12/27-28 Rattlesnake Canyon, Big Bear

[xtoolbox]

Been a while since I've had a open weekend and thinking this should be a great run this time of year

Meets:
12/27 9:30 - Chevron:
12659 Foothill Blvd Etiwanda, CA 91739, US
Exit the I15-E at Foothill Blvd and turn right.
http://tinyurl.com/yeo4xp

For those coming from the other directions:
2nd meet 10:30am - SR 247 / Bessemer Mine Road Intersection (N 34 24.73 116 43.39')
Google Maps: http://tinyurl.com/3d4ymt
RattleSnake Canyon Trail Head:
.7 miles east of mile marker 27 off SR 247


 Rattlesnake Canyon [Moderate: ~ 25miles & 4 hours]
Starts off in the high desert washes, passes through a fun rocky, canyon, by some yucca & Joshua trees with a mine site and optional short dry waterfall climb along the way. At the burns canyon intersection we’re going to take 2n02 up to Big Bear. If there is water in the canyon the trail can get more difficult but still passable for stock 4x4’s, while dry its easy to moderate.

This run will be diverse and offer something for everyone from easy wash running, desert fast tracks, traditional trail rides, optional rock piles, with views, mine site, landmarks, and flora to see along the way.  Please post up if you're interested, have some other stuff in mind, etc.

Reference / GPS:
Guide to Socal Backroads and 4-wheel Drive Trails: Charles A. Wells
RattleSnake Canyon #43

Primitive Group Camping Saturday night at someplace that looks good, might be cold so pack for it. 

Who knows may just get some wet weather (fun in the canyon) or snow in Big Bear to play around in

FRS Channel 2, Subcode 24
CB Channel 12

Brian

[Oz]

Kewl! I'm off that w/e too - I'm there

[chad]

I am off that weekend and the twins are with their mother so i think i am in for the over nighter

[strikedistance]

I would but cant make it.

[AV Xterra]

This has always been a good run and one that I will consider doing again.

[Paul]

Sounds fun. We're likely go home improvement project cooperating.
Painting done ... we're good to go!

This was fun while I was stock a couple of years ago ... exciting with lots of tight turns, rocks gardens, and water. 

[superslidestyle]

Count me in!

[Soylent Yellow]

I will be there.

[X2THA_T]

I'm planning on it, we'll see. Camping for sure. Might have to make a snowboarding run while i'm there this time.

[superslidestyle]

Since this is a two day trip, is there an itinerary for stops along the way or are we just winging it?  I ask 'cause I'm only going for the first day only (my wife is afraid to camp overnight).  Go figure!  I am trying to convince her, though.  Also, what would you guys recommend I bring as far as gear and safety stuff for the X?  I'm kinda new to the offroad thing since it was nothing but racecars in the past for me.

[FrankB]

. . .  Also, what would you guys recommend I bring as far as gear and safety stuff for the X?   . . . .

Since we still have not gotten around to writing up a specific page for this (we had a thorough one on the old site) here are a few things to keep in mind (copied from an earlier post, modified and expanded):

- We hang out at the meet spot for maybe half an hour, unless the trip leader is running late.
- Be sure to arrive at the meet fully fueled. This meet spot is at a Chevron station, so top off when you get there.
- Be sure to bring an FRS radio in working condition, with fully charged batteries. It's not a good idea to depend on someone having a spare to loan out. The channel is always the number of the month, with sub-channel always 24. December is the 12th month, so this run it will be Ch. 12, sub-channel 24.
- If you plan to air down your tires be sure to bring something to air them back up with. You'll be glad you aired down on Rattlesnake Canyon. Costco has an inexpensive compressor that works pretty well for $50.
- Even if you don't plan to camp you should always carry adequate water and food for more than one day. There will be a stop for lunch, so lunch food and a camp chair is nice to have.
- Responsible alcohol consumption at the end of the day in camp only, please refrain while on the trail. No illegal drugs at any time please.
- This run ends in Big Bear, which should be a lot colder than the desert where it starts. Plan accordingly. The first time I did this run several of the roads out of Big Bear that night were closed due to snow. This is much earlier in the season, but you never know.
- As for safety equipment, you should always have a first aid kit, flashlight(s), extra batteries, cutting tool(s), shovel, sturdy gloves, blanket. A list of emergency contacts should be on piece of paper in your glove box.
- Your vehicle should have a full-sized spare tire, it should be the same size as (or very close to) your other tires.
- Your vehicle should have recovery points (tow hooks or attachment point) front and rear.
- Camera.
- Most importantly, a sense of adventure.

[Blackx]

I'm going to try and make the 28th.  I have Oz's number so I'll get in touch with him as we get closer.

[superslidestyle]

Are there any changes since the weather got colder now and there's snow up there?  Aside from the need for snow chains?

[Oz]

Are there any changes since the weather got colder now and there's snow up there?  Aside from the need for snow chains?

Yeah, its gunna be funner!

[FrankB]

I don't think I'll be able to make it this year.