Post by Explorer 1 on Jan 12, 2022 21:54:08 GMT -8
Three of us ventured out last April to check out the recently reopened White Mountain trail. Previously, it had been closed for years die to the big fire on the back side of Big Bear.
Fern in his newly created "Snow White" from the "body parts" ( Really mostly the suspension and drive trail from the engine back ) of the rolled Grande. ( a casualty of the Covid 19 virus).
Matt with his newer Willys version of a JK ( Not sure if he has the AEV lift yet or not, but I think so.
And myself in my still ailing JK. You can hear in the end of the video the warning bell going off and it putting my engine in "limp mode".
It was a beautiful day, usual access to the trail is out of eastern Victorville area so we headed over Cajon pass and worked our way to the trailhead after a few false starts since there are no visible trail markers that match the guide book.
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Right off the trail numbers changed and it was a bit confusing. Since we were on a exploring day trip I really didn't care that much as I knew the general direction we wanted to go.
Our first side trail took us up some steel rocky switchbacks and abruptly ended at the site of an abandoned mine.
The other two vehicles were a short distance behind me. By the time I turned around Fern was there with "Snow White" who's engine died. After opening the hood we quickly found the problem and headed back down to the White Mountain trail. However, this engine dying problem was just beginning.
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There are several rather difficult climbs on the White Mountain trail all of which have easier options around.
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The most difficult one was stilled covered in some snow and not only was steep and had loose soil and rocks but was very off camber. A challenge for another day. I'd also prefer to try it in my lighter nimble XJ than my heavy JK. We'll see.
Lots of great views of the desert but the trail eventually come into the old Grapevine canyon trail and ends up on one of the main trails we use for access to John Bull.
As we left the last difficult section, Snow white "gave up the ghost" and had to be pulled to pavement where AAA would come and carry her home.
I'll have to figure out a way to include this trail in our CH Challenge 2 day trip next time.....it's sure not to disappoint!
Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1
Fern in his newly created "Snow White" from the "body parts" ( Really mostly the suspension and drive trail from the engine back ) of the rolled Grande. ( a casualty of the Covid 19 virus).
Matt with his newer Willys version of a JK ( Not sure if he has the AEV lift yet or not, but I think so.
And myself in my still ailing JK. You can hear in the end of the video the warning bell going off and it putting my engine in "limp mode".
It was a beautiful day, usual access to the trail is out of eastern Victorville area so we headed over Cajon pass and worked our way to the trailhead after a few false starts since there are no visible trail markers that match the guide book.
Right off the trail numbers changed and it was a bit confusing. Since we were on a exploring day trip I really didn't care that much as I knew the general direction we wanted to go.
Our first side trail took us up some steel rocky switchbacks and abruptly ended at the site of an abandoned mine.
The other two vehicles were a short distance behind me. By the time I turned around Fern was there with "Snow White" who's engine died. After opening the hood we quickly found the problem and headed back down to the White Mountain trail. However, this engine dying problem was just beginning.
There are several rather difficult climbs on the White Mountain trail all of which have easier options around.
The most difficult one was stilled covered in some snow and not only was steep and had loose soil and rocks but was very off camber. A challenge for another day. I'd also prefer to try it in my lighter nimble XJ than my heavy JK. We'll see.
Lots of great views of the desert but the trail eventually come into the old Grapevine canyon trail and ends up on one of the main trails we use for access to John Bull.
As we left the last difficult section, Snow white "gave up the ghost" and had to be pulled to pavement where AAA would come and carry her home.
I'll have to figure out a way to include this trail in our CH Challenge 2 day trip next time.....it's sure not to disappoint!
Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1