5/18 - Switzerland Trail North - Cliffhanger 2.0 and Penn Gulch

[open_circuit]

Meet at 10:00 am at the northern trail head. Air down and prepare here, wheels down by 10:20

CB Channel 4

The trail head is at https://maps.app.goo.gl/A6kjBFUrHwTJnJBZ8 . If you are heading west on Lefthand Canyon Dr (uphill, towards Ward), you would turn left at the intersection of Sawmill Rd and Lefthand Canyon Dr. This turn is on a curve in Lefthand Canyon, and is at the intersection of several different unpaved roads. Sawmill road will take you back east up a dirt/gravel shelf road for approximately 0.8 miles. The trail entrance (on the left) is not obvious from the road if no other vehicles are there, and is next to a private residence driveway and gate. See the attached image, which shows the trail entrance and private driveway.

At the trail head you will find a large clearing on the left with a fire pit. This is a good place to group up and air down.

Street view of trail head : https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0533019,-105.4869114,3a,75y,56.12h,80.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spCx7AicXhv8dWihhzGZ0fw!2e0!7i3 328!8i1664

https://i.imgur.com/CmNTntl.png

[Runnerman]

Ok. What is the difficulty level on this and what type of equipment is needed? Thanks

[open_circuit]

Penn gulch is a long rocky, bumpy climb up a drainage channel. I have done it on 30s with 2.5" lift very carefully. It was much easier when I ran it with 33s. However, I have not run it this spring yet, so we will see what erosion has occurred since last year and how badly it has changed. The last time I ran this with someone in a stock-ish 4runner, they struggled. Unsure if the problem was vehicle or operator.

You don't need lockers, but you would likely use them if you have them.

I guess the best stimate is it is either the hardest medium difficulty trail or the easiest hard difficulty trail. Call it a 6.5 or 7 out of 10?

[Runnerman]

Alright. I have 4runner with 3 inch lift and 31s.

[open_circuit]

I think your runner is also about 15 years newer than the one I am remembering running with. Taco Chris did this in his Tacoma last year before he put the big lift and tires on. You should be fine.

For what it is worth, the Funtreks guidebook used to list Pennsylvania Gulch as a blue (moderate) trail in the previous edition, but it has been changed to red (challenging) in the newest release.

[Runnerman]

Mine is an 07 with center diff lock

[open_circuit]

Mine is an 07 with center diff lock

If you are interested, I suggest you come out and attempt the trail. You should be fine on this one, and it will present a nice challenge early in the season. No pressure - I don't want to talk anyone into doing something they really aren't comfortable with.

I haven't mentioned cliffhanger 2.0 because it is only moderate. The climb is very loose with a couple of dug-out sections that can make the climb tricky, but there is really no penalty for failing on this. In Penn gulch, there is a little opportunity for light body damage or some pretty good undercariage contact if you aren't careful. What makes Penn gulch difficult is that it is narrow, and you don't really get to pick your line in some places -- you go where the trail goes and have a few inches to work with on either side.

Glad to have you along and spot you through the trail if you're up for it.

[Runnerman]

Oh I'm interested. Just got to check schedule.

[Max]

If you're still unsure of what the meeting spot looks like, here's a link to the Street View: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0533019,-105.4869114,3a,75y,56.12h,80.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spCx7AicXhv8dWihhzGZ0fw!2e0!7i3 328!8i1664

Attached is another view of the trailhead.

I don't remember this being a difficult trail, so most vehicles with 4WD and low range should be fine. People are happy to help guide anyone over obstacles.

[Jim]

Pennsylvania Gulch by B Roll


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGSqTaAF1ss

[open_circuit]

Some of the most challenging stuff is around the 5 minute mark in that video. Demonstrates how you don't get much of an option how/where you drive on this trail in some places. Thanks Jim.

[open_circuit]

Looks like we should have a good turnout tomorrow, with 8 "Yes" and 3 "Maybe" as of now. Be sure to update your status before ~8 am tomorrow, as we will wait at the trailhead a reasonable time for all who have RSVP'd "Yes". If you are a maybe or a no and not there by wheels down at ~10:20, we will start rolling.

Thanks!

[Happy Camper]

I’m out here at the chimney on Alto Mtn now if anyone wants to swing by I’ll have a little fire going after sunset

[Nate3265]

I wish I had thought to ask this a few days ago, but does anyone have an extra hand held cb raido? I do not have one.

[Happy Camper]

The gps coordinates for the gathering area are
40.0534060, -105.4868170

[UCFKnighter]

we are going to be late. Hopefully we can catch up to you guys