New to the trails

Hey everyone,

I recently got a 2017 Tacoma OR 4x4 and have been itching to get out on some trails. I don't really have to much trail experience yet, but I am looking to get out there. I was wondering if anyone knows any easy or moderate trails (that a stock 2017 OR 4x4) could handle in the LA, SB, OC or surrounding area? If you want to hit the trails with me rad! anyone is welcome.

Was thinking of going this weekend (8/26) or the following (9/2)

 

Start at Gorman easy enough to go solo or Azusa hills.

 

Right there with ya. Would really like to hit some local trails and get this truck dirty but need to start small and learn on some beginner/intermediate trails

 

I don't know where you exactly live, but there is also my personal favorite trail of Santiago Peak. The trailhead starts at the:

Maple Springs Visitor Center
31330 Silverado Canyon Rd.
Silverado, CA 92676
ph# (951) 736-1811

They sometimes close the trail due to weather/fire so I would call them or maybe a ranger station? I've never had to personally call, so I don't know the exact source that you need to call?

Anyways, definitely an easy trail to do for sure with one or two challenging areas of very loose dirt/rock, but even a 2wd can do it just as long as they get some sort of "running start". No sliders or armor required, although, regarding armor, me personally, I would want armor no matter what doing any kind of off-roading... even on pavement, LOL!!!

I would go if I had my truck, but I don't at the moment.

Here are some pics of a recent night run I did. The first picture is a picture of the trailhead.




I believe the lights below are Rancho Santa Margarita and the surrounding area??? Either way, it's beautiful up there.






This picture is just showing my stock "suspension flex"!!! LOL!!! As a matter of fact, don't let this little F'N HILL at the top of the peak near the towers fool you, LMAO!!! It's just a very small section of a hill, but MANNNN can it be a PITA to go back up it!!! Don't get me wrong, you're NOT going to get stuck!!! It's just that this is one out of about 2x total areas where the dirt is pretty loose. LOL, you're going up just fine and then JUSSSSST AS YOU ARE at the top, your back end starts to slip (i.e. losing grip). Of course, as you can see, I don't have wide tires and that doesn't help matters.


This is at the very top on a small flat area.


The video clip is from another night run that I did with a group, but just to give you an idea of the road is the main reason I'm posting the video. That is pretty much how the entire trail is. Very fun though for sure and I personally never get tired of this trail. I LOVE doing night runs so I can use my off-road lights. I feel as if the off-road lights are like "useless tits on a bull", if you get my meaning???!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yem29lOo7E

All in all, I would do this trail during the day if you're not familiar with it. Just my 2cents.

 

Wow! Thanks for the write up on that. I'm adding that one to my list! Looks like fun

 

I hope you enjoy the trail!!!

I hope the map helps out?! When coming back down, I ended-up on Indian Truck Trail, LOL!!! It worked out though because it cut my drive time down maybe close to 30-45min as I had to get to Ontario that particular day after my night run. There were quite a few ruts on that trail and mostly hard packed type sand/dirt.

Anyways, again, I hope the map helps and have fun!!!
https://www.google.com/maps/place/S...1c4cd!8m2!3d33.7102973!4d-117.5342131!5m1!1e4

 

I recently went to Joshua Tree and did the Old Dale Mine trail there. Super fun trail, definitely recommend, this was one of my first times off roading and thought it was totally reasonable and was a killer spot to camp. If anyone is ever looking to go off roading, let me know I am always up for a weekend drive.