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So we have a few places now.. we have to pick a time and place.

Occotillo SVRA Very tough on the back depending on how slow/fast you go.. lots of ripple-effect in the land there. Also quite a trip to get there

Joshua Tree (although, kinda boring for the most part, cause there's only that one trail thats on there for "4x4 only" -- see sig) Also quite a trip to get there

LA Forest .. not sure about there; I was gonna test my FSJ there eventually though; haven't been there in a while; and last time was a Rally-race with my neon, so I didnt exactly visit the "off road"

My vote would be for Occotillo / Anza-Borrego personally; unless you guys don't want to "test" yourself (or your suspension.. bumpity bumpity bumpity bump):D

If you really want to test your vehicle - "Cross-over trail"
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There are actually 4 trails in Joshua Tree National Park, the easiest of which is Pinkham Canyon. When it's in good condition, a well-driven 4x2 should be able to make it, although if you found the Cut Accross trail difficult, this will seem quite challenging. The other three require high-clearance 4x4 to complete, but large portions of each can be driven with 4x2.

There are hundreds of miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty in and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (detailed map). Trail conditions inside the park (street-legal vehicles only) are usually better than where OHV are allowed, because the OHVs tend to tear up the trails and create a lot of whoops. Trails inside the park also tend to have less traffic and less aggressive drivers, for better safety and more solitude.

There are a number of trails leading off SR78 between Scissors Crossing and Ocotillo Wells that are easily negotiated with 4x2. Off S2, Coyote Canyon is negotiable at least to second crossing and possibly to third crossing (aka Lower Willows, a major ford).

There are three trails that are currently open and that start at higher elevation, descending to the low desert: Cottonwood Canyon (Ranchita -> Yaqui Well), Rodriguez Canyon, and Oriflamme Canyon (the latter two both start from Golden Chariot Canyon, near Banner, and end in Mason Valley roughly 10 mile S of scissors crossing). These have much lower temperatures, especially in the late afternoon, but require high-clearance 4x4. Golden Chariot Canyon itself should be negotiable by 4x2. Culp Valley and Jasper trails (near Ranchita) stay at higher elevation and are negotiable by 4x2.

There 's a whole bunch of trails on the western slope of the mountains, mostly at higher elevations, many of which are suitable for 4x2. The North Main Divide trail runs along the crest of the Santa Ana Mountains (Santiago Peak). It is centrally located and suitable for 4x2. The chaparral is blooming and gorgeous. And there are still patches of snow on shaded northern aspects above 7000' in the Peninsular ranges.
 
So we have a few places now.. we have to pick a time and place.

Occotillo SVRA Very tough on the back depending on how slow/fast you go.. lots of ripple-effect in the land there. Also quite a trip to get there

Joshua Tree (although, kinda boring for the most part, cause there's only that one trail thats on there for "4x4 only" -- see sig) Also quite a trip to get there

LA Forest .. not sure about there; I was gonna test my FSJ there eventually though; haven't been there in a while; and last time was a Rally-race with my neon, so I didnt exactly visit the "off road"

My vote would be for Occotillo / Anza-Borrego personally; unless you guys don't want to "test" yourself (or your suspension.. bumpity bumpity bumpity bump):D

If you really want to test your vehicle - "Cross-over trail"
Image
Suzy I was planning a trip down there myself in June I wanted to test drive the trails before I asked anyone to come out with me . I will lockdown a date and post it hopefully we could all meet up at a trail head.
 
I see no one has posted here in quite a while. Just curious if there's anyone local that's interested in meeting up for lunch/dinner and planning a day to go out and drive some trails. I'm in Phelan (High desert). I'd be interested in San Bernardino national forest, Angeles national forest, or anything near those areas. Desert runs would be cool too. Let me know.
 
This thread has been dark for a little while. I see a few Patriots on this site and also on the Facebook page (JPATW) that in local to the Southern California area. We should set up a day to meet for a trail run / lunch. There are lots of fire roads leading from the Victorville area into Big Bear. Let's put something in the works to get out there and hit the trails! I free most Sundays and Saturdays if I have enough time in advance.
 
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