Coyote Canyon - Feb 15, 2009

[FROADER]

Since my "FROADER" is out of commission (front driver's side axle shafts and ujoint) for the time being, my girlfriend wanted to get out for the day and test out her newly lifted Jeep. I told her the perfect day trip/trail for us would be Coyote Canyon in Anza. I have been there many times over the past 18 years and knew it would be a great trail for her to learn about her truck and how to drive it on the trails.

Specs of the vehicle:
'06 Unlimted
4.0L
6 speed
RE 4.5" short arm
Daystar 1" body lift
Pro Comp wheels & 35" Xtreme A/T
4.88s with L/S in both axles

We left her house (Irvine) at about 8:30AM and arrived in Azna at 11AM.

Even though she has driven my rig a few times, she was still a little nervous and asked if I would drive first.

After we peaked the "hard part" of the Canyon, she took the wheel all the way to the end, and back.

On the way back home, going through Warner Springs, i've always wanted to take a ride in a glider...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz2jWrsxsHA
If you haven't done this yet, you should. Our 20 minute ride felt like it was about 40. It was relaxing and exciting at the same time and I'm sure you know what I mean.



This was quite a day for us and it was much needed. To top it all off, on the way home I asked her where she wanted to stop for dinner. I swear I heard angels singing when the word that came out of her mouth was Fuddruckers!

Thanks for taking the time to check this out and I hope you enjoyed it. Sunny and I sure did.

–Colin

 

[ujoint]

Nice trip! Jeep looks good with all that black!

 

[Borrego60]

sheeps

I know the canyon very well. I think that would be an excellent place for a future expedition and some exploring before it gets to hot or closes for the sheep. I took my 03 tundra stock up the trail to sheeps not a problem at all.I did like the water crossing it was about 28" last time I went. Awsome area to camp and star gaze. Thanks for the post.

 

[AndrewP]

Funny-We were just there on Thursday night and camped at Sheep Canyon. If you hike way up the canyon there is a huge grove of palm trees up to the left.

I noticed the trail leading up Coyote canyon is much easier than 2 years ago when we were last there.

We did some other knocking around in the park and camped near the old Carrizo stage station, and in the upper part of Fish Creek Wash.

 

[Borrego60]

sheeps

There is also a water fall back in that area if you know where to look and a indian sweat hut.

 

[HanzoSteel]

Nice pics, looked like a great time and that gliding looks awesome!

 

[FROADER]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, the trail is pretty easy, which is why I chose it for her to learn about her Jeep. I used to take my 2wd Ford Ranger (on 32s not locked) up that circa '94. I also did it in my Explorer when it was bone stock on the dreaded Firestone Fiasco tires.

We are going back next weekend with 3 other couples. It should be a good trip because when I planned it, I mentioned in the email to my friends that it was mandatory for the ladies to drive the whole way on the trail. So yesterday was kind of a scouting/cheating trip so Sunny could get some practice.

The gliding was amazing. It would have been a little better if it wasn't 40° on the ground which makes it who knows how cold 3000' up (which was actually 6000' above sea level).

 

[awalter]

FROADER, you mentioned you started out in Anza. You can do upper Coyote Canyon from there, but from the rest of your posts, it sounds like you started from Borrego Springs & did the lower portion.

Al

 

[FROADER]

FROADER, you mentioned you started out in Anza. You can do upper Coyote Canyon from there, but from the rest of your posts, it sounds like you started from Borrego Springs & did the lower portion.

Al

My bad, you're right. We did lower starting from Borrego Springs. I have a habit of calling the whole area all the way to Truckhaven, Anza.

Ever since I was 8 my dad has told me we're going to Anza, Anza Borrego or Borrego Springs. I made it easy for myself to explain to my friends and called all of it Anza. Have been ever since.

 

[HMR]

It would have been a little better if it wasn't 40° on the ground which makes it who knows how cold 3000' up (which was actually 6000' above sea level).

28F with a standard lapse rate.

:sunflower

 

[jeepmedic46]

Beautiful pics, Thank you for sharing. That jeep looks good:smiley_drive:

 

[adventureduo]

Right on man, i need to get Yosh out with your GF so we can get them some seat time in their TJ's. That unlimited looks nice all black like that.

 

[Cabrito]

Looks fun! Real nice jeep there.

 

[FROADER]

Thanks guys. I'm not really a Jeep guy, but it's fun to drive Sunny's around. I'm used to more smooth heavier vehicles like my Explorer or even a Ranger. Sunny commented on how rough her ride was compared to my rig.

Right on man, i need to get Yosh out with your GF so we can get them some seat time in their TJ's. That unlimited looks nice all black like that.

We (3 couples in 3 jeeps) are heading out of "The OC" Saturday morning around 8:30AM to arrive there close to 11AM again if you guys want to meet for the day, or camp with us. Either way, you're welcome to join us! PM me if you're interested and we can decide a meeting time and place either on the way or in Borrego Springs.

I'd like to meet that dog of yours too. I want a Boston.

 

[Borrego60]

Upper and lower canyons.

Years ago you could drive from Borrego springs to Anza all off road and an nice offroad trip. Now you can only go up to the middle willows. If you come down from Anza the old Turkey Trot grade is now easy. I has been graded for the fire service to gain access to the canyons in that area. A trip to Bailys cabin is also good for first timers, but the cabin is first come first serve kinda deal. From top of turkey trot.

The cabin itself.

alittle rock but nothing to worry about all in all a great trip for the day or week end.