CH CHALLANGE!!!!

I heard Matt Dillon might be going. Maybe Fern too. I'll be there in spirit. Whenever you need a spotter, just close your eyes and imagine I'm there giving weird directions and contradicting hand signals. If you need a good laugh, imagine me falling off a small cliff and catching myself at the last second. If you need more adventure, keep your eyes closed while you're doing the trail. There's bound to be good times ahead. I'm looking forwards to the pics and videos.

Jim

If work allows I will be coming on this trip and hopefully doing all the difficult tails

Here are the number and names of the trail we will be taking in order of travel.

First off, the McDonalds at the I-15 and Hwy 138 opens at 5 am on Friday. There is also a Chevron gas station there and a small store. I would recommend that all drivers top of their gas tanks for the two day trip.

I will start traveling on trail # 1, The Cleghorn 2N47 at 6 am. Be prepared to leave at the trailhead at that time. Allow yourself time for airing down. If you are unable to start at that time you should be easily able to catch up with us by taking the easier Cleghorn fire road route and bypassing the difficult options.

Trail 2: We will travel the pavement at the completion of the Cleghorn ( Hwy 138 left/north to Hwy 173 right/east) to Pilot Rock trail 2N33. Will will only follow this trail a short distance then take the "X" trail, 2N17 up the ridge to where it intersects with the Pilot Rock, 2N33 trail again.

Trail 3: Where the Pilot Rock, 2N33 trail ends past the water department and the pavement begins, we will turn left/north on the pavement to where the Willow Creek trail, 3N34 is found on our right. This is a Moderate trail. After a few miles just before the road become pavement we will turn left and continue on 3N34, now the difficult Dishpan Springs trail. Those wishing to avoid the Dishpan Springs trail will continue straight on 2N26Y south, also known as Hooks Creek Rd. south to Hwy 18 and then travel mostly improved roads to Crab Flats campground where the Dishpan Springs trail comes out.( several turns to Crab Flats, refer to your maps)

Trail 4: In past years we have camped at Crab Flats campground, but this year we will go around the campground, turn left/north on 3N16 to a boulder field on the right, where our next difficult trail Holcomb Creek, 3N93 (on some maps it listed as 3N08) begins. Those wishing to by pass Holcomb Creek trail will continue on pavement on Holcomb Valley Rd 3N16 turning right on 3N97 past the Ironwood Group campground. Then turn south on 3N14. Then right in Holcomb Creek trail 3N08 to the Yellow Post campsite on your right as you descend. You should have radio contact with us once you are are Holcomb Creek trail, 3N08. There is a strong possibility that you will arrive before those taking the difficult trail section so just be patience.

Campsite day 1: Yellow Post campsite #34. This campsite is in the old burn zone and isn't much to look at but should suit our needs. Since we will only be there one night, if each vehicle brings even 1/2 a box of fire wood we should be ok. We'll be leaving early the next morning around 7:30 so breakfast will be a simple hot water meal.

Day 2

Trail 5: We will continue up the canyon on Holcomb Creek, 3N08 to 3N16 west. This is a easy drive to the junction with the John Bull trail, 3N10, left. Those wishing to avoid the difficult trail can continue on 3N16 to where 3N02 comes in on the left. This will be where the group exits the John Bull Trail.

Trail 6: After exiting John Bull we will travel east on 3N16 to the Gold Mountain trail, 3N69 right. I believe all going on this trip have done the Gold Mountain Trail, but if you wish to go around, contact me for directions.

Trail 7: Gold Mountain trail exits on Hwy18 near Baldwin dry lake mile marker 56.21. From here we will travel north, left, on Hwy 18 to Smarts Ranch Rd, 3N03. We turn right unto this moderate dirt road all vehicle should be able to travel. We will then turn right on 2N02 and again right on 2N01.

Trail 8: After a short distance on 2N01 we will turn left, south on the Heartbreak Ridge 2N61Y trail. Rated difficult. Most of you have traveled this trail before. After completing the Pontiac Loop and Heartbreak Ridge trail we will exit again on 2N02. AT this point we will make a sharp left turn unto 2N02 and travel a short distance north.

Trail 9: After traveling a short distance north on 2N02 there will be a steep trail on our left (easy to miss) descending to the "Y" Trail, 2N70Y. This is a short fun trail with a few obstacles all should be able to make. This trail ends again on 2N02, where we make a sharp right turn south again passing where we started the trail earlier.

Trail 10: Our final leg is to continue on 2N02 south through Burns Canyon toward Pioneer Town where we complete the CH Challenge when dirt turns to pavement on the Rimrock Road. Congratulation to all who completed the Challenge!

Gas can be found where the Pioneer Town Rd empties unto Hwy 62 in Yucca Valley, straight ahead.

I will be traveling from the finish line to my place, the Oaks, for the night, All are welcome. It may be necessary for some of those traveling with me ( me included) to first refill their gas tanks before traveling to the Oaks. We'll figure that out when we get there.

If you like I'll treat those coming to the Oaks to a celebratory dinner of steak cooked over a wood fire.

2 things I need to know,

1. Are you coming on the CH Challenge?
2. Are you coming to the Oaks?

Thanks,
Fred

Fred,

I will be coming on the CH Challenge and spending Saturday night at the Oaks.

Murrie

I am in as well.
Rudi