SoCal beginner's trail

[Sifrk]

Hey guys, I'm located in the deep woods of Pasadena, SoCal. I've got a 2WD and I'm looking for a local mild trail to try out the T4R on a weekend. A destination trail with a campsite along the way or at the trail's end would be great - kill 2 birds with one trail so to speak. Anyone have any suggestions - trail name, websites, book? Thanks in advance.

 

[Expat]

Santa Barbara - Agua Caliente (Hot Springs). Even a nice couple of river crossings which should not pose any problem and a warm bath at the end is a bonus - bring your picnic set, bath sandals and swimsuit.

Lots in the Big Bear area also.

Do a search in the trail reports or meetup or SoCal forums for some details.

 

[Jared]

Anyone have any suggestions - trail name, websites, book ? Thanks in advance.

The bible for southern california:

Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...104-0666438-7675908?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

 

[Sifrk]

Thanks guys. I actually bought the suggested book, looks pretty good from what I've read so far. I'm taking your opinion though 04Runner, think my first trip will be to Aqua Caliente. Hope you don't mind a couple of questions.

First, which route should I take from the 154? Painted Cave Road or NF 5N12? Painted Cave seems a more direct route soit begs the question whether there's anything worth going through NF 5N12?

The river crossings mentioned, are they severe or merely stream-sized?

Is there an area along the way or at the end of the trail where I can camp out for the night?

Thanks, and if you've got any information you think useful, please feel free to share.

 

[Expat]

Here's the thread (writeup) of the route I followed - read thru the thread to the directions.

Santa Barbara Springs

The water was just at a level where it was ok to go thru with no real concerns. I would suggest you wade thru first if it looks too deep. The bottom is quite smooth. There are several crossings which are unremarkable (except for scenery), the last one is the deepest and is about 200 ft from the spring.

I did not have an extended breather for the rear diff when I did this crossing and found no water when I changed the oil.

Yes there were campsites, most you had to park in a carpark area and walk into the campsite. We did not check these out. I would be a little worried whether my truck would be safe at some of these sites. Around the spring is farming land so I doubt you could camp near the spring. I could be wrong about this as I was not focussing on this aspect.

Let me know when you plan to go. I might come up for the day if I have time.

Cheers
Mark

 

[Sifrk]

Sweet! Thanks bro.

A coworker and I are thinking about going in the next couple of weeks. Sucks, but we both have 4x2s. Not sure about the "when" yet as I just returned for a short roadtrip up the Cali coast (visiting Bay Area family). The possible deal breaker is the lack of campsites. We might end up having to drive back down to the 101 to one of the nearby campsites. Anyway, I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

Kevin

 

[Flo4Run]

sounds like fun...i'm a beginner also w/ a 04 sr5 4x2...04runner d'ya think my 4x2 can make it through all those water crossings this time of year! thinking about doing it over the thanksgiving holiday!

 

[Sifrk]

I just went to Big Bear today and drove Skyline Drive. Has anyone done both Skyline and Agua Caliente Springs trails? I'm interested to know how the 2 compare. I found Skyline pretty easy although I was concerned that I might run into a flat with the occasional patches of jagged rocks. I hope the Agua Caliente trail is comparable and just as mild. Thanks in advance.

Mark, have you done Skyline?