Introducing the Sierras: Pardoes Rd. 8/14-15

I had read somewhere that a few folks were planning on running Pardoes Rd. on 8/14-15 and camping out. I can't seem to find that thread right now [edit: here it is ], but I'd like to find out if anyone is interested in running the Pardoes Rd. trail, which is about 1/2-hour northeast of Jackson on Hwy 88. Here are some pics I dug up from a trip in 2001.

Options include:
A) a 2-day camping trip, running the entire trail from west to east (campsite likely after the second rock garden). *Modified vehicles recommended

B) a 2-day camping trip, with the campsite just after or very near to the first rock garden, and exiting the trail the same way we enter. *Stock vehicles (sans mudflaps and sidesteps) welcome! This trip would be very leisurely, and would probably get you home on Sunday before traffic in Tracy gets heavy.

C) a 1-day trip on Saturday, entering and exiting from the west, with a turnaround point just after or very near to the first rock garden. The vehicle requirements are the same as B), but you don't have to pack for camping, and you'll need to plan for a long day.

Depending on the interest in the various options, we can decide how to coordinate rendezvous locations and times.

Who's interested? Specify A, B, or C for your option preference.

1. XPLORx4; any option
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sorry Dean but I don't think I can make it. It's Matt's B-day that weekend.

If I can go it will be for Sat only, but I'll post if I can.

Really hope we can have a Saturday in Saturday out option for this run for those who cant camp like me (even though I would love to)! I would like to at least run the trail past the first rock garden...as long as someone will come back out with me to help me get through (never taken my stock X on that type of obstacle before).

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after the first Rock Garden
3.
4.
5.

Huey, will you post a message on the yahoo nccx board linking to this thread? Although it will be sort of strange that a Pathfinder is leading this Xcursion, it will be a good opportunity for newbies to get out and learn what 4-wheeling is all about.

already done.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/nccxterra/

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after the first Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C (for now, i have to check my wife's sked for changes.)
4.
5.

Hey Everyone,
Count me in for now...

I wasn't planning on taking any trips during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games In Athens!!! (Big Olympics Fan)

I'll attend this trip if we run the entire trail...Let me know what you guys decide, in this thread, before the trip! Thanx!!

----------------
Options include:
A) a 2-day camping trip, running the entire trail from west to east (campsite likely after the second rock garden). *Modified vehicles recommended

B) a 2-day camping trip, with the campsite just after or very near to the first rock garden, and exiting the trail the same way we enter. *Stock vehicles (sans mudflaps and sidesteps) welcome! This trip would be very leisurely, and would probably get you home on Sunday before traffic in Tracy gets heavy.

C) a 1-day trip on Saturday, entering and exiting from the west, with a turnaround point just after or very near to the first rock garden. The vehicle requirements are the same as B), but you don't have to pack for camping, and you'll need to plan for a long day.

Depending on the interest in the various options, we can decide how to coordinate rendezvous locations and times.

Who's interested? Specify A, B, or C for your option preference.
1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after the first Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C (for now, i have to check my wife's sked for changes.)
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5.

Who's interested? Specify A, B, or C for your option preference.
1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after the first Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C (for now, i have to check my wife's sked for changes.)
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go... Oh, do I have to take off my brush guard? )

No. :p

Yeyyyy!

I wish there's a option D

----------------
Options include:
A) a 2-day camping trip, running the entire trail from west to east (campsite likely after the second rock garden). *Modified vehicles recommended

B) a 2-day camping trip, with the campsite just after or very near to the first rock garden, and exiting the trail the same way we enter. *Stock vehicles (sans mudflaps and sidesteps) welcome! This trip would be very leisurely, and would probably get you home on Sunday before traffic in Tracy gets heavy.

C) a 1-day trip on Saturday, entering and exiting from the west, with a turnaround point just after or very near to the first rock garden. The vehicle requirements are the same as B), but you don't have to pack for camping, and you'll need to plan for a long day.

D) a 1 day trip on Sunday.

I have a wedding to attend to on the 14th.

....

Hi there! It was great meeting all those on Aug. 2nd. I am up for the Pardoes trip option c (Sat in/out), however, this "newbie" will need assistance in removing those pesky siderails and mudflaps. Anyone interested? Free starbucks is my only bribe!

How long is a "long day"?

From the East Bay... are we talking about... wake up at 6am - arrive at the Pardoes trailhead at 9-10am... return back to the paved roads at 6pm and be home by 10pm?
*******

Who's interested? Specify A, B, or C for your option preference.
1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after the first Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C (for now, i have to check my wife's sked for changes.)
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go... Oh, do I have to take off my brush guard?
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute. )

I'm coming from the south bay any one who wants to caravan and meet up?

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.

No worry. Someone will volunteer to help you out...

GrgX... what freeway are you taking to get there? maybe we can meet up somewhere so we can caravan. I have no idea how to get there so I'll need to caravan with someone.

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C

I have a buddy with a stock Jeep. Yeah yeah, I know this is an X outing, but was wondering if we're ....ahem.... like the Jeeper crowd (turn nose in air, and such). He's cool, even if he has a Jeep.

I'm coming from the East Bay. I'll caravan with you (if I go).

I think normally NCCX meets at the McDonalds in Pleasanton???

What FRS/CB Channels will we be using? (I have extra units if anyone needs one for the day)

I'm coming from East Bay as well. Richmond to be exact.

Pleasanton might be backtracking for you then.

Suggestions for another meeting place?

Im in!.... any option.

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option

Hmmmmm, maybe I could manage the run aaaannnnd make it back in time for...nah, she'd kill me I'm sure the spouse thingy's High School Reunion is going to be a lot more fun than wheeling :rolleyes:

I've never seen this with an Xterra gathering; everybody, no matter what they drive is usually welcome. It's part of what I like about this group (Nissan/Xterra group).

Jeeps, eeww! No jeeps allowed!



Sorry Huy, had to repost the picture. I'd post the pic of Dean pulling me out of the frame twister at Hollister but.. umm.. can't seem to find it.

- Matt

Love it!!!

OK, here it is...the first of many stupid newbie questions. What are the colored XTERRAS for under my name?

Any takers for the free starbucks?

I think it's a measure of coolness or something. Of course, you've posted twice and someone rated you a 5, and I've posted over 30, and some foolio rated me a 1. Sucks to be me.

And for the foolio:

OK, it looks like most of the interest is in a Saturday day-run. So here's the game plan:

Bay-area folks: meet by 7:00am at the McDonald's on Santa Rita Rd. in Pleasanton. We will leave there promptly at 7:00am, so if you're late, just catch up in Jackson.

Those of you who find Pleasanton to be out of your way, but don't want to drive Hwy88 solo can meet the bay area group at the McDonald's on the north side of Hwy88, a couple of blocks east of Hwy99. We'll swing by and pick you up, probably sometime around 8:00. If you're still alone by 8:15, head to Jackson; the bay area caravan has either passed by already or is very behind schedule.

The rest meet at the Safeway parking lot in Jackson at 9:00am. (Jackson is about 2 hours from Pleasanton.) There we will stock up on food and drink for the trail and remove step rails/mud flaps if necessary. If you're among the first to arrive, try to do any shopping before the rest of us get there to minimize delays.

If we leave by about 9:40, we should be able to reach the trailhead at Bear River Reservoir by 10:30am. We will probably spend a few minutes airing down and making sure we all know how to use the transfer case lever. :p

And then we'll be hittin' the dirt! Woohoo! (except it will be very dusty).

Depending on how much progress we make, we'll stop for lunch before or near the turnaround point. We should be off the trail by 6pm, which gives us enough time to go grab some dinner at Mtn. Mike's Pizza in Jackson (for those who are interested) before heading home.

Communication channels will be CB 16 and FRS 8 (no subcode).

$$-saving tip: Gas in Jackson and along Hwy88 is notoriously higher-priced than its neighboring communities. You will probably burn a good 1/2-tank of gas getting from Jackson to the trail and back, so if you want to save a few bucks, top off at the Beacon at the far east end of Lockeford (big orange sign) on your way up, then fill up there on the way home.

edit: As with all off-highway travel in undeveloped areas, this trip is pack-it-in, pack-it-out. Read that as "leave no solid matter behind". I will bring a portable toilet ( click here for more info ) for emergency use.

there you go buddy, a 5 for you

Someone offered the use of a CB radio for the day. If the offer still stands, I need one!

I am 99% sure I can make this trip.

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option
10. John - option C meeting you guys in Pleasanton.

John

Just curious...anyone else coming from Sacramento for this day run? Looks like I will have to catch your guys and gals caravan at the Jackson Safeway come 9:00am. Looking forward to seeing everyone....haven't been on a NCCX run since Forest Hill two year ago. Wow where has the time gone!

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C ..meet you in Jackson
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option
10. John - option C meeting you guys in Pleasanton.

A few questions:

KJ Dragon, you said you had an extra CB set. Can I borrow?

Also, I'd like to get some Shrockworks sliders and get 'em installed before Sat. Anyone know if there is a place in the Bay Area that carries them?

Thanks in advance.

You won't find a place in the Bay Area that carries or stocks sliders for the Xterra. You can give Shrockworks a call directly and see if they can ship out a set in time or contact 4Crawler and see if he can get a set of his to you.

4Crawler Talk to Roger, he's local, but will only build to order.

If you have no other mods...sliders at least would be a good idea for Pardoe's. It's a bit different than the last time the club ran it. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable running that trail without them. Here is the link (again) to photos if you need to know why I'm saying this... http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/naxc/vpost?id=258

I've already got the Calmini 3" suspension lift and the Calmini Steering. Also have some 265/75/R16 tires. Think I'll do ok without the sliders? Just noticed that 4x4Crawler is closed until mid-August (unless one of you knows something). Also heard back from Shrockworks. I'd have to place order tomorrow morning, but even then, it'l likely I'll get it Monday, not Friday before the trip.

Other ideas?

Did I say CB? I have extra FRS units - not CB units.

If I go - you are welcome to borrow one for the day. I'll bring extra's in case anyone else needs it.

I have a Stock 2001 XE with 31" BFG AT's. No other mods (unless you count removed step rails)... should I be worried about Pardoes without sliders?

I've been meaning to give Roger at 4crawler a call - but have been spending my $$$ on other toys not for the Xterra....

If the plan is to turn around at the 1st rock garden you don't need rock sliders, I wouldn't even worry about taking off the stock step rails.
After that though, I would say rocker protection is a must.

KJ... I think tabitha asked to borrow an FRS before Ig...thinking that you're talking about CB as well. It looks like FRS is going to be a main communication media for this trip, though... :rolleyes:

I have about 5-6 FRS units. I'll bring them all. (If I go)

I have a long Road Trip the very next weekend (Going to Moab)... so I am still debating whether or not I can make it to this one. Sorry for my indesisiveness. (sp?)

KJ: If you go , I'd like to speak for one of the FRS units. Thanks for offering them.

CCX: Thanks for the info. I'll keep the step rails on, but will bring tools just in case.

Also, what's the benefit to removing the step rails when going on a trail like this? If my vehicle is going to take a beating, wouldn't I want the stock steprails to take it before the rocker panels? Is it for clearance? Sometimes it's tough to gauge that. I've already scratched/dented my stock steprails slightly, and by the time I could gauge clearance, I couldn't back out.

IG

The stock step rails would just bend (they are pretty weak) into your rocker panels.

I actually wrecked my original step rails while driving on 880.

Pictures:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/33569671/32111542UcXQjtCEIO

http://community.webshots.com/photo/33569671/32111671bbePvXPaHU

It pushed my step rail up and back. It was about 1 inch from touching my Rear tire.

The factory step rails are not designed to support the weight of the truck, and are not strong enough to withstand lateral forces. On a trip to Pardoes several years ago, one member took a bad line and accidentally dragged a slider over a rock, pushing it rearward into the back tire. Although it didn't bend upward into the rocker panel, he could not progress forward because the tire was rubbing the step rail. Had the step rail not been there, his truck would never have hit the rock in the first place. Removal of the step rail on the trail was required, which was a lot messier than doing it in the parking lot.

BTW, If anyone else needs radios, I also have 3 FRS radios that can be loaned out during the run (if KJ ends up not coming).

I just got some family news that is gonna require me to go down to San Diego for a couple days. It's likely I will be back before the weekend and could still go on the trip, but maybe not. Just fyi. I'll know by Thursday or so.

Even having rock sliders is no guarantee. I nailed mine (4crawler) hard enough to bend them up and into the rocker panel (4' ledge in Bronco Canyon). I have a tendency to take the "wrong line" all them time, which is why I suggested them. If you are patient, can follow instructions and drive--you won't have near the problems that I run into

what about brush guards....is it safe to have those on this trip?

Yes, they're OK. Hopefully your brush guard doesn't decrease front ground clearance (i.e. approach angle) too much. (I've seen some poor brush guard designs that stick down below the bumper by as much as 4 inches.) As long as you place your tires carefully on some of the larger obstacles, you should be fine.

I have the Waag sportster (they don't make it anymore) and does decrease my front angle. I have it in the works to replace it by next Summer but I have to deal with it for now. Of course if I do hit it this weekend it could justify a Calmini bumper to my wife?

1. XPLORx4; any option
2. Slamson; Option C turn home after thefirst Rock Garden
3. GrgX; Option C
4. KaiOtiK -aka- Andy; I'm up for (Option A)
5. XTER-Raw: Option C (If nothing comes up I'll go...
6. tabitha - Option C (need help removing step rails/mudflaps)
7. kj_dragon - option C (but I reserve the option to back out and flake at the last minute.
8. IG - Option C
9. Patrick - any option
10. John - option C meeting you guys in Pleasanton.
11. Jay - Option C sounds great since I am still a rookie. I will meet you in Jackson.

Anyone up for casino hopping on Friday?

Hi guys!

This rookie will need help removing the step rails on Saturday. Your experience on maneuvering the trail will also be helpful.

All of your replies about this trail are making me question whether or not my stock xterra will make it! But I'm still going!

I will need that FRS on Saturday, but can anyone recommend a set of good ones I can purchase. I've had my eye on them for some time.

See you in Jackson!

Tab

We just ran this trail and as of last month there was no reason a stock X would have any problems going that far.
Just a few rocky places to watch out for before the 1st rock garden.
Here is map that I marked (red arrows) the start point and where you guys plan to turn around.



Have fun.

More info on www.californiajeeper.com

Oh, I thought the trip was going to go up to the "y" and then back out to the road--which wouldn't be a problem for some... If things get turned around before the first garden you would be able to take just about any Rav4 or CRV along Definitely stock-friendly.

My X is in the shop and should be back on friday.... So I am even more on the bubble now.

I do want to go though!

Thanks for the info and reassurance that I won't need a tow truck and I'll still be able to drive home that evening. Can't wait! See you in Jackson!

Tab

wish i could go on this one. looks like the first will be the sept 25th.

have fun and take pics please.

Well let me be the first to pull the last second bail on this one. Per the usuall my babysitter fell through and I have nobody to watch my 2 year old. I would bring her but I don't think she would do very well in a stop and go...rocky trail strapped in a baby seat for 8 hours of the day.

I am really dissapointed.....but hope you all have a good time and can't wait to see the pics so I can once again kick myself in the a$$ for not being able to get out.

Hopefully I can make the September 25th NCCX event with the off road trip squeezed in.

Have fun

According to Weather.com - Jackson, Ca will experience "Isolated T-Storms" in the late afternoon.

I am also considering bailing too. I pick up the Xterra out of the shop today and I want to have time to go over it to make sure the guys at the dealer did everything right.

If I decide to go - I will either post here, or just show up at the Pleasanton meeting spot.

Sorry to everyone I promised to let borrow FRS radios.

I have a couple of extra FRS radios for loan that day, so that might be sufficient.

I have an extra one as well.

Dean, i'll be there tomorrow (in p-town) and so will Matt. Matt might be a bit late, but he will call me if that is the case.

Now I know I am out for sure.

The shop messed up and my truck won't be done until saturday.

Hello from Atlanta, GA. So? How did it go? Any pics? :rolleyes:

Isn't this the place where we had to tow everyone up?

Here are the pictures i took. It turned out to be a very loooooooong day for us. enjoy

Yep, for some reason we all got hung up there and lost traction (except Gary, who bulled through it with lockers). Did you all end up going out the same way or did you go out near that ranch house at the highway? It looks like you all had a good time of it.

The funny thing is, I almost have the same exact picture of that when I got stuck I'll post that pic up later tonight.

All in all, I had tons & tons of fun. Dean, Huey, George & Matt were very helpful. can't wait for next STOCK friendly run again.

looks great guys. sorry i missed it.

Here are some more pictures.
http://www.blankwhitepage.com/gallery/pardos20040816

Good times!

- Matt

This is the best picture for this trip!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by XSAL:
[QB]This is the best picture for this trip!

it sure is the best picture Huey was too tired and exhausted to pull his pants up. It's good the T-storms didn't show up, or else it would have been ......

Here are a few of my pictures if I can get this thing to work.

http://community.webshots.com/album/176039708aGlmiI

John