There's also talk of an idyllwild run/camp trip on tw for the same weekend. We could combine the two...

That would be awesome, can you throw up the link to that?

It's currently in the works so no thread yet, but there's enough interest that it's likely to happen.

How would we combine them? That's like a 2 hour drive

Hey guys, sorry I've been busy with another bad wheel bearing (200 miles old?) and a great new gal - a 10 week old German Shorthair. Anyway, the snow is mostly gone with some patches here and there, but the trails are perfect and the weather is unfortunately beautiful. I'm always down for a BB run but I can't afford to break anything else so nothing too crazy.

NOTE: I just tried to go to the shooting range by Big Pine Flat via 3N16 and it was closed with a temporary sign and tape saying "CLOSED- UNSAFE TO PASS". It was closed right after the first water crossing at Crab Flats Campground.

Also, there's some great camping back there and they should be opening soon if you're itching for some tent time.

Combine them as in we join the TW run up bee canyon only

^ this

As in the options were idyllwild or big bear and if there was already going to be a group in idyllwild, why not run there with everyone. Think there's talk of black mountain too, so little bit for everyone from easy to hard.

Doesn't matter to me either way. I definitely want to run with both groups but I haven't been out with the t4r clan for awhile now. Sounds like there's still quite a bit closed up the mountain though.

Maybe for the trails in GVL but not in Big Bear. Where I go there are no gates to be closed. There would be plenty to do up here

Black mountain truck trail is 1)still closed and 2) easy as hell.
The only trail in idyllwild that offers a little challenge is 4s21 (?) indian mountain thats located on the way up bee canyon. Thats rated as a black diamond but not sure why.

Only after snow melt do they rate it that cause of the gnarly ruts like the size of fault lines, lol. We just did it and come to find out it was closed but sign was posted on the opposite end where we exited.haha
Steering rack is now whacked way out...

But during summer you see them change it to a blue which it should be normally, except maybe 2 spots on the trail.

I am in for April 29-30 if it’s in Big Bear. My wife has been asking to go there and it will be my way to finally get her to go on a 4x4 trip. She is a nurse and our schedules usually clash.

Big Bear is 1 hour for me Idyllwild is 3 with no traffic.

I have been ready to run since the last Idyllwild trip. She just gave me the green light if it’s a go.

What he said. I did the trails in Idylwild and the most challenging one was not very challenging and was really really short. Maybe 1 hour run time.

Big bear and the greater area is a much better location for off road adventures. The Idylwild roads are basically dirt roads which for the most part are Suburu friendly.

Just thinking this group is comprised of LA, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, San Berdoo and SD Counties. How about Stoddard Wells? Easy drive for the SB and RS folks and almost even for every one else.

That would be far easier for my. I second that notion.

Stoddard Wells is even further North than Big Bear. It's more suited for motorcycles and lizards.

Personally I would rather be in the forest than the desert. Idyllwild was fun but it was mostly a dirt road without any difficulty. I would like a few small hills to climb. At least a reason to put it in 4Hi or 4Lo other than just to see if it works. Maybe even someone could get stuck and 10 guys would be racing to see if they can be the first one to get there with their traction mats.

I don't want to start ripping fenders off but my 4Runner wants to do what a 4Runner can. I do not like running off road solo.