Alamo Mountain - Miller Jeep Trail

Today I took my son up to Hungry Valley. We wheeled around for a few hours going up and down random easy, moderate, and difficult trails. We eventually ended up on Gold Hill road and with zero prep, we decided to drive it as far as we felt comfortable.

The GPS gave us a route all the way to Lockwood Valley Rd., so we took it. About 45 or so minutes into our trip, we came to Alamo mountain and found a group of Tacos, next to a couple other groups, looked like a campground. We followed the GPS and it guided us to a trail called "Miller Jeep Trail".

It had a "Difficult" label on it, but since the difficult, or "black diamond" in Hungry Valley wasn't really that difficult, we decided to try it out. 50-100 yards downhill, we realized this is a bad idea as we see a heavily modified jeep coming at us up the trail, and it looks like it's struggling. I back out of the way, let him pass, and flip around headed right back the way we came.

I've read a few descriptions of this trail, some say it's not that bad as long as you stay on the main trail, others have said you need good armor and better go with a group. I understand doing any serious trail riding should be with a group, but I'm wondering if we could have made this.

I read somewhere the trail was recently redirected. Is this something we could have done on our own?

Here's our taco:

 

It is always advisable to travel in plural, rather than singular. I think with adequate spotting you would have had no issues. I have done Miller in a stock height 85 4Runner with an e-locker several times with no damage/issues aside from the J*$p$ that said I would have a problem and them blocking the trail to have work done on them! My friend had a 99 Taco open and had no issues doing the run.
I'm anxious to try my 04 on Miller. I bought it a month and a half ago and have not been wheeling with it yet.

 

Thanks for the feedback! Looks like I was away from the forum for too long, missed some people heading up there:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/july-9th-10th-miller-jeep-trail-run.439926/#post-12775536

 

Your truck looks very capable but I would seriously consider ditching those running boards and welding on a set of sliders instead, if you're into wheeling especially trails like MJT. Some brands of sliders work well as a step-up into your truck too. Also a locker, like we discussed in the other thread

 

Thanks Ryan. Time to start prepping the wife for spouse-approval on these mods!

 

Your truck looks similar to another truck that goes up there.. @MADSTEEZE

Check out this other thread that is a socal based offroad group of taco's!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheelers-anonymous.425646/page-258#post-12823280

 

Yeah it sure does. I've been in contact with him today; very helpful in pointing me in the right direction regarding the rear locker. Thanks for pointing out this thread!

 

Great truck. That was me and a few other guys up there (not the jeeps). We were hoping you'd stop and say hi, but you rolled right passed up. At first we though you brave for attempting Miller alone, but when you came back we found out you are smart as well.

 

What kind of GPS unit are you running? I have been eyeing a Garmin Montana 650t

 

Hey Ghost, thanks! I do regret not pulling over to have a quick chat. We had no idea we where being led down a gnarly trail, and since we were actually just trying to get out, when we realized we had to turn around, we just wanted to get back as quick as possible. Had been up there since 8 AM so the boy and I were pretty tired.

 

Just my phone

 

Yeah, its was a bit warm that day. We stopped for lunch when you saw us but as soon as we mounted up again, the length of the day set in and we rolled down the mountain and played in Gorman for a bit until we all went home. Gnarly sun burns all around. What area of LA are you in?

 

Yeah, it was a good day. I live in the Downey area, work in Whittier. You?

 

SFV, but I spend a lot of time all over SoCal. South Bay-Hawthorne, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach and Whittier are common as well as a lot of the Valley up here (Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, etc.).

 

Only time I'm in the Valley is when I camping or wheeling, or for work on occasion. I'm going to hit Rowher Flats this Sat AM.

 

Nice. Never been, but it's close enough where I should try it sometime. Baby shower on Sat though. People procreating like bunnies around me and I'm like:

 

Neither have I. Heading up there with @MADSTEEZE on his recommendation. Looks fun.

 

I can be of some help .... I won a set of sliders , coupon for them at RT.
I don't need sliders as I already sport some .... Maybe we can work something out ? PM me if interested in saving some cash ... A "SALE" .... Women Love SALES