Oct 20-21: Shenanigans in Anza Borrego Desert SP

No worries, brother. Hopefully you can make it out to J-Tree in November.

 

Sweet. Looking forward to it.

 

Thank you, sir...and thanks for your service!

So are you in?

 

uhhh lets go! I know damn well you can get free for a weekend wth

 

Not sure yet. I’ll post in here when I figure it out.

 

I don't think I'm ready to go where you go.... I have some growing up to do.

 

No worries, @Mwray8909 , come out anyway. From what I've seen, this group goes out of its way to encourage all comers -- stock rigs too. I know at least one 2wd stock rig will be there.

 

I must have missed that this was open to all comers, saw the invites go out and..well sounds fun for the regulars..

 

Come, join us! All are welcome. No one gets left behind.

 

I've yet to see anyone "regular" show up.

 

I was planning on leading a group (I'd like to cap at 7 normally for all my private runs) as follows:
- Meet in Borrego Springs
- Visit 1-2 of the main metal sculpture attractions for some photos for 15-30 minutes.
- Make our way East on pavement then hit Font's Point to get some speed in a wide open wash.
- Enjoy the vista view for a few minutes and then head back out the same way.
- On pavement again we head East to Calcite Mine trail, which is short and easy but should introduce newbies to a level of technical trail.
- Optional: Before or after, we can visit an arch at the beginning of the trail.
- Optional: Hit the waterfall area for some technical rocky climbs (ie. I've seen buggies flip here but also moderately modded Jeeps make it up fine -- there are several different waterfalls to try).
- Optional: Hit the "notches" after, for some really tight stuff -- I don't suggest stock vehicles even try going into the notches but they can watch from above safely.
- Optional: Visit the Truckhaven arch.
- Finish that trail then head South to Truckhaven 4x4 training grounds and mess around there for an hour.
- Make our way Southwest across Ocotillo Wells hitting more high-speed washes and along the way hit some popular tourist attractions (ie. Pumpkin Patch, palm groves).
- While heading SW, we'll also hit Devil's Slide and Blow Sand, where drivers can test their trucks on some real soft hill climbs.
- Optional: There's a short "slot canyon" hike just West of there we can do if the group wants to.

Make our way toward the main group camp after all that but depending on how fast the group moves I have other ideas planned in between all of the above; that would cover day 1. I have a general idea for day 2 but it depends on where we're camping for the night. It's safe to assume day 2 would cover the Southern half of Anza where there really isn't much hard stuff at all but we can definitely find some fun stuff.

 

I also have a few friends that might be joining my group. I'll try and finalize the count on them soon.

 

I’m working with Francis on routes for the “take it easy” crowd. Previewing Lower Coyote yesterday was not good for those with sensitive skin (pinstripes). We may have to consider camping somewhere other than Blair Valley just to minimize time on the pavement.

 

There's always the main Holmes camp but it'll probably be packed, especially if we get there late in the day to get a spot. You can pretty much camp anywhere in Anza though. So we could find a wash big enough for the group. Or go all the way out to Superstition and camp there.

 

Currently looks like upper 80s to low 90s during the day and mid 50s at night. Plan according people!

 

That's not bad at all @Mwray8909 . Hopefully, the wind doesn't get too crazy for those with RTTs.

Thanks for your patience all. Routes are taking shape. @Spvrtan and @Porschetech29 are helping me prevent this from being a total Charlie Foxtrot and stepping up to handle most of the trail selection (major props to both of you). Ideally, we'll be able to communicate between the groups so we can plan meetups for lunch and camping.

My original plan got kaiboshed due to the distances between the trails I proposed and where we may end up camping. (Changes made to OP.)

I also have to give fair warning that this trip has a high likelihood of pinstriping. I'm pretty sure I'll have the newest truck out there, but my truck has been "broken in" lately so I'm not as concerned as I once was.

Anyhow, the plan is taking shape. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, here are some pics of my scouting trip yesterday:

 

Can you tell us, where did you find pinstriping risks? We had a bit crossing the water near the start of the route up Lower Coyote Canyon (branches on both sides trimmed back to fit Jeeps and Tacomas, but not Tundras), but I can't recall anywhere else?

 

The itinerary I have planned doesn't really have a high chance of pinstriping unless you're really just being careless about avoiding the bushes. Only thing is I don't want to be leading a huge group around because it slows the whole day down. We used to do an annual group Anza run when I had my FJ Cruiser that had an average of 25 rigs showing up each year but sometimes in the 30s. It was a pain on the rest of the group waiting for everyone to catch up or if something happened (ie. someone got lost).

 

No more than 10 in any group. I really am not getting a lot of interest on this one so I doubt it'll be an issue.

 

Lower Coyote had a lot of branches reaching out, likely due to the fact that it had been closed since May and only opened a few days before I ran it. Either way, Lower Coyote doesn't really work into the overall plan for the day since it's really not very long and way north and west of most everything else.

 

If you just run over the bushes, then you won't get pinstrips

 

@sdde4n, can we get an official confirmed count on who is going again from the original list? I have 2-3 people that might be coming with me but if the overall group is right around 10 then I can lead it as one.

 

@sdde4n
I think in order to keep the group small and trying not to split everyone up, I’m willing to give up my spot for some of the new comers to experience Anza and meet the SoCal group.

@Tundra4Pinay, even if you weren’t on the list, you are always welcome to join and i will give you my spot
Just remember you have to go as Marty Mcfly so watch out for the autograph hounds LOL

I don’t mind sitting this one out @eccracer104, @Porschetech29 @Sunnier @Grendel @nishibot and the rest of the crew, I’m all in for Joshua Tree or Sierras in November

FYI: I will promote the shit out of the JT or Sierra meet

 

I'm in a similar boat, I've got too much going on this month. I won't be able to make this run so my spot is up for grabs. Sorry all I'll be living through your pics!

 

You have to make the JT trip
It’s in your contract

 

JT I should be good to go!

I do need to pre-run it though, my buddy told me the entrance to our big campground got washed out. He said there's a way to it around the back but I haven't ventured over there so I'll need to find it before taking anyone out there.

 

I'm ready for my closeup McFly!! But I'm not able to make this one, taking care of mom and having hard time getting other family to step up and give me a weekend away. I'll be on the lookout for another run!!​

 

No worries, No U-Turns

 

I made a U-turn the other day, with video proof, but cant post cuz it's the wrong format!!! For reals, turned into a 3-lane street lol