As some of you may know we had a run at Calico this past Saturday. Was a great time and I had a blast. We met at 8:30am and departed for the trail at about 8:45am. Wally led, with Steve, Nolan and myself following his lead.

Unfortunately as we were airing down our tires at the trail head a large group of XJs from the local Naxja club passed us and started the trail. When we hit the first obstacle, not too far from the trail head we discovered that one of the XJs broke a U-joint on the first obstacle. While working on his U-joint the owner of the XJ also sheared off two of his wheel studs forcing him to leave the trail. Also we got word that another XJ farther up the line broke one of his rear leaf spring shackles (luckily he was clear of the trail and easy to pass). This took about an hour or so for them to tear apart the Jeep, put it back together and get him off the trail.

Once we finally hit the trail Wally made easy work of everything. I made it up most of the obstacle but had to take a strap when my rear diff got hung up. Probably could've made it with a different line but after waiting for the XJs I really didn't want to spend all day there.

After that the trail wasn't too bad until the next obstacle. Most of it was pretty easy to do and only required spotting/creative rock placement in a few areas and tight spots.

The next obstacle was a pretty steep ledge. Upon arriving Wally and Nolan noted that it had changed somewhat and appeared to be harder since some supporting rocks had been removed. Once again Wally had no problem although he did turn his lockers on . I made it up most of the ledge, might have been able to make it up with a slightly different line, but had to take a strap to get up the remainder. One of my rear wheels was in a pretty deep hole (where those rocks used to be) and one of the fronts was slipping. Steve and Nolan didn't have too much trouble going up this part most likely due to their lockers and experience.

We moved on, spotting some of the mines that are common throughout the area. We reached the next obstacle to find that more rocks had been moved. This part was no problem for the other KJs however without lockers (my trac-lock doesn't do much) I just couldn't keep the traction to go forward. A cool part of this obstacle is the remaining asphalt from the area's mining days. Nolan did get some nice air coming up this obstacle, such a show off .

At this point things were much easier. We stopped to have lunch, my girlfriend and I explored one of the open mines and we began the downhill and relatively easier section of the trail.

Mostly the downhill part is composed of loose grapefruit sized rocks. It's not really bad, but can rattle the KJ around a bit. Once again we met up with our XJ friends. They were negotiating the final major obstacle, a downhill waterfall that brings Jeeps pretty close to a rock formation just waiting to scrape and dent body panels (and it does). After about 30 min or so the XJs are out of our hair and we get our chance to head down the waterfall. It's not really hard for Wally, but there is alot of concern about scrapping the driver's side against the rock formation. Wally did scrape a fender flare on the rocks but nothing some more durabak couldn't fix. I also scraped a flare on that rock which put a little dent into my quarter panel. Steve got pretty close but managed to steer clear of the rocks although he did get some scrapes earlier on the trail. Nolan had no problems in this part of the trail and I don't think he scraped anything at all.

The remainder of the trail consisted of more loose rocks and a few steps. These weren't major problems but everyone but Wally got some good use of our skids. I did get hung up on my front skid-plate once, but after Steve pulled me back some I was able to take a slightly different line. If I had a rear locker I probably would've been fine in the first place.

This is a fun and exciting trail and I strongly encourage everyone to try it. It's not very far from Orange and LA counties and Steve made it up from San Diego. This is trail is also close enough for the Las Vegas folks to make. It's the hardest and most exciting trail I've been on so far and I can't wait to go back.

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2005 Blue KJ Renegade
Too big to fit into most LA parking garages.

Wally starting us off. If you look in the background you can see the broken XJ.


One of the many tight spots that can eat body panels.



Wally leading the way.


Wally makes it look easy.


But I need a strap.



Steve and Nolan having no problems. I want lockers too!




One of the many mines in the area.


Wally making another obstacle look easy.



That's as far as I got.


Some of the left over asphalt


Now I'm strapped and ready to be pulled.



Steve shows me how it's done.


Nolan showing off with his tire in the air.



Final obstacle. Nolan is standing above the rock formation that Wally and I scraped. Unfortunately no pictures of him or myself.

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2005 Blue KJ Renegade
Too big to fit into most LA parking garages.

I'm writing this part to help those like myself who might be new to four-wheeling and on a budget to build their KJ.

I've been doing this since June, prior to that it was really only easy dirt roads that I had been on. The KJ is a pretty awesome rig even in it's stock form but it does need a few things before you can hit the trails. After looking at the underside of my jeep following every time I go off road I can agree that any trail requires skid plates. Since most of us can't do an SFA our KJs are guaranteed to hit rocks. The mopar skids will suffice and get you through most places. Alot of folks bash the tranny skid, however I think it's fine and I haven't hit it all to much. The first skid I plan on replacing is my gas tank skid, it's already bent up and touching my gas tank. Until I have the funds to do this I'll just pull it off and straighten it.

Tow points are also a requirement. Either hooks or shackles, either way it's done is essential. If it weren't for my tow points I would not have made it through this trail. This is another reason why we go in groups. The skids and tow points are the two things I think are essential to make it through any trail even easy ones like Rattlesnake Canyon.

A lift and off road tires help out alot. Without these I'm certain I would've had to be strapped alot more. If a KJ owner doesn't mind this and a higher chance of damage I don't see why an unlifted KJ can't come out and do trails around here, but it will be much harder. EDIT: DISCLAIMER: ON THIS TRAIL AN UN LIFTED KJ WILL SUFFER DAMAGE AND WILL HAVE TO BE STRAPPED AT MOST OBSTACLES

Next I come to rocker protection. Boulderbars, skink sliders or their equivalents are very nice. I have seen them in action and there is nothing that really can replace these. They are very useful. However if you are on a budget like me and can't afford these the mopar rock rails actually hold up some. Now they are no replacement for true boulderbars/skink sliders but if you already have them on your KJ (05+ Renegades) or you can get a pair really cheap they are far better than nothing. Mine aren't straight and I do have a dent in my rocker panel where they didn't protect me (Big Bear, Onyx Summit) but I know for certain that I would have alot more damage without them. Of course if you don't mind damage you can drive without them but you WILL get damage on the trail. Boulderbars are on my shopping list.

Lockers, not everyone wants one or can afford them and they are not essential. However seeing them in action and having to take alot of straps they are very desirable. The powertrax no slip is probably the best bang for the buck, I plan on trying to get an ARB in the rear but we'll see. For up front the detroit tru trac is hard to beat in my opinion.

I would like to encourage anyone in SoCal or NorCal that would like to participate in any of the trail runs to do so. If you have Skids and tow points don't be afraid to come out. You don't have to do trails like this to have fun but once you do you won't regret it. Alot of the members who have been wheeling KJs for a while will get you through and have alot of great advice. If your KJ isn't set up to do this or you are afraid to damage your jeep I still encourage you to join us. There are plenty of people who are more than willing to let you ride with them to share the thrills.

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2005 Blue KJ Renegade
Too big to fit into most LA parking garages.

Well, like it has been said I certainly haven't been unscathed.

This is what happened when I got hung up on my rear diff. The cover isn't really peeled but I believe it was enough to break the seal of my RTV allowing some gear oil to seep through. I'll be replacing the oil and reapplying RTV in a couple weeks so we'll see. A stronger diff cover is on my shopping list now



Some cool rock rash


Bent and dented rock rails. When I buy boulderbars I might sell these, only slightly used . The dent painted in gray primer was from my first trip in Big Bear.



This is where I scraped and the slight dent in my quarter panel.


Had a blast causing all this and can't wait to do it again.

Best part is, none of this was caused by other motorists or shopping carts!

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2005 Blue KJ Renegade
Too big to fit into most LA parking garages.

Great write-up Justin! We need talent like yours for future runs and events. Be prepared to go on every future trail ride/event so you can do the write-ups.

I have to disagree w/ one thing from the write-up.
A STOCK/UNLIFTED KJ HAS NO BUSINESS BEING ON THIS TRAIL IN CALICO.
The possibilty of damage to running gear is too high and I would not want to have to deal with a broken KJ on this trail as there are not very many friendly spots on this trail that you could work on a broken Jeep. Also, while I don't mind offering a strap and helping out ( I love doing it) I would hate to have to spend my whole trip tugging a stocker off every rock on the trail. Those driving lifted KJ's quickly forget the difference between a stocker and a KJ lifted a couple inches on taller rubber.
Speaking of rubber, There are a lot of tire eating rocks on this trail and I have seen all brands take a beating there. I have seen stock rubber on a lifted KJ make it but Ted K is special and he had his force field on that day.

All that said, There Are some easier trails in Calico that are worth exploring and seeing. The area is pretty cool and has a rich mining history. Well worth going to Calico even in a stocker, just don't try the Doran or Odessa trails.

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

Yeah, I forgot to mention that there are tons of roads and split offs out there. I really wouldn't have done that trail in my KJ without a lift even if I had better tires on. Certainly as an unexperienced/under-experienced driver. Calico did look like it had other areas that a stocker with protection could go.

Better than stock tires are a must, I noticed some rubber missing on a few lugs of my MT/Rs, can't imagine how stock tires could take that abuse. Heck when we first started to air down Wally was talking about how he had slashed a brand new tire right in the beginning of the trail.

Mainly I'd like to see folks even with stock KJs come out and at least ride with us. Once they do I can't imagine their KJs staying stock for very long

Changed that post.

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2005 Blue KJ Renegade
Too big to fit into most LA parking garages.

Looks like fun.

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- Burchie

Justin, Thanks for taking those great pictures. Thanks to good spotting from you, Wally and Steve only scrapes I got was on my skids and rear control arms.

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2002 Liberty
W/Lift+Armor+Diff mods

That was a great write up!

Many of us have scars from the rocks on that big waterfall. I love the 3 wheeling pictures going down it too.

You did a great job on that trail. It's one of the more difficult ones around here.

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Take the road less traveled.

Thanks for the compliments on the write up. Couldn't have done the trail without the help and I really learned a lot. Wish you could've made it Ed, look forward to wheeling with you.

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2005 Blue KJ Renegade
Too big to fit into most LA parking garages.

We will have to retrain Ed all over again.....

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

Thanks for posting the pictures and the writeup. I enjoyed meeting Justin and Nolan. It was also good to see Wally again. This is definitely one of my new favorite trails. I don't seem to get out as often as I would like, but I do look forward to seeing you on the trail again soon.
Steve

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KI6OQC
2006 Silver LTD
Frankenlift
Mopar skids
Mopar tow hooks
Custom rock sliders
4.10/TT/Powertrax

Awesome write up and pics! Great work and it looked like a fun day guys.

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Nanette

03 Freedom with some neat stuff done to it that I learned about here.

Man, that brings back so many great memories. Calico was probably the first major difficult trail I did too. Back ages ago, when Wally's jeep was still shiny black and JJ's boys couldn't drive. lol. I think that first obstacle might be my favorite on the whole trail. Having to make that steep climb all the while making sure not so slam into the rock cropping. I still HATE that narrow canyon with the asphalt. In the 2 or 3 times i've ran the trail, never made it unscathed. none the less, would run it yet again.

Is that your guys plan for Thanksgiving? Never saw anything posted up about it and heard plans of Anza, so I started a new (hopefully) tradition for AZ on having a Turkey Day run. Still miss the turkey dinner at Carroells, YUCK!!!

later, mike