Borrego - Split Mtn to The Mud Caves

[Dan2722]

In February next year I am attending an annual desert event near Split Mtn road and want to take a trip out to the mud caves via Fish Creek with my nephews. Has anyone done this route and how diffucult is Diablo drop off going in this direction? From the trail reports I have read Diablo drop off is a one way route and this would be in the wrong direction.

I am thinking about going out there before the event to make the run and explore the area. If anyone has the GPS coordinates or good directions it would be much appreciated.

 

[Boston Mangler]

Hey Dan

I have done this trail a ton on my bike and some on my truck.

Fairly simple trail and i would love to go explore it with ya some time in Dec

 

[e9999]

Diablo backwards should be doable with lockers and if you air down (well, at least it was when I did it last year)

 

[Dan2722]

Hey Dan

I have done this trail a ton on my bike and some on my truck.

Fairly simple trail and i would love to go explore it with ya some time in Dec

Hey Kevin

Thanks for the offer a weekend in Dec would be great, maybe we can use this as a meet and greet before the Baja trip.

I am also doing my birfs over the Thanksgiving holiday week so this will be a good opportunity to do a run on them to make sure I did them correct.

I do not have lockers as e9999 recommends but I do have the CDL switch to get over the Diablo drop off. Is this enough to get over this?

 

[Brentbba]

I'd have to check the maps, but isn't Diablo marked a one way - down only?

 

[ZPDFJ]

Dan,

I wouldnt mind coming along with you and Boston. I have not done this trail yet but I saw a few pics of it from the recent Borregofest trip. If the FJCs can do it we can definately do it. Although they all went down it not up. Look here for some pics of the trail... not a lot of pics of the drop off but....

http://www.adventure4x4.net/waiting/showthread.php?t=2010

Check post # 23 on the link below

http://www.adventure4x4.net/waiting/showthread.php?t=2013&page=3


I have a book with all the GPS coordinates for the area too if you are interested.

 

[619TOY]

I ran up Diablo on Sunday. I looked but saw no signs indicating it was one way only. IMO lockers dont make too much difference in sand. I ran up with about 18 lbs. in my 35" Toyo's without a problem.

I wouldn't assume that if an FJC can do it, that you can do it in an 80. My 4Runner is WAY better in the sand than my 80. Lighter weight and a high revving V6 make a big difference.

 

[e9999]

I wasn't saying that you could not do it w/o lockers. Just that one should be able to do it w/ and especially airing down.

Yes, it's marked one way down on the maps. The majority of "normal" vehicles could not make it up I think, so they are likely being conservative to avoid having to rescue folks out there with Priuses...
I don't think it's a "one way" as in you can't go the other way, I think the maps just show what is passable. (Based on conversation with ranger.) Some disagree (see earlier thread).

 

[roncruiser]

I was there on Saturday. I'll send you the GPS coordiantes. Let me find'em and I'll send them right over. I brought the family for the umpteenth time. Luck would have it we picked a day when a bunch of FJC's were there at the same time. Give'er a try, you'll enjoy.

 

[ZPDFJ]

I wouldn't assume that if an FJC can do it, that you can do it in an 80. My 4Runner is WAY better in the sand than my 80. Lighter weight and a high revving V6 make a big difference.

True you have a good point, but you did do it in your LX so....

 

[Dan2722]

Thanks for all the great info on this trail! I love this area of Anza and look forward to checking out the mud caves.

Right now I am tentatively looking at the weekend of Dec. 1st or the 15th. Which works best for you guys?

 

[e9999]

the Backcountry Adventures book has all these trails and good GPS coordinates so you know where you aren't...

 

[latinoguy]

Dan,
I was there 2 weekends ago.. see my trip report and pics....should have no problem...It will help clearance wise if you have a lift, as there are some rocks to consider on some parts of the trail....as others have said, you should be fine...and will have a blast doing it....my rig is also unlocked...I did air down to 18 PSI.