Is this the Paliza Campground in Jemez? I'm probably in.. but won't be getting a tree.
Xmas Tree Run (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter pappy
- Start date
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Paliza is a bit of a challenge for stock suspension 4-door wagons and pickups. I did it 2 years ago for the Christmas tree run. The biggest problems I had was getting over the multiple berms that cross the roadway without crunching my rockers. The horrible departure angle of a 60-series made for a lot of butt dragging as well, but the rocker panels were my biggest fear. Because I had to take them very slowly with a spotter, I held the line up and the pack ahead of us got way ahead. This is just a warning for anyone with a longer wheelbase and no lift or oversize tires. If you can deal with the terrain, the scenery is beautiful and I don't recall there being any others out there besides HDC people.
So, with 33", and the stock suspension height, any one know if I would be fine?
Ron,
My truck had 33" tires and no lift and no sliders on the first Christmas tree run. We did Paliza that year (2001) but there was no snow. I still had the stock running boards on that trip. They were a bit bent (as was Connie) afterwards.
Lift went on then sliders went on a few weeks later. Then the rear bumper, skid plate, front bumper, and so on. No worries Ron, you can just follow in my tracks.
-Mike-
My truck had 33" tires and no lift and no sliders on the first Christmas tree run. We did Paliza that year (2001) but there was no snow. I still had the stock running boards on that trip. They were a bit bent (as was Connie) afterwards.
Lift went on then sliders went on a few weeks later. Then the rear bumper, skid plate, front bumper, and so on. No worries Ron, you can just follow in my tracks.
-Mike-
- Thread starter
- #25
I've done something fun and added a "poll" to this thread. I've made it public so we can see who is going.
- Thread starter
- #26
Ummmm, what are the chances?
Per the poll - sorry, can't make it this year. I will be at "Race Camp" in Red River training for the season of ski racing. But, no broken legs this year!
I agree with Jon - it is one of the best runs all year, and I'm sorry to miss it. Have fun and take lots of pictures!
Evan
I agree with Jon - it is one of the best runs all year, and I'm sorry to miss it. Have fun and take lots of pictures!
Evan
Looks like we're already snowed out of our spot up there, so it looks like we're in!
We've been on two Christmas tree runs and I would also rate them near the top of my wheeling experiences. We're disappointed we won't be able to go due to other conflicts. It's great fun to stop in Jemez Springs for a burger and beer and warm up too.
As Jennie would remind you, focus on bagging your tree before getting too immersed in the driving fun. Especially if there is snow adding to the challenge. How many times did we end up looking for that perfect tree in the dark, on the side of the highway after a long day of winching, chaining, shoveling and cutting downed trees that blocked the trail.
juane
juane
Oh yeah, and wear gaitors or snow pants, you dummies!
Wish we were going. From our house it takes about an hour to load up the 80, crawl up a forest road, find and cut a tree and be back home. Not much fun.
juane
Wish we were going. From our house it takes about an hour to load up the 80, crawl up a forest road, find and cut a tree and be back home. Not much fun.
juane
You've got to love those frozen wet jeans. Great picture, Juane! Brings back memories...
Just about everybody was stuck that year, and sometimes simultaneously. What a blast!
Just about everybody was stuck that year, and sometimes simultaneously. What a blast!
i have two friends that are interested in going along. both are Unimog guys, one is the orange one that Ali put up pics of. the other one may try to bring a different Mercedez 4x4. both can drive and have plenty of experience in the snow.
i am a "maybe" at best. we have plans at 6pm and i know how this runs usually goes...
i am a "maybe" at best. we have plans at 6pm and i know how this runs usually goes...
We have plans before 6pm too - we may not make them...
I started wearing an old pair of ski bibs - the snow on that run was about 3 feet deep after you got off the tracks - gators wouldn't have been that much help anyway! I remember running in front right about there and snow chunks were coming over the hood...
I started wearing an old pair of ski bibs - the snow on that run was about 3 feet deep after you got off the tracks - gators wouldn't have been that much help anyway! I remember running in front right about there and snow chunks were coming over the hood...
- Thread starter
- #37
That's correct. We *were* all temporarily immobilized at once when the sun went down though...
Look who was breaking trail.
If enough people are interested, Wendy will make some chili con carne for here after the run. Any takers?
