Kingston Peak

[Java]

Since we're running it tomorrow, here's some good videos of most of the trail. I know they say the north part is shelf-esque, but it doesn't look like anything too much to me (last video).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAnh8gZBvoA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvy4YOOdgTg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0524nzJPDdc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHaqazKQ9Xc

[Hypoid]

Since we're running it tomorrow, here's some good videos of most of the trail. I know they say the north part is shelf-esque, but it doesn't look like anything too much to me (last video).The upper shelf road is pretty dug out from ATV/UTVs spinning their tires. Running South to North is easier, and much less nerve racking.

[Java]

You reminded me of a thread from last year when I tried to run this, I think the general consensus was that South to North is better, and go to Yankee instead of Mammoth. I read a trip report on an ATV board that said doing it as an in-out from Alice to the James Peak trail is more fun than doing it as a loop. The northern part looks dull, honestly, just a long exposed stretch.

from last year http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?23557-Kingston-Peak-Sunday-August-9

[Hypoid]

After running it both ways with NAXJA, I would not take a beginner, or a stock vehicle from North to South (never again!). I enjoyed the entire trail because it was another day in the mountains. :)

The fourth video you posted shows the stretch in question. The driver stops at 6:00 to negotiate one of the drops: Now bear in mind this video was uploaded four years ago.




I read a trip report on an ATV board that said doing it as an in-out from Alice to the James Peak trail is more fun than doing it as a loop. I have not checked my maps, but there are several hiking trails up top. If they are referring to the trail head in the middle of the shelf road, that goes to the lakes, they effectively double the traffic on the upper shelf road. :frown:

[FINOCJ]

I actually like the section north of the james pk trail the best. Yes its a shelf road, but the upper switchback has the most challenging spot on the entire trail (easier going down south to north) and the hike down to the lake at the switchback is nice. Going out mammoth is just dirt. Going via apex to cemeteries is about the same. There is a way to get back to yankee as I think you mentioned.

[Java]

interesting, a lot of the trails have changed in the last few years... the whole North side looks like long shelf and dirt roads, it seems that maybe across Yankee to in / out Loch Lomond and then in / out Kingston maybe the most fun / trails in a day, we'll see who shows up tomorrow and talk about it at the meetup. I just finished putting my top and doors on, the one thing everyone agrees on is that it's windy up there!


edit- just found this trip report http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1122381 (nice job, Mike!) looks like the shelf section sucks. How hard is it to find the trailhead on the Alice side?

[Hypoid]

How hard is it to find the trailhead on the Alice side?It is not that hard, but it is easy to miss a turn here and there. ;) You should give GlacierPaul a shout, that is his back yard. :)

[Chris]

You should give GlacierPaul a shout, that is his back yard. :)

it would be nice to hear from Paul but he hasn't been for 3 months or so. :confused:

[Hypoid]

it would be nice to hear from Paul but he hasn't been for 3 months or so. :confused:
He just might be on a list, somewhere on this board... ;)

[Tom]

He just might be on a list, somewhere on this board... ;)as in rescue

[Chris]

:redface:

[Java]

I've got the rescue list, but I don't think we'll need it. It would be great to see Paul, hopefully not for a rescue! :) I always thought this was a relatively easy trail, guess Ill find out tommorow. I've been watching trail video during UFC commercials (it's on now on Fox) and it doesn't look like Kingston is any big deal in either direction. This is the most recent I've found, a modified YJ has no problems:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPm8MpkD9ys

[sdswingr]

I've got the rescue list, but I don't think we'll need it. It would be great to see Paul, hopefully not for a rescue! :) I always thought this was a relatively easy trail, guess Ill find out tommorow. I've been watching trail video during UFC commercials (it's on now on Fox) and it doesn't look like Kingston is any big deal in either direction. This is the most recent I've found, a modified YJ has no problems:


I wouldn't worry about it too much, I ran it solo last summer with my stock JK Willys..it's fairly easy.

[Tom]

Easy trail. I ran it stock when I first got my jk. Its easier this year then the last couple. Some obsticles have smothed out. You will not have issues. I strongly recommend counter clockwise. Just run over to Apex and take the cty rd to Mamoth

[Java]

Aside from the easy route finding is there any reason you'd recommend counter clockwise? I like the idea of getting the boring shelf section over with first, but is that the best direction for the whole trail? Thanks!!

[Tom]

Its more interesting that way. End up with two interesting but not difficult climbs. Other direction has nothing of technical interest.

When I lived in Alice I'd run up Yankee and cut across via 772.1 and make a loop.

Oh and the mud pit has been drained an barricaded.
Obtw tbe 'boring' shelf is really scenic.

[dieseldoc]

We did this north to south 2 years ago before locking the rear.
Easy just bouncy on the rocks.
The view on the shelf road is very nice.
The stop for the hiking trail is windy and has nice views.
In all this trails is enjoyable not a challenge in any way.
We would be wheeling today if I didn't need a steering box.....