anyone around the Irvine/Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area? Looking for a recommendation

[R4nnerR4nner]

I'm looking for a nice little dirt road not too far from the aforementioned area to get out and really figure out what all the bells and whistles do on my TEP. I've done just a little bit of off-roading with it, and obviously want to do more. I was hoping for something nice and safe, most likely flat to start, just so I can go out with my manual and play around without any fear of getting myself in trouble!

 

[Drunner97]

Trabuco canyon is the best place locally for you to test everything out. 5 south to El Toro, left off the freeway, left onto el Toro, right at cooks corner, left onto the dirt road just past the fire station. Or look up holy Jim hiking trail. It's about 5 miles one way mostly dirt. Some off shoots, just don't go up the hill on the left past the airport if you don't have any 4wd experience.

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[Mikeson]

I was gonna suggest Holy Jim Trail as well.. its a fun stomping ground right in your backyard. Its probably not that muddy either right now even tho it rained a bit last week.
I did HJT at a relaxed paced and it took a little over an hour to finish so you could even run both trails if you have the time or are itching to go out for more.
Have fun and be safe!

https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1419-holy-jim-canyon -

 

[Drunner97]

I was gonna suggest Holy Jim Trail as well.. its a fun stomping ground right in your backyard. Its probably not that muddy either right now even tho it rained a bit last week.
I did HJT at a relaxed paced and it took a little over an hour to finish so you could even run both trails if you have the time or are itching to go out for more.
Have fun and be safe!

https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1419-holy-jim-canyon -

There's a little bit of mud, some guys on TW were just out there on Tuesday looking for it. Supposed to rain tonight and through the weekend so likely to be muddy and busy this weekend.

 

[ChrisLe777]

I was going to say Holy Jims as well...turned my Taco into a taquito out there( Rolled my tacoma) about 10 years ago...oops N. Main Divide road off Ortega is cool too takes u up to santiago peak...i live in costa mesa hmu when u wanna go. Ive had my TEP for couple months now and have been fortunate enough to go on a few runs with the guys on here....learned a lot wheelin with others.

 

[Drunner97]

Main divide and Maple Springs are closed from the rain earlier this week and the incoming rain this weekend.

 

[ChrisLe777]

Main divide and Maple Springs are closed from the rain earlier this week and the incoming rain this weekend.

Hmmmm....sounds fun, lol. I have bolt cutters[emoji123] [emoji12] lololol

 

[Mikeson]

If you guys decide to go on a weekend just throw it up here, since it's so close for all the OC folks im sure we can have a decent group interested in going. [MENTION=122077]pokits[/MENTION] and I we're talking about this last week.

 

[R4nnerR4nner]

I was going to say Holy Jims as well...turned my Taco into a taquito out there( Rolled my tacoma) about 10 years ago...oops N. Main Divide road off Ortega is cool too takes u up to santiago peak...i live in costa mesa hmu when u wanna go. Ive had my TEP for couple months now and have been fortunate enough to go on a few runs with the guys on here....learned a lot wheelin with others.

Yeah, I'd rather not roll my TEP since it's my daily driver!

 

[headpaneer]

This is some great info. Thanks for asking this question, R4nnerR4nner.
I only recently discovered that the 4WD systems should be periodically worked out and a mellow, local stretch of dirt sounds like a good place to do this. It's a good excuse to go on a hike, too.

 

[Drunner97]

This is some great info. Thanks for asking this question, R4nnerR4nner.
I only recently discovered that the 4WD systems should be periodically worked out and a mellow, local stretch of dirt sounds like a good place to do this. It's a good excuse to go on a hike, too.

Be forewarned, it can get really busy out there on the weekends. Lots of kids like to use the road as a dirt race track and mob mommy and daddy's trucks around corners. Most of it's so mellow I've seen Honda Civics at the trail head parking. The hiking trail can get really crowded too depending on the time of day. The hike to the falls is decent, but if you want to get away from most of the crowds, hang a left at the main divide sign and hike up that way. Once you get past the switch backs it's really nice with some great views.

 

[headpaneer]

Be forewarned, it can get really busy out there on the weekends. Lots of kids like to use the road as a dirt race track and mob mommy and daddy's trucks around corners. Most of it's so mellow I've seen Honda Civics at the trail head parking. The hiking trail can get really crowded too depending on the time of day. The hike to the falls is decent, but if you want to get away from most of the crowds, hang a left at the main divide sign and hike up that way. Once you get past the switch backs it's really nice with some great views.

Excellent! Thanks!

 

[Tailsonthetrail]

I'm out that way too. I've hiked Santiago peak from Holy Jim many of times but go early before everyone is wheeling. On the way out, always see bunch of kids and it gets crowded. I'd be down for a weekend run or the drive up to the peak if it's open.

 

[R4nnerR4nner]

This is some great info. Thanks for asking this question, R4nnerR4nner.
I only recently discovered that the 4WD systems should be periodically worked out and a mellow, local stretch of dirt sounds like a good place to do this. It's a good excuse to go on a hike, too.

Maybe once it dries out we can do a beginners run haha! I'm always envious of the monthly runs because I just don't feel prepared

 

[Tailsonthetrail]

This is some great info. Thanks for asking this question, R4nnerR4nner.
I only recently discovered that the 4WD systems should be periodically worked out and a mellow, local stretch of dirt sounds like a good place to do this. It's a good excuse to go on a hike, too.

The national forest website sometimes has it updated which roads are open or closed. Cleveland National Forest - Alerts & Notices

 

[Drunner97]

Maybe once it dries out we can do a beginners run haha! I'm always envious of the monthly runs because I just don't feel prepared

We always have 1 or 2 bone stock no experience people on the runs. How else are you gonna learn? Just pay attention to the guy in front of you and yell out if you hit a section you need someone to help spot you through.

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[grave]

Maybe once it dries out we can do a beginners run haha! I'm always envious of the monthly runs because I just don't feel prepared

Why wait for it to dry out?

 

[Drunner97]

Why wait for it to dry out?

Besides the fact that mud sucks to wash off? I'm still cleaning mud out of my undercarriage from May and I haven't been in mud since.

 

[grave]

 

[MisterNickG]

Maybe once it dries out we can do a beginners run haha! I'm always envious of the monthly runs because I just don't feel prepared

We always have 1 or 2 bone stock no experience people on the runs. How else are you gonna learn? Just pay attention to the guy in front of you and yell out if you hit a section you need someone to help spot you through.

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Just gotta go balls out man. I've been out a few runs and I was in your shoes, I'm still a noobie boobie. You never know 'til you try. Beginner or not, you're going to always have butt clenching moments (literally) that will make you cringe. But like Danny says, just watch the line the person in front of you takes and if you need help just ask for it. Everyone here is super helpful. With the help of others here I was able to do White Mountain without having to reach in the back and grab my baby wipes. :thumb3: