Smiley rock trail

[myKIDStoy]

We went up to Jerome yesterday to take advantage of the long weekend.

We knew there would be snow as the trail climbs past 6500 in elevation.

3 rigs

85 fj60
4Runner
Trooper (Chevy powered, Toyota axles)

We got almost through the whole trail maybe 15% left before we got to Smiley Rock. But the snow had become compacted ice and it was too difficult to gain traction.

If u got to close to the edge ur rig would slide to.

As a group of jeeps was returning their from their attempt to finish the trail I got too close to the edge and the rig just slid and almost tip over.

Only thing keeping me from going over were a few thin trees.

Recovery took about 2 hr,

2 winches
1 snatch block
3 tow straps

After recovery we called it quits as the jeeps said the trail only got more difficult Bc of the ice.

Enjoy

 

[myKIDStoy]

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Sounds like a great day to take advantage of some time off.

 

[myKIDStoy]

 

[myKIDStoy]

U can never pass up a picture op.

I was afraid it was going to tip on its side so I decided to take a picture next to the rig just in case it was the last time.

We pulled the 60 out and went home fine with a bruised ego.

No pictures of recovery as we were all thinking how move the truck with out it sliding an inch or foot farther into the embankment.

Enjoy.

Oscar

 

[myKIDStoy]

Sounds like a great day to take advantage of some time off.

It was phil. If it would have been fresh snow I'm sure we could have completed the trip.

Kids loved it and we had plenty of snow ball fights.

 

[Hank Tank]

Nice. I've been in that same situation only atop of Four Peaks about two years ago.

 

[myKIDStoy]

wow. That's a storm.

 

[Pitch]

Pretty sure that Smiley Rock is actually a closed route now. The most recent PNF Travel Management maps show it as a motorcycle route only. Which is sad, as it is a great trail. That being said, it is still traveled frequently.

Glad you got out safely, and showed discretion with turning around. The climb up to Potato Patch would be ridiculously dangerous in snow and ice.

 

[leftarmtan]

Few pics I took.
2016-01-18_07-18-21 by Jim Jewell, on Flickr
2016-01-18_07-18-43 by Jim Jewell, on Flickr
2016-01-18_07-19-00 by Jim Jewell, on Flickr
2016-01-18_07-19-16 by Jim Jewell, on Flickr