herzog]

Thanks for the photos, Kurt! I encountered something similar in the '90s as I climbed higher into the mtns. in a Cruiser. But I'm not looking to get up high, just need something more challenging than the road in the first photo.

Kurt is an awesome resource for this kind of stuff.

By the way, welcome!

 

[RockMonkey]

It gets much more challenging as you go up. Lots of loose granite rocks as it climbs up to some mine claims. If I do it in the spring I will post pics and report on conditions and sign status.

 

[Byways]

Ah ... spring. May come early in '12 judging by the lack of precip. I'll look forward to your pics, RockMonkey.

 

[Byways]

Kurt is an awesome resource for this kind of stuff.

By the way, welcome!

Re: Kurt: I'm getting that impression! I hope to meet him soon. Oh, and thank you all for the welcome. I've not been here before ... shame on me ...

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Ah ... spring. May come early in '12 judging by the lack of precip. I'll look forward to your pics, RockMonkey.

Quite the opposite actually, late precipitation usually pushes Spring into June, look at last year.

 

[Houndoc]

Thread has me courious....look forward to future reports and photos.

That is an area of the state I have been interested in but not made the effort yet to visit.

 

[RockMonkey]

Thread has me courious....look forward to future reports and photos.

That is an area of the state I have been interested in but not made the effort yet to visit.

The Deep Creeks are awesome. Great place to let kids run around climbing on rocks and catching lizards.

 

[OldGeezer]

I think Granite Canyon would be too easy and Goshute Canyon too hard. Toms Canyon is the one I'd pick. None of them are loops.
I did all of them (and more) last year. I can guide or send GPX files if it will help.

 

[RockMonkey]

I think Granite Canyon would be too easy and Goshute Canyon too hard. Toms Canyon is the one I'd pick. None of them are loops.
I did all of them (and more) last year. I can guide or send GPX files if it will help.

I would love to have those GPX files, if you can send them to me, too.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Any fishing in that area?