Does anyone know of any off road trails around Calgary that would be suitable for a trail rated Pat?

Well now that they've significantly decreased the number and km's of truck-allowed trails in Waiparous, I'm sure an FDII Patriot could tackle some of those, and there's likely also stuff out in Mclean Creek. Sorry, I haven't been wheeling in my Jeep in over a year, so all I currently know about are quad trails.

Your best bet would be to hook up with some of the guys from Calgary Jeep Association (w w w. calgaryjeep. com/forums/ - sorry it won't let me post direct links yet!) - they go on trail runs fairly often and would love to take out a new Patriot! :D Another source of information locally is 4Wheeler (w w w. 4wheeler. ca/index.php)

-Cyndi-

You Rock - thanks for the info, ill check some of it out.


Can you tell where Mclean Creek, and Waiparous are or how to get there?
I have only been in Calgary a year, and am still exploring.

Waiparous is to the Northwest of Calgary... Head out the 1A highway past Cochrane, and turn north on highway 40 (Forestry Trunk Road). The Ghost Forest Land Use Zone (the area where you are allowed to wheel) is a little ways past the actual village of Waiparous.

Mclean Creek is to the Southwest of Calgary... Head out highway 8 to highway 22, and down through Bragg Creek. Turn west onto highway 66, and then south on Mclean Creek Trail. This will take you into the Mclean Creek Forest Reserve, and there are areas in here where you are allowed to wheel.

Best way to find either would be to hook up with someone who knows. Again, your best bet would be the CJA (Calgary Jeep Association). Also, you should never go wheeling alone. There have been many times when people have gotten stuck or broken, and have been alone, and have had to stay overnight in the bush, until someone was able to get help, or someone just happened to come across them. They're both fairly large areas.

Both areas have marked trails where you are and are not allowed to wheel. The Ghost (Waiparous) area has recently (last year) been remapped and marked, severely limiting trails for 4x4 truck use. There are fines enforced by patrolling government officials for being off-trail. There are maps available for both areas, showing all the marked trails. They are available from many 4x4 shops, and I believe from the AURS (Alberta United Recreationists Society) - check out their website. I think you can possibly also get them from the government.

Happy to pass along any info I can! Now I'm off to pick up my Patriot from the dealer!!!

-Cyndi-

Thanks alot, your awesome.
Enjoy your first night, i'll be looking out for ya!

I thought the Patriot was just for "light" off-road excursions. It is not even in the same class as a Jeep Liberty from what I read.

Check this out Jay.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/reviews/patriot/index.htm

The Patriot owners manual even discusses rock crawling and off roading. Supposedly the trail rated version can hold its ground fairly well and I intend to see what mine is capable of.

Has Anyone taken their patty offroad yet? And how good are they? Just wondering for camping and light offroading.