Topic: First weekend in February

[GUANO]

it would be a great place to find some gold nuggets in a wash after a big storm!

[FrankB]

Is rattlesnake canyon 4x4 stock friendly?

Depends on how you define "stock".


(Taken somewhere in Rattlesnake Canyon, Feb 2007)
 
 

[FrankB]

Sorry Justin, I couldn't resist throwing in the livestock picture, especially since it was taken in Rattlesnake Canyon.  As for your question - yes it can usually be done by a stock Xterra, but be advised that there are a few rocky patches.  Also, weather can make a difference, especially if there is a a lot of water.  It's a fun run, though, with lots of variety in the terrain and trail.

If you want to see some pictures, here is a link to a gallery of shots from my first Xcursion with the club, which was Rattlesnake Canyon in February of 2006.

http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Club-Xterra-SCCX/Rattlesnake-Canyon-Feb-2006/

Here is a link to the same run in February of 2007. That time we did not end up in Big Bear but turned down Burns Canyon instead. The pics themselves may not be all that great in these 2 galleries, I think I was still scanning film in those days.

http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Club-Xterra-SCCX/Rattlesnake-Canyon-Feb-2007/

You may also find something in the Pics/Videos Forum here, but I'm not sure they go back that far, we lost a bunch of stuff when the site crashed a while back.

Edit to add: There are at least 3 threads of pics from the Dec 2008 run on this page:

http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php/board,4.80.html

[justin4x4]

Wow great photos Frank,

I don't think we will be able to make this run, look at all those rocks... Maybe after a few mods we will be able to attend runs like these, until then have fun and happy birthday!

[xperienced]

wow!  Those are GREAT pictures.  Any decision on the run?

[Soylent Yellow]

I think Rattlesnake would be a lot of fun but with all this rain and snow it may be too much for stock vehicles.  It could be attempted and if it turns out to be too difficult or unsafe, the group could turn around and head back down to Johnson Valley.  Just a thought.  I may or may not be down for this one.

First weekend in February

The last trip was fun.

[GUANO]

I'll attempt it in my stock x.  Guess I should pick up that hi-lift and a nice long tow strap.  Also you can see bypasses in the pics of most of those more difficult spots.  If the rocks get too crazy just dig them out of the way .

[Ghost65]

Count me in if this comes together.

John

[FrankB]

I'll attempt it in my stock x.  Guess I should pick up that hi-lift and a nice long tow strap.  Also you can see bypasses in the pics of most of those more difficult spots.  If the rocks get too crazy just dig them out of the way .

You're probably thinking of the waterfall on side spur trail that leads to the mine. We've stopped there for lunch in the past.  It's not on the actual trail, it's a dead end spur, and yes there is a bypass around the waterfall. If there isn't too much water in the canyon the route should be doable stock. I did it in my stock 05 with the Long Trail tires, when the truck was brand new. Bring a compressor so you can air down some.

[Alex]

Is 2WD out of the question for Rattlesnake Canyon?

[Ghost65]

You're probably thinking of the waterfall on side spur trail that leads to the mine. We've stopped there for lunch in the past.  It's not on the actual trail, it's a dead end spur, and yes there is a bypass around the waterfall. If there isn't too much water in the canyon the route should be doable stock. I did it in my stock 05 with the Long Trail tires, when the truck was brand new. Bring a compressor so you can air down some.

Great Frank, I am going to make this run, which will be the first.  I have a compressor, rear recovery shackle, FRS radios (also a 2m/440 amateur radio), tow strap, and most of the other required items.

[GUANO]

i have everything else but i'll borrow ghosts compressor .

[Ghost65]

i have everything else but i'll borrow ghosts compressor .

.50 a tire..no problem!