San Rafael Trip

[Cody]

I have the map just not digital. I have like 4 copies of it cause they keep getting hammered, or soaked when my dry bag doesn't live up to it's name when in a slot or on the river.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...South Coal wash may be the easiest, but has some dugways that are narrow and might be spooky in slick conditions. I have a PDF of that motorized travel map somewhere - maybe I can figure out how to post it. All those routes have good scenery.

We've been through SCW several times in the snow & mud, both had a couple of sections that were sketchy like you mentioned, come to think of it I think Cody found a sketchy section that required some minor winching

...I've also crossed Eagle near Horn Silver wash - the crossing was interesting, but not worth the boring drive on either side.

When was the last time you can through there? The western exit is getting pretty chewed up, granted I was towing a small trailer but it took a good amount of effort to get up that. The newer map shows this as "impassible to full-size", I talked with the BLM rep whom made the map at a class last year, he said it is open to full-size travel, they just have the note as to prevent someone from dropping down there in a longbed truck or similar

...That map is over 3 meg - I could shrink it but you probably could not see any detail. I cropped the map to what we're talking about.

FWIW that is the old map, they have a newer map that came out in ~06' that has far more detail and clarity than there older map. I know I've found it online before but if you would like a copy pm me your email addy.

 

[TimB]

Cool, I will PM you.

We went through Eagle at that crossing in Oct 2007. The west side is pretty difficult in spots. In 2006 we attempted that crossing from the west and had to give up. It was raining and that stuff on the lower bench turns to super slippery goo. We almost could not make it back up that one steep climb. I saw the full size warning but we did not have trouble with 2 YJ's in 07. The rocks in the wash make a ringing sound like dinner plates - pretty cool.

I have that older version map calibrated in Ozi Explorer - can use it in moving map while I'm on the trail. I wish the other counties would do something as good.

I assume you have encountered the 54" or narrower section of behind the reef road? That's a bummer. I would like to drive that. Little Wild Horse is a great drive - do that if you have not already.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...I assume you have encountered the 54" or narrower section of behind the reef road? That's a bummer. I would like to drive that. Little Wild Horse is a great drive - do that if you have not already.

I have but I too have never driven it, I've gone right up to the area and then North through Horse Valley, but never that short segment over to Hidden Splendor. I'm told it is very narrow... I'll have to give it a run on the bike this year. :greg:

 

[Cody]

I drove little wild horse last year and was very disapointed. I expected more scenery and less 2 wheel driveness.

 

[eprobe]

Dominic, Anderson750, Mesha, Kkemp, welcome aboard. Maverick; Kurt is leading a trip in March, I think, but it's not open to everyone. Otherwise, I'd be going.

 

[eprobe]

I am trying to keep up w/ the conversation. Are you guys committed to one of the Coal Wash roads? I'd like to take that route but my Heep is practically stock. There are a few others w/ stock vehicles who might have to take an alternate route. And if we took a Coal Wash route, would we be able to make the E. Reef on the 1st day?

 

[anderson750]

FWIW that is the old map, they have a newer map that came out in ~06' that has far more detail and clarity than there older map. I know I've found it online before but if you would like a copy pm me your email addy.

If anyone wants a copy of it, PM me and I will mail it to you. We have a case of them, just for this purpose.

 

[kkemp]

I am trying to keep up w/ the conversation. Are you guys committed to one of the Coal Wash roads? I'd like to take that route but my Heep is practically stock. There are a few others w/ stock vehicles who might have to take an alternate route. And if we took a Coal Wash route, would we be able to make the E. Reef on the 1st day?

You can get through South Coal and over to the reef in one day easily. There's nothing on South Coal that would be a problem for a stock jeep. Even N. Coal shouldn't be a problem going that direction. If you take N. Coal there are actually two options, Fixit Pass or Devil's Racetrack. I still have not been over Fixit Pass yet. From what I've heard, it's a little challenging for a stock rig. Apparently there's a bunch of rocks to crawl over. Devil's Racetrack is fun at the one short difficult section, other than that it's probably not as scenic as S. Coal/Eva Conover. I'm game for any of the 3 routes.

 

[Dominic]

I have to sit this one out, I am on call at the hospital that weekend.

 

[anderson750]

I have to sit this one out, I am on call at the hospital that weekend.

Wow, that caused a flashback. I have not had to say those words for 4 years now.

Anyway, I just realised I have a meeting in Chicago that weekend and will not be able to make it.:-\ Hopefully I will be able to jump in on a future trip.

 

[Cody]

I'm still going to try for this trip. I have to play things by ear right now due to self imposed money restrictions.

 

[eprobe]

Cody: do not impose money restrictions on yourself. There's a recession on. You need to spend in order to stimulate the economy. It is your patriotic duty!

 

[Cody]

I can't spend what I don't have

Things are picking up, but I only get paid for work that people pay for and sometimes that takes time.

 

[Rot Box]

It's a little early to ask, but who's all planning on going?

I scheduled the time off, but I'm having some difficulties with the ol' Hilux. If I can completely overhaul the drivetrain from the transmission back and fix a few odds and ends I'll be there for sure

 

[Medsker]

I think I'll be able to make it...if the wifey says it's ok

 

[kkemp]

I'm still in.

 

[eprobe]

Cody;
Try telling that to the U.S. government. Rot Box: we need you! Medsker: stand up for yourself! Look at me: I stand up for myself whenever my wife gives me the opportunity! Kkemp: bless you and your ride!

 

[eprobe]

I'm sorry, I meant to say I stand up for myself whenever my wife lets me.

 

[Medsker]

I actually talked to her and she was wondering what time we were leaving on Friday so she knew whether or not she could come with