Feeler, Thomas Mountain July 12th weekend?

[elripster]

By some extraordinary miracle I have a free weekend 7/12 and I don't think we have any July runs. I'd really like to get my 60 in the dirt for a shake down before taking to Coyote. Anyone up for camping say Thomas Mnt? I am trying to think of something a bit closer than Big Bear (for example) but still with some elevation to reduce the likelihood of heat and some trails to enjoy. I have to be honest, I haven't been up there in years and only a couple of times at that so I don't really know my way. It would be stellar if someone wanted to go who knows where to go. But, it all starts with an idea so here one is. Post up if interested and assuming we get a few on board I'll organize it.

Frank

 

[Overlandeffex]

Would love to come but still gone to the great white north.... Hope the shake down goes amazing.

 

[elripster]

Me too. I still have work to do to get it "there" but nothing like a deadline...

Frank

 

[Shanduhh]

By some extraordinary miracle I have a free weekend 7/12 and I don't think we have any July runs. I'd really like to get my 60 in the dirt for a shake down before taking to Coyote. Anyone up for camping say Thomas Mnt? I am trying to think of something a bit closer than Big Bear (for example) but still with some elevation to reduce the likelihood of heat and some trails to enjoy. I have to be honest, I haven't been up there in years and only a couple of times at that so I don't really know my way. It would be stellar if someone wanted to go who knows where to go. But, it all starts with an idea so here one is. Post up if interested and assuming we get a few on board I'll organize it.

Frank

I'm waiting to hear on other plans, but if we're free we likely can join. Everything is easy, most you'd encounter are ruts but nothing major. We did Thomas MTN in May (or whenever Justin got his LC as we saw him on trail) and idyllwild side a bit before. Do you have Trailsoffroad to view the trails/reports?

 

[sdnative]

I may be able to make a day trip on Saturday. I have been up to Toro Peak a few times, but never been to Thomas Mtn.

 

[5space]

I'd be interested.

 

[elripster]

Cool, looks like this is a go.

 

[5space]

Anyone bringing kids? Was thinking about bringing my boys.

 

[elripster]

I am bringing at least 2 of mine, boys, 14 and 7. My other son has a friend over and daughter, 2.5 is a bit young without mama.

Frank

 

[elripster]

I have only camped up there once but it was north east of Toro Peak. Does anyone have any recommendations? This spot as I recall is able to handle a number of rigs. It's at the end of a 2 track. That last time I was there was with Harley before he moved which was like 7 years ago.

Frank

 

[sdnative]

Never been to Thomas, but the top of Santa Rosa Mtn / Toro Peak is pretty nice. Not sure if it's still there, but there is a nice spot on Santa Rosa at an old cabin with a fireplace chimney. About 8000' with views of the Borrego Springs desert floor.

View from the top of Santa Rosa

 

[elripster]

Wow, that's awesome! So that would be a good camping spot?

Frank

 

[sdnative]

I have never camped up there, but I believe everything on Santa Rosa and Thomas Mtn are yellow post. So first come, first serve, no amenities.

Here is a map of the region. I tried to find a map of the yellow post site locations but am not having much luck so far. The bottom right side of the map shows Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02). If you want a bit more challenge, you can try Sawmill trail (7S05), but it looks like it may not go all the way through to 7S02.

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usfs-public.box.com

I do see Pinion Flat Campground in that area as well, so that may be an option. But I have never camped there so please do your own research.

Edit: here are some maps for yellow post sites around Santa Rosa / Thomas Mtn. I don't know if this info is accurate, so again, please do your research.

Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites | Boondocker's Bible

Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites is a series of 15 free campsites located near Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, managed by San Bernardino NF.

www.boondockersbible.com

Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Sites | Boondocker's Bible

Thomas Mountain Yellow Post sites are a series of 11 free campsites located on Thomas Mountain, managed by San Jacinto Ranger District of San Bernardino NF

www.boondockersbible.com

Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Site #1 | Boondocker's Bible

Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Site #1 is a free campsite located near Idyllwild, CA, managed by the San Jacinto Ranger District of San Bernardino National Forest

www.boondockersbible.com

 

[elripster]

For context, that little star, I believe, is the spot I am thinking of. It's sort of close to Stump Spring Campground.

 

[Honky Tonka]

My son (16) is trying to get the day off work. We would be a 100 series and an F150 for a morning heading back same afternoon trip.

 

[5space]

Sweet ill be bringing my boys, 6 and 8.

 

[hamilt0n]

Sure wish I could go. I normally would not have an excuse since its just up the road from me but I have a midnight sun trip starting in two days.

 

[elripster]

No worries. I am going to try to get up there the weekend after this one and scope it out for a quick day run. It's hard to lead when you don't know where you are going.

Frank

 

[elripster]

So, I am still planning to get up there Saturday or Sunday to map out a good spot but got tripped up a bit. This weekend I took my oldest to Mt. Laguna to go mountain biking with his friend and family. Wampa, the 60 has come a long way and was ready for its first camping trip. All was going so well. The truck was running great, AC nice and cold, and after 5 years of working on it we were feeling the stoke. I pulled into Albertson's in Ramona for some supplies. When I backed out of the spot I heard a weird noise from the rear of the truck, the brakes went softish, and the truck would not go. As soon as I checked my side view mirror I saw the d-side rear wheel leaving the chat.

Some good Samaritans helped push to the curb., I called a tow truck, jacked it up, and shove the wheel back in.

My wife showed up with the "backup" Land Cruiser which is Rathtar the 80 that runs quite well. We loaded all the gear up into it. She and my son headed home while I waited for the tow truck. Once home we jumped in Rathtar and headed to Mt. Laguna for a most excellent weekend.

Here is the kicker, this is the SECOND time this truck has ejected that axle. The last time was when it was "Mudhorn" (will explain over beers...) at TheTim's house.... which btw is a much, much better place to breakdown. I got to thinking about what the odds could be and recalled that this axle came from a truck that had been hit in the p-side quarter panel. I suspected that bent the axle. I hypothesized that I was running toed in going forwards but toed out in reverse. I tested this when we got home by driving forwards and sure enough the axle stayed in place. As soon as I backed up it started to walk out. I was able to driving into the back yard. We tore it down and sure enough the axle is bent. Not sure how I missed it but it didn't miss me!

If you look closely you can see the arc.

I have another axle so will mix/match and reinstall. I ordered the bearings, seals, and ubolts to complete the rebuild. I am still targeting heading up there Saturday or Sunday, just depends one parts arrival and how things go. I will update in case anyone wants to join for a quick prerun up there.

And I was so pumped to finally bring this truck to the meeting Tuesday...

Frank

 

[5space]

Man sorry to hear about your truck! But you made the best of it, and sounds like an awesome time despite it.

For the trip, would it be 7/12 - 7/13?