Ellis Peak & Blackwood Canyon Trail - Sunday November 6th

I managed to make it up most of it. There was still a decent amount of snow left, however 90% of the trail was snow free and not a direct issue. However since the all the snow was still melting, it created very muddy trail conditions. It made me appreciate my mud tires. I'm not a trail expert but I don't see stock tires doing well in those type of conditions since they are AT and not very aggressive. There were a few points/switch backs where a previous 4x4(s) and snow melt off dug up some pretty seriously deep ruts (12-18" deep). The 1st and 2nd point I had to find rocks and "build up" the sections of the trail in order for me to get over it. When I hit the 3rd switch back I lost my enthusiasm and turned back as my young kids were driving me crazy.

Under normal dry conditions I can see a semi skilled driver running this trail with a stock Tacoma or 4Runner 4x4. However on Sunday I was very grateful that I had sliders. At the 1st switch back (before I built up the rutted trail) my sliders saved me from serious side damage as my passenger side kept sliding into the rut and switch back wall.

I'm 100% going back sometime between June and September, it had some beautiful views.

 

Any pictures, Michael?

 

Thank you for the detailed feedback. Since I am still all stock....including my tires, and my sliders won't be ready till February, I think I will hold off till Spring/Summer for this trail. Hopefully if this trip is posted up again then I can run it that time with you. The views at the end of the drive look amazing.....definitely on my list to get up there.

 

Dang tough crowd. I didn't take a lot of pics and the ones that I did take have my kids in them. So here's a very short clip that my son got to shoot.

https://youtu.be/sOKWp4E1jV8

When I have more time I can post a few longer clips from my go pro.

 

I recognize that truck now! Saw you on the Benicia bridge on Saturday evening. Great looking truck.

 

Hey Phil

Yup that was me stalking and waving at you. I was driving on the right, then you passed me and I was like "wait a minute I recognize that truck". We were driving up Saturday, staying at a hotel near Truckee. I'm not a morning person and don't like wheeling sleep deprived.

 

I would really like to run this trail. So please keep me posted when you plan on running it again next year.
@tacomgee another to add to the list

 

Yes me as well. As long as I can get my DCLB safely to the top I am I.