recommendations to "easy wheel" near San Francisco, California?

[jumptrader]

Hi! I'm new to the hobby and have a fully stock 2003 LX470.

Don't have any armor, and my front 2 axles have a 'slight' boot tear. Dealership mechanic advised that it was not important to fix now, but should be on the radar.

I'm looking to get started with hopefully an easy trail to get a feel for the vehicle. And then one day add enough upgrades to join y'all in the 100s in The Hills event!

Any advice on where I could get started? Willing to drive up to 3 hours in any direction!

THANK YOU!

 

[vman07]

Hollister Hills.

Expedition Portal

 

[LBridges]

..., and my front 2 axles have a 'slight' boot tear. Dealership mechanic advised that it was not important to fix now, but should be on the radar....

Can't say I know all that much about easy wheeling near SF, but I think you should reconsider the front axle situation. If there is a slight tear, and they aren't making any noise, you should be a candidate to get them cleaned out, new boots and re-greased. I think it would save hundreds of dollars. Of course if you can't do it yourself, there is the issue that most mechanics (including your advisor) would greatly prefer just swapping out the axles. This nets them slightly less labor, but increases their parts profit more than the labor gain. If I was still in the business (I'm not) I hope I would inform the customer of both paths. But after all it is a business, and depending on how receipts are going for that month....

 

[WillW]

Literally any fire road in the Sierras.

 

[68W65D]

Hollister Hills.

This would be my suggestion. I love that place. Start with the green trails. Try a few blues. Maybe some obstacles.

 

[Evan Kapel]

Hollister Hills

 

[jumptrader]

Literally any fire road in the Sierras.

How are the entrances to fire roads marked? Is there a map that outlines where fire roads lead to? Thank you!

 

[SierraWheeler]

Agree Hollister Hills is a good place to cut your teeth. This website is a good resource for you to get started on national forest routes. Here is a good one within 3 hours or so with accompanying youtube video, although you'll have to pick your lines carefully with a fully stock rig:

4x4TrailMaps - Corral Hollow Trail

 

[rjones]

Hello @jumptrader. From late 2005 through 2009 the Forest Service had to come into compliance with regulations regarding the opening and cataloging of their trails and fire roads (don't quote me here, it's just my understanding of their own description of this). As such there are literally thousands of "easy wheelin" fire roads in California that are open weather permitting. Lots of them are 2-3 hours close to the Bay Area and Central Valley. Best of all the maps to these trails are free and online!

To find some try the following, best results would be gained i believe using an actual PC or large tablet as opposed to a phone.

• Google search "california national forests" and take a look on the state map to get a feel of the forests proximity to you. Pick one close-ish.
• Then Google search "mendocino national forest motor vehicle use map" or whichever forest you choose.
• Follow the first or second link and it should take you to a USDA Forest Service page listing PDF copies of the MVUM's by area or Ranger Station.
• Pick one of the maps to download locally and open it up! Read all the Responsibilities stuff and most of all the "Explanation of Legend Items". Good info in there.
• Using the Legend and finding the major hwys/roads find yourself a trail and go!

Best of luck.
rjones

 

[stonekutters]

Anyone interested in a meet-up in Bay Area? Hundreds In Bay Area anyone?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Hi! I'm new to the hobby and have a fully stock 2003 LX470.

Don't have any armor, and my front 2 axles have a 'slight' boot tear. Dealership mechanic advised that it was not important to fix now, but should be on the radar.

So, you were given bad advice. Seriously, you want to take your truck "offroad" where dirt, water, and mud are likely certain and you have torn (open) boot that you don't want to fix? That's foolish. A moderate repair now in your driveway vs a super expensive repair later possibly out in the boonies where you don't have choices and you've ruined your cv axles?

My advice-take the day you were going to go wheeling, and fix your truck. They don't heal themselves. And never go back to someone who would give you that advice. You will find that neglecting known problem areas in your truck will lead to big and bigger problems the further you venture off the pavement.

With regards as to where to go, the Mendocino National Forest to the North of you has lots of scenic and remote easy dirt trails. And in the summer, they are all dry and a good choice. If you get adventurous, go to Usal Beach and then head north to Shelter Cove. It's easy, scenic and appropriate for a stock 100 series. Hollister Hills is boring. Places like that are good for testing out new mods, but not much of an adventure.

 

[hoser]

Anyone interested in a meet-up in Bay Area? Hundreds In Bay Area anyone?

There will likely be a few 100's here...
Overland/4X4 Meet/Coffee, Emeryville, Sun. Aug 13, 2017 (9am-12pm)

 

[jumptrader]

Hello @jumptrader. From late 2005 through 2009 the Forest Service had to come into compliance with regulations regarding the opening and cataloging of their trails and fire roads (don't quote me here, it's just my understanding of their own description of this). As such there are literally thousands of "easy wheelin" fire roads in California that are open weather permitting. Lots of them are 2-3 hours close to the Bay Area and Central Valley. Best of all the maps to these trails are free and online!

To find some try the following, best results would be gained i believe using an actual PC or large tablet as opposed to a phone.

• Google search "california national forests" and take a look on the state map to get a feel of the forests proximity to you. Pick one close-ish.
• Then Google search "mendocino national forest motor vehicle use map" or whichever forest you choose.
• Follow the first or second link and it should take you to a USDA Forest Service page listing PDF copies of the MVUM's by area or Ranger Station.
• Pick one of the maps to download locally and open it up! Read all the Responsibilities stuff and most of all the "Explanation of Legend Items". Good info in there.
• Using the Legend and finding the major hwys/roads find yourself a trail and go!

Best of luck.
rjones

Amazing information here! THANK YOU! I can't wait to look this information up.

Anyone interested in a meet-up in Bay Area? Hundreds In Bay Area anyone?

I'm in. What's the most efficient way to organize a meetup on this forum for Bay Area 100s? Is there a special part of the forum?

So, you were given bad advice. Seriously, you want to take your truck "offroad" where dirt, water, and mud are likely certain and you have torn (open) boot that you don't want to fix? That's foolish. A moderate repair now in your driveway vs a super expensive repair later possibly out in the boonies where you don't have choices and you've ruined your cv axles?

My advice-take the day you were going to go wheeling, and fix your truck. They don't heal themselves. And never go back to someone who would give you that advice. You will find that neglecting known problem areas in your truck will lead to big and bigger problems the further you venture off the pavement.

With regards as to where to go, the Mendocino National Forest to the North of you has lots of scenic and remote easy dirt trails. And in the summer, they are all dry and a good choice. If you get adventurous, go to Usal Beach and then head north to Shelter Cove. It's easy, scenic and appropriate for a stock 100 series. Hollister Hills is boring. Places like that are good for testing out new mods, but not much of an adventure.

Point taken. I'll do some research and see the best fix given my situation. THANK YOU.