from 2000 ft to 8500 ft

[jl8088]

Hello all,
i just joined this forum as it seems like it is pretty much down my alley.

I bought my 1999 Trooper about 6 months ago and started building it up for some expeditions (Central and Southern Cali and Mexico). Here are some photos from last months trip to the San Bernardino National Forest. I planned a route from 2000 to 8500 feet that of which 98% is all off-road. Let me know if you want to know the trip details to complete it.

and most importantly here are the photos!

Glad to be a part of such a cool website. This place rocks from all that i've read so far.

 

[datrupr]

Welcome to ExPo!!!:beer: Nice Trooper. Tell us more about it and the trip you just took.

 

[Incusus]

:iagree:

Yes, tell us more!

 

[jl8088]

sorry for the delayed response, work has kept me pretty busy the past week.
Here is some more info about this past adventure, which takes a little over a day. We decided to camp out one night to split the trip up which is definitely the better idea.

The trail starts at 2500 feet at Cajon Junction right off interstate 15 east of LA.

1.The trail starts at cleghorn road exit (marked off of highway 15). This trail is pretty easy, but there are plenty of side trails to test out that can get very challenging.
2. From the exit of cleghorn road, get back on 138 west and then turn off on 173 and turn right as soon as you pass silverwood lake dam (paved road distance around 2 miles). This is the start of trail 2N17X which is my favorite trail and it pretty difficult as there are tons of steep sections with lots of loose sandy surfaces. The majority of my photos are from this trail as it is very challenging and provide a ton of fantastic views as it climbs the apex of a ridge for several miles.
3. 2N17X ends at Pilot Rock Trail, which is an easy trail so long as you stay on the marked trail.
4. From the end of Pilot Rock Trail, you can take the Willow Creek Jeep trail.
5. Willow Creek Jeep trail intersects with Dispan Springs Trail (which I avoided) because it is one of the most difficult trails on the mountain and i was travelling solo.

I camped off of Dispan Springs road at Crab Flats. There is a nice hike down to Deep Creek off this road which is great especially if it is hot out.

6. From Dishpan springs road, drive back toward green valley lake and them proceed to 2N13 which will take you to Butler peak, our final destination that is at 8500 feet and has one hell of a view from the fire lookout there.

Here is 2N17X (it gets very steep and loose, pictures don't really give it justice)

This is "Pilot Rock"

The 2.5 mile hike off of dishpan springs leads to this oasis, which is nice considering the 90 degree heat! 2 trout limit, no barbs!

This is 2N13 headed towards Butler Peak, easy road, very senic and remote.

and the final destination, Butler Peak at 8500 feet and a cool breeze!

ran into a jeep club coming down...

All in all it was a great trip, anyone in the SoCal area should give it a shot for sure!!!

get the book "4 wheeler's guide, trails of the san bernardino mountains" for more specifics, it was only 10 bucks or so online.

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Welcome Aboard! :beer:

Great place to play! I did that same route last year and had a blast. Crab Flats is a great place to camp as it is in the middle of so many fun trails b/t Arrowhead and Big Bear. In addition, since it is kind of remote you usually don't get the typical crowds.

 

[AZTrooper]

Welcome!!!! I have a '99 troop as well. Let meknow if there's anything I could help you with.:jumping:

 

[Incusus]

Beautiful pics! You guys out west sure are lucky to have trails like that pretty much on your doorstep. I usually have to go out of state (Ky, WVa) for anything with a decent elevation change

 

[ntxtrooper]

The pictures make me jealous. I wanna take my 99 Trooper wheeling so bad I can taste the dirt..:chowtime:

 

[jl8088]

yeah, california offers a little bit of everything from Coastal Geography (green) all the way to complete desert geography (brown). It has everything in between too. For instance, death valley (lowest place{-282 ft}) and Mount Whitney (highest place{14,505ft}) are only a short distance apart (100-200 miles).

The best part is that we can surf and snowboard in the same day!!!!!!
The worst part....a 60 year old home (3BD/2BA) costs 450K! Ouch.

 

[jl8088]

Attn: AZTrooper.

I think i've seen a photo of your Trooper on planetisuzoo with the rear wheel tucked all the way into the wheel well. That has to be the coolest photo i've ever seen. Post that thing up here again for us to drool over.