Elephant Hill Trail (1 Viewer)

[mcgaskins]

View attachment 3535916

Great pic and story.

 

[rherrco]

Maybe a dumb question. Searched the forum and can't find anything. Has anyone taken their 200 on the Elephant Hill trail that can provide some feedback? I've got a permit in a couple of months - wondering if my 200 is going to be too wide for a couple of the narrow slot canyon type sections. I was planning to just send it as the kids say, but figured it'd be worth inquiring.

I just joined this forum today, but you’re in luck. I ran that trail out to the Confluence in late November in my 2011 LX. I have sliders and 33” Wildpeaks, otherwise stock. Biggest concern was the narrow slot I think they call Devils Pocket. The ranger will tell you that it is 85” wide at its narrowest. My tires were 80” wide, but I did some damage due to not using a spotter and thinking I could steer and video at the same time. I ran my wheels up the right wall and scraped the drivers side upper rear quarter panel. Real stupid. I think that passage may be optional, but if you go slow and use a spotter, no problem. However, I did bottom out in a couple places where stacking rocks would have prevented it. I will tell you that that trail will show you how great the LX is going up and down that trail. Stock wheels And tires may not be advisable, but All Terrains worked fine for me. They limit traffic for a good reason, you need to take your time. But the reward of awesome scenery is well worth it. Your kids will have a whole new respect for whoever is behind the wheel. Compensate the spotter accordingly.

 

[Nothinghead]

What are the group's thoughts on a 16+ LX running this trail (because of the worse approach angle of the facelift)? My only modifications are sliders, sensor lift and 34" ATs.

 

[residualboulders]

What are the group's thoughts on a 16+ LX running this trail (because of the worse approach angle of the facelift)? My only modifications are sliders, sensor lift and 34" ATs.

sensor lift?

I think it's doable for you. There are very steep sections where it's helpful to have a spotter. There is a chance that you might drag your front or rear bumper, though I don't remember doing so. But, I do have aftermarket bumpers that have more clearance (because i drug my stock plastic bumpers on other trails).

This first pic is the beginning of a challenging section. It's probably the most likely spot for damage. Wish I had more pics, but there is about 100' of fairly rough trail. I damaged an aftermarket rear shock guard here when I smacked it on a rock. Just take it slow and stack some rocks. I don't think i hit my bumpers but used my sliders. It's a great trail, already making plans to return.

for reference I have 34" AT tires, 3" BP51 lift and lots of other mods. As for the pocket, my bro's full size bronco made it through and he's wider than a 200. It was snug in both rigs.

 

[Nothinghead]

sensor lift?

I think it's doable for you. There are very steep sections where it's helpful to have a spotter. There is a chance that you might drag your front or rear bumper, though I don't remember doing so. But, I do have aftermarket bumpers that have more clearance (because i drug my stock plastic bumpers on other trails).

This first pic is the beginning of a challenging section. It's probably the most likely spot for damage. Wish I had more pics, but there is about 100' of fairly rough trail. I damaged an aftermarket rear shock guard here when I smacked it on a rock. Just take it slow and stack some rocks. I don't think i hit my bumpers but used my sliders. It's a great trail, already making plans to return.

for reference I have 34" AT tires, 3" BP51 lift and lots of other mods. As for the pocket, my bro's full size bronco made it through and he's wider than a 200. It was snug in both rigs.

View attachment 3811954


View attachment 3811958
View attachment 3811965
View attachment 3811968

Thanks. The front plastic bumper is exactly what I am concerned about. Damaging it may not be so bad, though, and justify buying an ARB.

 

[residualboulders]

Thanks. The front plastic bumper is exactly what I am concerned about. Damaging it may not be so bad, though, and justify buying an ARB.

Just re-read your post and realized you have an LX - maybe lower in front and back than a Land Cruiser? I don't know. I just went back to page 1 on this thread to look at @Eisbaer's pics. I can't tell if he has a lift or not. Maybe he can chime in if he damaged his bumper there.

If you are thinking about an aftermarket bumper at some point, maybe it's worth the chance you might scratch the plastic? You'll love the trail. From the parking lot you get right into it, super steep switchbacks. We all loved it and the 200 handled it with ease.

 

[bloc]

The big concern with solid rear bumper contact is pushing it up into the taillights and damaging their mounts.

That’s the main reason I’d be more concerned there than the front.

 

[rherrco]

sensor lift?

I think it's doable for you. There are very steep sections where it's helpful to have a spotter. There is a chance that you might drag your front or rear bumper, though I don't remember doing so. But, I do have aftermarket bumpers that have more clearance (because i drug my stock plastic bumpers on other trails).

This first pic is the beginning of a challenging section. It's probably the most likely spot for damage. Wish I had more pics, but there is about 100' of fairly rough trail. I damaged an aftermarket rear shock guard here when I smacked it on a rock. Just take it slow and stack some rocks. I don't think i hit my bumpers but used my sliders. It's a great trail, already making plans to return.

for reference I have 34" AT tires, 3" BP51 lift and lots of other mods. As for the pocket, my bro's full size bronco made it through and he's wider than a 200. It was snug in both rigs.

View attachment 3811954


View attachment 3811958
View attachment 3811965
View attachment 3811968

Great photos, and absolutely accurate about the trail. Just use a spotter in the slot and stack rocks where that rough section is. And take your time there!

 

[rherrco]

Stock 2011 except sliders and 33” AT3 Falkens, going down Elephant Hill somewhere. No bumper issues.

 

[Nothinghead]

Stock 2011 except sliders and 33” AT3 Falkens, going down Elephant Hill somewhere. No bumper issues.

View attachment 3812717

Thanks. Unfortunately, I have a 2017 with the James William Bottomtooth III front bumper which would probably drag in this scenario. Mrs. Nothinghead won't let me get a new bumper until I damage the stock bumper.

 

[rherrco]

That’s the one thing that stopped me from buying a later model LX.

 

[peacesells63]

This thread is exactly why I dont give trail advice anymore. I drove my 80 through and never used 4wd. I kept waiting for the squeeze, didnt realize until we were done that we already drove through it. I would rate it as a 3.5/5 for scenery and a 4/5 difficulty for a subaru. We passed tow mater on his way out with a jeep that somehow ripped the whole front axle out - no idea how that was even possible on this trail until I saw the video. The closest I came to needing to get out and lock hubs was in the deep bulldust right where the jeep crashed... lol. I think the trail took about 2 hours including the hike to the confluence overlook.

 

[TeCKis300]

Here's some info on the relative angles between the 200-series trims. Departure is about the same (bad) for all of them as is usually the first area of concern.

Definitive LC and LX Approach, Breakover, and More Angles

Definitive guide to LC and LX approach, breakover, and other angles. There's some variation between model years. Here's my attempt to document these details as a reference. Please correct me if you find a source that helps clarifies any of these numbers.

forum.ih8mud.com

I would love to know how 33-34s affect angles. Probably a nice tasty boost if anyone is inclined to measure

Measuring Approach, Breakover, and Departure Angle s

Here's measuring approach, breakover, and departure angles. Not completely scientific, but this method should provide angles within a few degrees of real measurements. A solid profile shot taken from further back (maybe using a 2x zoom) will provide a better perspective for measuring. On...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[clrussell]

Thanks. Unfortunately, I have a 2017 with the James William Bottomtooth III front bumper which would probably drag in this scenario. Mrs. Nothinghead won't let me get a new bumper until I damage the stock bumper.
View attachment 3812724

Time to find an above average size curb at the mall

 

[sdnative]

This thread is exactly why I dont give trail advice anymore. I drove my 80 through and never used 4wd. I kept waiting for the squeeze, didnt realize until we were done that we already drove through it. I would rate it as a 3.5/5 for scenery and a 4/5 difficulty for a subaru. We passed tow mater on his way out with a jeep that somehow ripped the whole front axle out - no idea how that was even possible on this trail until I saw the video. The closest I came to needing to get out and lock hubs was in the deep bulldust right where the jeep crashed... lol. I think the trail took about 2 hours including the hike to the confluence overlook.

Navigating the switchback with the trailer and jeep in two using (I assume) the handbrake or linelock on the rear wheel was pretty neat.

 

[rherrco]

Navigating the switchback with the trailer and jeep in two using (I assume) the handbrake or linelock on the rear wheel was pretty neat.

Sorry to hear you lost your axle when you got lost tryon to find your lockers. Elephant Hill was down the road a piece by the ranger station. Did she say you had to be with an adult party in a lx or LC to be able to drive your Subie? Maybe next year yo will get a chance…

 

[sdnative]

Sorry to hear you lost your axle when you got lost tryon to find your lockers. Elephant Hill was down the road a piece by the ranger station. Did she say you had to be with an adult party in a lx or LC to be able to drive your Subie? Maybe next year yo will get a chance…

huh?

I wasn't there. Just watched the video. Needles is on my bucket list though.

 

[rherrco]

huh?

I wasn't there. Just watched the video. Needles is on my bucket list though.

Ha. Last thing I remember last night was taking some strong narcotics for my botched leg surgery…I may have meant that for a previous poster. Sorry. But you will love it when you do go there. It does look challenging initially.

 

[sdnative]

Haha no worries. I was a little confused there for a second. Hopefully you are on your way to a full recovery!