Vermejo's Offroad Log

[Whitey]

Amazing stuff. Were those wolves?

Nah, those were just some wandering Shepherds although the Mexican Grey Wolf was re-released in the NM Gila a decade ago. These dogs have the life!

gotcha

[xonetruthcrewx]

Looking through your trip reports really makes me regret selling my 4Runner. You definitely go to some cool ass places with great scenery. I am a bit jealous.

[Vermejo]

Many thanks to Steve of Rising Sun with his FJ-62 for leading us on Chinaman’s this past weekend. We powered through the loop in about two hours including lunch thanks to Steve’s impressive pace and skill. We only encountered a lone cyclist and one buggy the entire run. The anticipation I had for Whale Rock was met with an equal challenge as pictures don’t describe the “pucker” a driver feels. A quick preview of Carnage by foot provided a few laughs as to the capability of our vehicles and our willingness to destroy them. We passed.

Afterwards Steve showed us up the way via dirt while winding along the Arkansas to Leadville and little Mexican bar and grill. Watching the clouds roll off Mount Massive and Elbert at sunset was quite the backdrop for combo plates, beverages and conversation.

Enjoy

[Bob98SR5]

vermejo,

excellent pics, love the truck. one of my favorites---built just right

i wonder how big the spider was that built that web? did you find it?

bob

[strykersd]

Is this on Chinaman or Carnage? If it was on Chinaman, one has to ask...Did you winch?

[neliconcept]

dude i want chips and sauce now lol

[AxleIke]

Is this on Chinaman or Carnage? If it was on Chinaman, one has to ask...Did you winch?

That is the exit to Carnage.

[Vermejo]

-Gunnison - Crested Butte - Schofield Pass/Devil’s Punchbowl - Salida - Buena Vista - Chinaman’s Gulch - Leadville - Cottonwood Pass-

[Vermejo]

Sierra De Las Uvas – Robledo Mountains – Corralitos Ranch – Choases Canyon – Broad Canyon – Faulkner - Rough and Ready Hills – Magdalena Peak

While the truck carried us to the foot hills and canyons the real exploration was by foot. November in Southern New Mexico is the "golden season".

[Vermejo]

Saturday we met up with fellow Las Cruces 4WD Club members to run in the Chile Canyons. My sister’s boyfriend Phil from the UK tagged along for the ride. The trail leader decided on Patzcuarro’s Revenge/Rocatillo Rapids, Extreme rated trails, to my discontent. I managed a couple hundred yards before flatting. Following a quick change I managed a bit further before realizing I was over my head. After I watching the other trucks crawl through the boulder chutes pivoting with full body contact, I called it quits. A bit embarrassed I broke from the group and crept out of the canyon. We retired the rest of the day to running the foothills; nice and easy.

Trail Info: http://lascrucesfourwheeldriveclub.c...d=33&Itemid=47