Newbie Run - any interest?

[Jim]

To the new to four wheeling folks - would you be interested in a trail run oriented at those new to the sport?

Pipe up and let's see what pans out.

[1oldnewb24lo]

Yes. I am a weekend warrior. I can do a weekday run, but I need a week or so to get time off approved.

[Jim]

Thx. It'll be a couple to three weekends as I'm heading to Utah in a few days...

Tom / others - what trails would be recommended (that are open) for a newbie run?

[Tom]

Thx. It'll be a couple to three weekends as I'm heading to Utah in a few days...

Tom / others - what trails would be recommended (that are open) for a newbie run?
Taylor Mountain, West Magnolia, Pickle Gulch, Yankee Hill, Switzerland Trail, Pennsylvania Gulch all come to mind.

[Java]

I was recently in West Magnolia- everything except the road down to Rollinsville is open, and it's a mudfest in all the right ways. The real shocker is the new growth; if you've been to West Magnolia in the last 10 years or so since they did the massive beetle kill mitigation it's looked like a war zone. Now it is a sensational baby forest, acers of new trees everywhere but only a few feet tall. Walking on the trails is like being a giant! It's worth seeing, and Magnolia right across 119 takes you to Winiger Ridge / Gross Reservoir which is also very easy. Cool hiking trail there too.

[Jackie]

As of May 21, Pickle Gulch was impassible.

Quote from Trails Offroad trail report:

"We attempted Pickle Gulch yesterday but did not get very far once we hit the Snowden Mine intersection. We plowed maybe about 100 yards west on Stewart Gulch through the snow but hit a drift that was up to the hood. Then tried going up Dakota Hill but again hit snow drifts that were up to the bumper."

Blackhawk has had a lot of rain since then, but not really any more snow. I would try it :D

[Jim]

Thanks Jackie.

I don't think I'd put Pickle Gulch on the newbie list - that uphill from the picnic area can give un-locked vehicles grief (last time I was there). Is that uphill "improved" or easier now?

I could see Switzerland - south to north. All depending upon the jeeps in the group - a stop at cliffhanger 2.0 for those that wish to give it a try (possibly none). Then the non-railroad-bed section to the far north trailhead would give something different than the flat railbed. If some wished to tack-on another trail in the area - a consideration.

I'll have to look at the other trails that were mentioned - I'm not overly familiar with trails in that area.

[Jackie]

Thanks Jackie.

I don't think I'd put Pickle Gulch on the newbie list - that uphill from the picnic area can give un-locked vehicles grief (last time I was there). Is that uphill "improved" or easier now?

I could see Switzerland - south to north. All depending upon the jeeps in the group - a stop at cliffhanger 2.0 for those that wish to give it a try (possibly none). Then the non-railroad-bed section to the far north trailhead would give something different than the flat railbed. If some wished to tack-on another trail in the area - a consideration.

I'll have to look at the other trails that were mentioned - I'm not overly familiar with trails in that area.

I ran it during Covid. I didn't need lockers for anything. It was fine then.

[Tom]

I ran it during Covid. I didn't need lockers for anything. It was fine then.
One could also run it from the apex side which would make the obstacle a downhill.

[Spence2111]

I would be interested in joining one of these trail runs. Keeping an eye on this thread for more details.

Spencer

[hiimmike]

I don't know if I'm new to the sport but I can always learn more!

One thing I'd really like to do that I feel I struggle with, picking appropriate lines and spotting on those lines. I mean, I understand the basics, put your tires on the big rocks, not under your vehicle, and try not to put one corner really high and one corner really low, that's how you roll down hills. I would like to be more confident and be able to walk up to Escalator (or any obstacle) and say, this is the line, I'll drive it. Maybe I should've stuck with my Subaru because the Jeep makes it too easy. :lmao:

[Jim]

I've been quiet in the thread with the Maze trip and catching up after being away from my desk. The jeep's voluntarily out of commission with an odd radiator leak. I'm pulling the rad this aft to take it to a shop for evaluation - repair or replace. The jeep should be operational soon.

My thoughts on a "newbie run" is something easy. Time to talk some of the basics (everyone's responsible for the whereabouts of the person following / behind, radios are a convenience - not a necessity). Preferably a run where spotting would not be needed and one where nice views would be appreciated but not required.

Pickle Gulch - Apex to picnic area / downhill for the trail seems reasonable. Pole Hill is a favorite that comes to my mind but the entrance is not overly easy. Devils Canyon should be on the list. Switzerland is on the list - but it could be in the "very easy" category.

[Java]

Yankee Hill is great for a newbie run, and for a couple of shameless plugs for the trailsoffroad app. :thumb: Great video from TOR!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9TGYeBj7EY

[donnagail]

Hi Jackie. Just got back from my 3 month NZ/AU trip last week. We talked earlier this year about wheeling together. I am down at the Springs. Maybe we could put together a trail run involving camping? I am available during weekdays, too.

[kingfridayace]

Yankee Hill is great for a newbie run, and for a couple of shameless plugs for the trailsoffroad app. :thumb: Great video from TOR!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9TGYeBj7EY

I really want to try yankee hill, but didn’t want to do it alone. If there’s a beginner friendly run there I’ll try to make it. Once my truck is out of the shop that is.

[Jackie]

Hi Jackie. Just got back from my 3 month NZ/AU trip last week. We talked earlier this year about wheeling together. I am down at the Springs. Maybe we could put together a trail run involving camping? I am available during weekdays, too.

Welcome back Donnagail. I'd love to get out on a trail with you. Weekends are the only free days I have now since all my vacation time is spoken for, but let's pick a trail and get together!

[Java]

I really want to try yankee hill, but didn’t want to do it alone. If there’s a beginner friendly run there I’ll try to make it. Once my truck is out of the shop that is.

It's a great trail in both directions and the old cemeteries on the Central City side are really cool too. Good for night runs, no cliffs to fall off.

[LouisvilleMike]

To the new to four wheeling folks - would you be interested in a trail run oriented at those new to the sport?

Pipe up and let's see what pans out.

Yes!!! I would love to join a newbie run! Weekends are best for me, but given a week's heads up I could take a day off mid week!! Am gone this upcoming weekend (July 14th-16th) but am open the next two weekends in July!!

Would really look forward to meeting up with other off roaders!! Want to figure out how to get my wife interested in coming!

Mike

[Tom]

I would be willing to co-lead this with Jim once his rig is back in shape.

[LouisvilleMike]

I'm a fan of Yankee Hill!! Would love to do a group ride there!!

Mike :D

[Jim]

July's booked with family. August works - we can schedule around Tom's Camp Hale run.

I'm OK calling it for Yankee Hill. I don't know the area overly well - Tom can lead!

[Spence2111]

Yankee Hill looks like a great option for this run. I would be interested in joining as well.

Spencer

[Tom]

July's booked with family. August works - we can schedule around Tom's Camp Hale run.

I'm OK calling it for Yankee Hill. I don't know the area overly well - Tom can lead!
I would be good for the first or second weekend in Aug.

[Jim]

Let's list it for the second weekend in August.

Saturday is my pref - August 12.

Where to meet?

[Tom]

Let's list it for the second weekend in August.

Saturday is my pref - August 12.

Where to meet?
Two places come to mind for meeting location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B7dysvD1vVKKz4v16?g_st=ic Or
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCoa3u6AT43iPqg88?g_st=ic

First place is large, second has toilets

[Tom]

So the East 1/2 of Yankee is a mess. Washed out, big trenches in the middle of the trail and large boulders exposed. Not a beginner trail anymore imo. Strongly suggest Pickle Gulch or…

Could meet here for pickle and run it backwards.
https://goo.gl/maps/vutezLATs87vb6ne7

[Tom]

Run has been posted for Sat Sept 9th.