Trip to Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, April 9, 1999

part one

This trip was one of the most awesome off-road ventures I've ever had so far, and certainly the best of all my trips to Los Coyotes Indian Reservation.
Our group included six vehicles - two full-size jeeps - Pete Griffith's four-door '82 Cherokee and mine, and four Wranglers -
two '89-ers and two late model TJs. My brother Nick's got his full-size Cherokee in the shop for engine overhaul, so he hooked up with Andrew Rabinovich from UCSD/INLS to get a seat in his '89 YJ.
There were a few spots of fresh snow on the ground, and at times dirt was wet enough to be concerned. We made it past the gate, aired down (I normaly air down to ~25 psi; it could have been softer at 15 psi, but then I'd have to deal with noticeably reduced ground clearance), and went up. Took a turn-off to the right from the main dirt road - Dead Cow Road - and struck snow in some pretty steep and narrow turns. Andrew's jeep exhibited a tendency to flood at steep grades, so it took Nick behind the steer and his lead foot to keep this mill spinning. After a quick warm-up - this trail looks impressive at times, but is just a bouncy dirt road - and quick break, we went on to the fun stuff. This time Pete Griffith led the convoy, and soon we decided to take up Appian Way trail again, but this time - all the way to the old mine.

Click on the map for higher resolution image.

The map on the right shows Appian Way trail. It winds up the ridge, and down deep into Cougar Canyon - almost into Anza-Borrego Desert. There is a few creek crossings - nothing difficult, but decent approach and departure angles would help a lot. There were a couple of storms since the last time I visited the place, and the creek became deeper and fallen trees crossed the road. Here snatch strap came handy, to drag the trunks off to the sides.

Go on to more fun:
Los Coyotes Indian Reservation - Trip of Apr.9, 1999 - part B

Check our past ventures:
Los Coyotes Indian Reservation - Trip of Jan.23, 1999
Los Coyotes Indian Reservation - Trip of Jan.30, 1999

Home Full - Size Jeep Page San Diego Off-Road Areas (SDORC) Automotive Email Me