Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: Paul on August 21, 2010, 06:44:32 PM
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This is the perfect time of year to make that long drive up to the north for the Owens Valley area. This is going to be a fairly easy run with some beautiful photo opportunities.
Difficulty: Mostly a rating of five on a scale of ten but some may rate slightly higher. High-clearance 4WD are required, the stock Xterra minus the step rails ought to do fine. Expect a rough road surface with rocks, substantial sections of one lane road and sections steep enough to cause traction problems, but that
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We were there last in September of 2007 - looking west here - note the snow patches on the ground still!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/Cerro%20Gordo%209-2007/7X.jpg)
Diaz Lake
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/Cerro%20Gordo%209-2007/DiazLake.jpg)
The view east from along the trail toward Death Valley
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/Cerro%20Gordo%209-2007/_DSC8293.jpg)
The American Hotel
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/Cerro%20Gordo%209-2007/_DSC8334.jpg)
Burgess mine ruins
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/Cerro%20Gordo%209-2007/Mining01.jpg)
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In early October I'd like to run the Mojave from east to west. ;D
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Paul it really looks like you did your homework on this one. Unfortunately I'm already booked for Labor Day Weekend but that east to west Mojave run sounds good. Let me know as soon as you come up with a date.
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Love that area and wish I could go but have to work as it is the last big day of the season at the hotel. For those of you considering it, I suggest you go as it is a nice easy run with tons of things to see. You won't be disappointed. Good choice Paul.
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Paul,
Count me in Friday through Monday if your down for Monday! I may have company with me...
Everyone this is an epic adventure and so worth it. I highly recommend it.
Mark
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I am working the weekend. :(
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I'm a maybe.
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I'm a maybe.
JASON! :D
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I may have company with me...
OK but at least tell me if I know you before she shows up this time. :-\
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Oh I really want to make this one. I get a bonus on that weekend that I was going to use to finally get some new tires. If I just go ahead and order them now and if I can find a babysitter for 2 days I'm in. I'll keep you posted.
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JASON! :D
That's what I thought too. ;D
I wonder how he's doing....
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(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Nqhsc6dwvBY/THmAd6gtkOI/AAAAAAAAWVU/dVpEPAAtIAY/s576/DSC_2581.JPG)
this is the salt tram...
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So i have been reading this over and love the idea and wanna join...
but ive been thinking if you wanna go up to Cerro Gordo and down swansea, north, it may tough, just a couple of my thoughts...
1. Cerro Gordos owner passed away so rooting around isnt advised right now, although no problem with driving up there and Off roading (public lands, and Cerro Gordo is a Mine Clain)
2. A couple months ago (May) I went up Swansea, and down on 3 quads, and it was tough Paul...MY uncle, Dad, and I all said the same thing, "WOW!, this is a lot tougher since the last time we were up here" last time we were there was 05/06
Now the good part is, i made it to the salt tram last month...little bit of a skinny section for a 1/4 of a mile but other than that no biggy... I however stopped at the salt tram..
Sorry paul this is just what i found from my explorations...
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We'll be on the lower half of the Cerro Gordo trail and taking a turn to the north along Swansea past the ghost town - where the road gets rougher.
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Ok becuase the only part that id really not advise is the last 2 miles of swansea to the pavement you can "easily" go from cerro across the ridge pas mexican springs. and such. just proabably cant make it to pavement...
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Kyle what portion are you saying is difficult? I've numbered each section. It sounds like section seven is the one you're warning about and that will be down hill at that point. There are some steep sections there if I recall correctly.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/10-08%20Cerro%20Gordo-Swansea/CerroGordo-Swansea.gif)
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You my friend are a super smart!
Ok so ur definetly correct 6 and 7 are the youghest spots.. id say 1 out of 10 its a 9... and line 5 has some tough spots, steep down hills.
So i dont know if the loop would be complety possible, unless your on a quad...due to spots 6 and 7
at swansea 21 it goes narrow for a 1/4 mile but completly passable.
I hate to poke holes in your trip, becuase it is a great trip! Cerro Gordo is amazing, in fact that entire area is KICK BUTT!!!
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That's what I thought too. ;D
I wonder how he's doing....
I'm good, just finally getting back on the trails with the X. Been on a long stint of backpacking while my truck was out of order. Got really in to it, and went on some amazing trips.
But the beast is back on the dirt again. Going to try and get back in to some trips if I can.
(http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=45690&d=1282550884)
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I'm good, just finally getting back on the trails with the X. Been on a long stint of backpacking while my truck was out of order. Got really in to it, and went on some amazing trips.
Jason, welcome back. I would like to hear about some of the backpacking trips - if you've got any good pictures (like you usually do) please post. I'll bet you missed a few of the truck's amenities, like the refrigerator. There is something to said for the quiet of backpacking though.
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Backpacking... like "Into The Wild" kinda stuff?
Your Expedition Portal posts are legendary! Can't wait to hear your backpacking stories and adventures on your rig!
Welcome back Jason!
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Backpacking... like "Into The Wild" kinda stuff?
Your Expedition Portal posts are legendary! Can't wait to hear your backpacking stories and adventures on your rig!
Welcome back Jason!
Exactly!! Ultralight minimalist stuff, and some heavy packing too.
I don't want to hijack this thread with backpacking photos, I have WAY too many. BUT, here are a couple that highlight my last year or so.
My flyfishing partner and I on Golden Trout creek in the southern Sierras. She helps me bring the fish in!
(http://www.seeksolitude.com/images/sierras3.jpg)
I woke up one morning in the Sierras to find a forest fire oh boy. The smoke made for great sun rays though!
(http://www.seeksolitude.com/images/sierras2.jpg)
Of course, the sunsets in the wilderness.
(http://www.seeksolitude.com/images/sierras1.jpg)
Some interesting moments being trapped in some... not so friendly hiking areas.
(http://www.seeksolitude.com/images/cactus.jpg)
Love it.
(http://www.seeksolitude.com/images/guadalupe.jpg)
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Awesome! Definitely have to start a new picture thread called... Into The Wild!
I will post my backpacking trip in the Sierras as well. Thanks for sharing!
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Jason,
Welcome back man. I missed you. I remember doing John Bull with you. That was an awesome day brother. I hope your back for good. The club needs more people with passion for offroading like you and Paul & Brian.
Paul I will be bringing the same "passenger" as last time...
I will be leaving LA around 1 PM that puts us at Dias Lake campground Friday at about 6Pm factoring in LA holiday weekend traffic.
Paul can you post up or PM me your cell phone. Mine is sixtwosixthree7six7seven79
(I dont people to google the actual number and find me on any site.)
Mark
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(I dont people to google the actual number and find me on any site.)
I thnk you're safe.
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Hi guys, my Club (Eastern Sierra 4 Wheel Drive Club) was there 4 weeks ago. The section in question was passable when we went uphill, so going down it will be no problemo!
It was probably like a technical 41/2, out of 8, so even then my X went up with only a little coaching (read slipping the clutch). :)
Also see our site es4wdclub.com
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Hi guys, my Club (Eastern Sierra 4 Wheel Drive Club) was there 4 weeks ago. The section in question was passable when we went uphill, so going down it will be no problemo!
It was probably like a technical 41/2, out of 8, so even then my X went up with only a little coaching (read slipping the clutch). :)
Also see our site es4wdclub.com
OKay thats great to hear!! I had only gone on that section on Quads, I have been looking back and been wondering if the extrem short wheel base made alot of that harder than being in a vehicle.
As for me i will be staying with my family at our cabin in Olancha and will meet you guys at the correct spot on Saturday on time
Excited to do my first run with y'all!!
call if you need questions or assitance since I practically live in olancha 30 minutes south of Lonepine/ camp ground.
951-704-57 eleven. (slightly less paranoid.)
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My number is 951 Eight 40- Eight 611 - understand that cell service can be a wee bit spotty "out there".
Glad to hear the trail is likely passable - I couldn't imagine that the trail got that bad that fast but it does happen. I'm assuming that the fire danger will be high so that means no ground fires and propane cooking. This will be a nice slow-pace trip.
The weather forecast keeps getting warmer and warmer. >:(
We're leaving tomorrow and will be in Lone Pine around lunch time and will just enjoy the easy day at the lake. Remember it's $10 a night per vehicle.
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I got a stock 08 Xterra X 4wd but Kyle talked me into going with my 2 boys ( 10yo and 8yo ) at least for Saturday- and Sundays run. I should be in touch with him and should see the rest of you guys Saturday 10:30 @ Mc Donalds, Lone Pine!!
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Guys I'm out.....I'm sick and fighting a cold. I just want to sleep. Have fun without me. I'll miss doing this.
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OK Mark get better. We're getting ready to hit the road soon.
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Like I said, I am heading up there and will be in the area, but will meet you all at McDonalds on saturday!
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And back - a very fun trip. Super group of hearty campers!
Since all four trucks were campers we added another 2.5 hours to the trail with the Saline Valley Road to the Cerro Gordo and ended up +9000 feet up on Swansea camping near the Burgess Mine ruins. A wonderful night with zero wind and nice cool temperatures. The ride up featured the first winch rescue I'm seen in +24 runs with the club. On the way down we stopped and looked at some petroglyphs. Photos will follow over on the pictures and videos forum.
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Someone used a winch! Sounds like a truly epic Xcursion.
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Well I have never used my winch and since Diana got pulled over by a sheriff - I will be putting my front license plate on. Good pictures - glad everyone got back safe.
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Well I have never used my winch and since Diana got pulled over by a sheriff - I will be putting my front license plate on. Good pictures - glad everyone got back safe.
Make Diana put it on, she got the ticket.
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Make Diana put it on, she got the ticket.
No kidding. What was she thinking.
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Here is a pick of me in Mexico getting my back waxed, what came off looked like a demented possum. (http://[attachment=2][/attachment])
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Here is a pick of me in Mexico getting my back waxed, what came off looked like a demented possum. (http://[attachment=2,msg7197][/attachment])
Um... :o
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Here is a pick of me in Mexico getting my back waxed, what came off looked like a demented possum. (http://[attachment=2,msg7197][/attachment])
It looked like a demented opossum before it came off.
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Um... :o
Gaaaaacccckkkk.....
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Gaaaaacccckkkk.....
Oh man, you didn't actually click on that picture?
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Oh man, you didn't actually click on that picture?
God, no. That tiny pic was way more than enough.
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Here is a pick of me in Mexico getting my back waxed, what came off looked like a demented possum. (http://[attachment=2,msg7197][/attachment])
I thought you went to Mexico to have that sweater glued on.