Rubicon Shakedown Run #1: Mineral Basin, Aug 3rd and 4th

sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
Shakedown run #1

Mineral Basin trail, with overnight camping. I'll be bringing some bear spray in the very rare chance that we see a bear. Please do not store food near the campsite. This is a family-friendly camp. Kids and spouses are welcome to come.


Friday, Aug 3
7:00 PM - Meet at Tibble Fork Reservoir
8:00 PM - Start the trail. Night wheeling up the trail
10:00 PM - camping at the top of the trail.

Saturday, Aug 4
Eat breakfast, head down the trail. The utah 4x4 club is doing a service project up at Forest Lake around noon if you'd like to join them: http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?92085-Forest-Lake-Project-Saturday-8-4-12-12-00-noon


Even if you're not coming on the Rubicon with us you're invited. I think 10 is a good size group.


Committed:
- sixstringsteve
- westernhunter
- Omgbecki
- OrvisKrawler
- DsmXJRider
- mesha

On the Fence
- SiRed91
- midog
 
Last edited:
I'm in for this - put me on committed. My timing on these threads is perfect! I don't know if the wifey and bambino will be up for it, but I'll attend.
 
It's up American Fork Canyon, near Alpine/Cedar Hills.


If you have sliders we can get you through. If not, expect body damage.
 
Steve, why are you wanting to make this a night run? Reason being that some folks who have never ran it before would be much better off running it in the daylight first, plus winching/strapping in the dark can be a pain. I will be up there in a few weeks to run Mineral Basin and fish the upper Silver Lake, assuming access is still open with all the fires going on.
 
I think a night run is important for a lot of people for a shakedown run. If you have never wheeled at night and then find yourself in the middle of the Rubicon forced to do some night wheeling to get to your campsite you are then very unprepared.
 
Probably so they can camp after and make sure all the rubicon gear will fit in the rigs. IMO It's not much fun to wheel in the light and then wait to go to bed for 4 hours, especially in august heat. I personally really like night runs, in a rig or a dirt bike. There's just something exciting about it. I bet there is also a possibility of wheeling on the Rubicon in the dark so why not be prepared.
 
TJDukit said:
I think a night run is important for a lot of people for a shakedown run. If you have never wheeled at night and then find yourself in the middle of the Rubicon forced to do some night wheeling to get to your campsite you are then very unprepared.
Click to expand...

This.

Cascadia said:
Probably so they can camp after and make sure all the rubicon gear will fit in the rigs. IMO It's not much fun to wheel in the light and then wait to go to bed for 4 hours, especially in august heat. I personally really like night runs, in a rig or a dirt bike. There's just something exciting about it. I bet there is also a possibility of wheeling on the Rubicon in the dark so why not be prepared.
Click to expand...

and this.

4biker said:
It's so I can have an excuse to get rock lights! :D
Click to expand...

and this. I need to test my rock lights, and this is a great way to do it.


The two main reasons this is a night run are:

1) Mineral Basin is SUPER easy compared to the Rubicon. It should be a non-issue for those going on the Rubicon with us. I got my old bone stock 4-door tacoma up it a few years ago. I wouldn't recommend anyone take a stock rig up there, but with the right lines it can be done. We were in a rescue situation, so we realized it was worth the potential body damage. Stupid drunk driver up there got herself so hung up that she had all 4 tires in the air, and she was alone. She didn't think we could get up there to help her, but she was not prepared for the evening and it would have been a LONG night without us. Anyway, there should be ZERO winching/strapping on this trail, especially with this group. Anyone that can handle the Rubicon can definitely handle this trail at night.

2) AF Canyon is insanely busy. The only other option would be a day run on a Saturday, and it's just way too busy to drag 5-10 rigs through there on a Saturday. It'd take forever and be pretty boring with all the waiting around. We did a night run last year and it was probably my favorite run of the year. Even as a night run, I'm worried that the trail will be pretty busy and our camping spot will be full when we get there.
 
Last edited:
Any of you that are going willing to do Mary Ellen Gulch early Sat morning? I would like to see if my truck can make it up there. There is one spot that I question.

I can't make the night run, but would like to meet up with anyone the next morning. Real early preferred, due to the said traffic situation.
 
cackalak said:
Any of you that are going willing to do Mary Ellen Gulch early Sat morning? I would like to see if my truck can make it up there. There is one spot that I question.

I can't make the night run, but would like to meet up with anyone the next morning. Real early preferred, due to the said traffic situation.
Click to expand...


We most likely won't be down from Mineral Basin until around 10-11AM.
 
Last edited:
cackalak said:
Any of you that are going willing to do Mary Ellen Gulch early Sat morning? I would like to see if my truck can make it up there. There is one spot that I question.

I can't make the night run, but would like to meet up with anyone the next morning. Real early preferred, due to the said traffic situation.
Click to expand...

What are you driving these days? I know you used to have a DC Tacoma, but you sold it? I used to see you a lot over on yotatech, but we have never met.
 
Unfortunately, it was sold, due to family situation. But fortunately, bought a 99 Tacoma on here a few months ago. Feels good to be in a Tacoma again, albeit an ext. cab. But didn't want another auto, so DC's were out.

Maybe I'll head up there to Mary Ellen myself one of these weekends.
 
Hey steve you picked a day that works for me :) here's my situation I just recently ran mineral basin with TJDUNKIT ( I feel bad because I can't remember his name at this time) anyways had a blast the jeep didn't have any issues but I have never wheeled at night except getting stuck. And I know I'm not ready for the rubicon yet. What would be a short check list to make wheeling at night easier? Rock lights? I do have some protection in a way of rocker panel skids not so much worried about some damage because I already know what parts would tax me. Very interested in this trip.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top