You'll find that most of the places to go wheeling for us bay-area folk are several hours away. It's the nature of our geography. Short of urban off-roading in parking lots or curbs, there's not a whole lot of places to use 4WD.

The trail that's being run is completely doable with a bone-stock Xterra. Last year we took a group of many stock X's on a trail that is much more difficult. The thing that prevented anyone from getting damaged was that they benefited from the advice and tips that the more experienced members provided.

Getting damage is more frequently caused by inexperience than by the actual trail difficulty.

We always welcome newcomers, and this trip is probably something that you will definitely enjoy. If you get really freaked out 'cause the trail seems too hard, you can always park your truck and hop in someone else's.