Is the current "condition" of winch hill 1 fairly typical? We completed the entire trail for the first time last Thursday and was surprised how difficult it was in reality. Most of the pictures that I had seen it didn't seem to have the spread out boulders in the middle and upper sections. We are "only" a TJ on 4.5" and 33's and alone so we ending up winching (a lot) to save the vehicle against breakage. Fantastic trail though...... we could see all of the work that has been put into the trail bypass' and can appreciate all of the hard work that has been done by the volunteers that keep the trail going. I was amazed how much more difficult the trail is compared to the Rubicon.

Yep, pretty typical. It changes a lot every year too. Even the biggest boulders move.
Lots of people use the bypass (which is not easy either, but its easier than the main route). Winching vs. breaking was smart. I generally just use the bypass if I'm by myself.

I agree that Fordyce is a tougher trail than Rubicon, especially for a rig on 33's.

I also agree that for your vehicle WH1 is tough and the chute leading to it is a bit of a headache as well. I have never used the bypass so who knows bout it. Yup, Fordyce can put a hurt on you in a hurry.

I felt that WH1 is extremely easy right now? I have only done it 3 times and this time seemed to be the easiest one of all. The first two times was two/three years ago (I think?). I remember it being very difficult (HUGE ROCK) by the tree and it seemed to be gone completely this trip?

I felt that WH1 is extremely easy right now? I have only done it 3 times and this time seemed to be the easiest one of all. The first two times was two/three years ago (I think?). I remember it being very difficult (HUGE ROCK) by the tree and it seemed to be gone completely this trip?

I agree JW I think it's easier this year also. Like Erik said it changes every year. Might get easier might get harder.

2000TJDude - I would think that with your setup Fordyce would be a challenging trail. With that said if you look at any organization that has a rating for trails whatever the hardest level is Fordyce is there. So is the Rubicon and I don’t think it should be unless you plan on running little sluice.

From someone who's run both in a 'lesser" vehicle I can say I think they are both tough and both deserve a 10.

I think the Rubicon is challenging in that it has some tricky spots that look easy but can get you in trouble if you don't respect it.

The slabs are a perfect example - if you don't know the lines, it can turn bad in a heart beat.

I think Fordyce is more straight forward...just a hard core rock crawling trail.

In any case, the more you run a trail the easier it gets. You know what to expect and you get better at picking lines.

[QUOTE=Bebe;11919050]From someone who's run both in a 'lesser" vehicle I can say I think they are both tough and both deserve a 10.

I have met you and seen your H3 and hardly consider it a "lesser" vehicle. Not a rock buggy but still a great rig to be sure. :smokin:

I loved Fordyce. The solitude and lack of people (even though it was a week day) makes it a great "secret". I look forward to running it in the future. (on 35's) :flipoff2:

2000TJDude - I would think that with your setup Fordyce would be a challenging trail. With that said if you look at any organization that has a rating for trails whatever the hardest level is Fordyce is there. So is the Rubicon and I don’t think it should be unless you plan on running little sluice.[/QUOTE]

I met you the same weekend as Bebe, your rig is killer as well. I was really impressed that my "little", street legal, TJ on 33's, and "broken" rear locker could make it through. Though the winch got a real workout on all of the winch hills except 5. Made for a fun, creative day when picking lines...........:eek:

I will have to dig up pics of me going up it in my jeep on 31's about 15, 20 years ago.. Was extremely easy.. even 7, 8 years ago it was way easier then now.. not just because the rocks move around some but the top was completely different then now.. Nothing to get hung up on up at the v ledge

Me and my dad just got back from the trail and did ever way you could go on WH1. I feel that the WH1 was easy. The bypass in the middle was cut up bad. A person on 37" tires had a hard time going up. I am on 35" tire in a XJ truggie. But my dad has a F-toy with 37" red labals. We had lots of fun at WH1 spent ahout an hour doing all the lines. On last thing the two Jeeps we were with were on 35" tire and locked front and rear. They had a hard time going up WH1 Both had to winch.

Me and my dad just got back from the trail and did ever way you could go on WH1. I feel that the WH1 was easy. The bypass in the middle was cut up bad. A person on 37" tires had a hard time going up. Then the far right bypass that has the wall was easy to. I went up the at the end and my dad did the wall on the left. I am on 35" tire in a XJ truggie. But my dad has a F-toy with 37" red labals. We had lots of fun at WH1 spent ahout an hour doing all the lines. On last thing the two Jeeps we were with were on 35" tire and locked front and rear. They had a hard time going up WH1 Both had to winch. They took the far right bypass. Here is a little video of the far right bypass.

Please keep in mind the far right is off trail and should not be driven on.

WOW sorry we did not see it posted. I will not be going there again. If there is a posted no vehicle sign it needs to be bigger.

WOW sorry we did not see it posted. I will not be going there again. If there is a posted no vehicle sign it needs to be bigger.


That section is blocked almost every year but it can be hard to tell when all of the road block material is removed. We have it on our list to re-block it.

IMO education is just as important. If you see someone over there let them know they are off trail.

Thanks!

I will. I will aslo keep an eye out for work days. I would like to start helping out when I can. This trial is way to good to loose it. I really feel like a J-ass.

I will. I will aslo keep an eye out for work days. I would like to start helping out when I can. This trial is way to good to loose it. I really feel like a J-ass.

Great...we will be having several next year and could use the help.

No worries....now you know. :smokin: