I'll be heading down to AZ (from CO) in the next couple of months, and I'm interested in checking out the Rug Road area. I was wondering if anyone has been out there recently and could comment on conditions. I'm actually mostly interested in checking out the Table Mountain Mine, so I had been thinking about using the Carpet Hill Bypass route from Mammoth to circumvent Boulder Mt/Carpet Hill (which I wouldn't be able to do anyway), then maybe heading out via Turkey Creek. Sounds like recent washouts and evolving trail difficulty might make that difficult, so I was hoping to gain some insights from those closer to the action. Any tips on least difficult way in to the mine would be most welcome. (For reference, I've got a 4th gen 4runner with ARB lift on 32" tires, stock differential setup.) Thanks!
Rug Road Conditions
- Thread starter bmurphs
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We should know more in a few days.
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Events/Trails - November 2021 ROTM - Rug Road Run - 11/20/2021 - 11/21/2021
Here's the plan for the Rug Road Run. Those who want to camp on Friday, can do so at any of the spots along Copper Creek Road. I believe a number of folks have done that in years past. The run will officially start at 9:00am Saturday morning at the Rug Road turn off from Copper Creek Road...
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I ran RR in my 04' T4R with 2" lift and 31" KO2s. I made it down OK with the exception of trashing the running boards, but I would have had to beat on it pretty hard to make it back up the Carpet Hill section. The trail overall has been getting more and more rowdy in that section over the past 3 years. I have not run it since this past summer's monsoon, so I am honestly hoping that it is still passable and good enough for a group to make it through. Bit of a dice roll, but it could also be a good little adventure.
Jason
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- #4
Thanks to both of you for the responses.
medtro -- Looking forward to the trip report. Have fun out there!
Jason -- Good to know you were able to make it in the 4Runner (with the exception of running boards). I'm hoping to use the bypass route to avoid Carpet Hill itself, but we'll see. Indeed a bit of a dice roll, and I'm thinking I'll probably just head down there and see what happens. Definitely will be interested to hear the group report back though...
medtro -- Looking forward to the trip report. Have fun out there!
Jason -- Good to know you were able to make it in the 4Runner (with the exception of running boards). I'm hoping to use the bypass route to avoid Carpet Hill itself, but we'll see. Indeed a bit of a dice roll, and I'm thinking I'll probably just head down there and see what happens. Definitely will be interested to hear the group report back though...
There's a few photos in the original trip thread --> Events/Trails - November 2021 ROTM - Rug Road Run - 11/20/2021 - 11/21/2021 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/november-2021-rotm-rug-road-run-11-20-2021-11-21-2021.1269089/
The general consensus was that Carpet Hill and the descent down to the wash was the easiest it's been for a long time. The climb back up after the mine is looser than previously, but all vehicles made it OK. The steps are gone - the forest service has put a lot of work in to the last few miles - and the descent in the Turkey Creek could be done in a Camry.
The general consensus was that Carpet Hill and the descent down to the wash was the easiest it's been for a long time. The climb back up after the mine is looser than previously, but all vehicles made it OK. The steps are gone - the forest service has put a lot of work in to the last few miles - and the descent in the Turkey Creek could be done in a Camry.
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- #6
Awesome, thanks for those valuable insights. Looks like an awesome trip! We'll give it a try next month...
Just to clarify, is it the climb out of Virgus Canyon from the Table Mt Mine to Parson's Grove that was particularly loose? Did you all need locking axle diffs, or do you think open axle diffs with ATRAC could handle it?
Just to clarify, is it the climb out of Virgus Canyon from the Table Mt Mine to Parson's Grove that was particularly loose? Did you all need locking axle diffs, or do you think open axle diffs with ATRAC could handle it?
I think with a bit of care in a few sections, you will be more than equipped for the trail. If you dont have sliders/rock rails, just take your time coming down Carpet Hill, and enjoy the ride. I ham fisted my way through in my 2004 T4R with 2" lift and 31" KO2s. You will be just fine. I would still suggest having another rig with you if you can, just incase something does happen. If not, don't let that stop you, just be extra careful, there is not much for cell service and radio sights lines.
Yes no problem, my ATRAC kicked in a few times and @Pitch in his 80 has open diffs. I bent a rear LCA with a bad line - when I got hung up I should have reversed further but instead persisted.
If my memory is correct, the road improvements are from the intersection of FR5019 - basically as soon as you turn left up the hill. I think you are right in saying that the loose stuff largely on the climb out of Virgus - I don't know the actual names of most of these places
If my memory is correct, the road improvements are from the intersection of FR5019 - basically as soon as you turn left up the hill. I think you are right in saying that the loose stuff largely on the climb out of Virgus - I don't know the actual names of most of these places
Feel free to put out a call and you may get someone to tag along 
Pro-tip - take the Miller Road bypass if you know where it is.
Much less drama than carpet hill to the bypass intersection section especially if you are alone.
Much less drama than carpet hill to the bypass intersection section especially if you are alone.
Checking on 'Mud it looks like I last drove the Miller Road on 2020-08-09. Most of the way was two wheel drive with the last mile of the bypass getting a little rough.
After I turned on the main Rug Road I definitely needed four wheel drive for the climb up to the pass. We needed four wheel drive for that climb this last trip as well, but I believe at least one person had no lockers, and my rear locker decided not to work either. I used the front locker a few times so I wouldn't spin a tire and get a rock slice, but I think I didn't need lockers for traction.
Fire along Rug Road
On 2020-08-03 a small fire broke out on Table Mountain Pass. Rug Road goes through this pass on the route between Mammoth & Klondyke. The fire died out or was put out the same evening, and there was very little damage. It helps that the pass area is pretty barren to begin with. 2020-08-03...
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Yes, I went through with no lockers needed. 35” tires for reference. Plenty of scrapes on the sliders, and a new dent in my rear PS quarter.
Beautiful area!
Beautiful area!
Saddletramp
GOLD Star
Driving by touch again ?
