New Jeep; suggestions for a first mission?

[euler]

Hello!

I'm going to have my first jeep (Willys Unlimited; 2.0T) in late August. I'm in search of a good first off-road mission and am seeking the wisdom of the crowd.

Some requirements:
- Trail close to Los Angeles, within an hour drive or so.
- Safety! Something very simple. I have no 4x4 experience and may not be able to arrange a group outing.

I see some motor-vehicle roads in the national forest (3N17 & 4N37 in particular). Are these good options?

Thanks!

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[JasonInDLH]

Sounds fun!

A small shovel is always good to have. A tow strap for sure.

“When in doubt…power out.”

Turn off all traction control stuff while off-roading. I can press and hold the Traction Control button to turn it all off (including ABS). Although I’m uncertain if that’s due to my Tazer or if it’s a factory thing all Jeeps can do.

If you have the “Off-Road +” button, then push that.

I have a free 1 year trial to “On-X Offroad” app on my phone which has come in very handy marking out and exploring trails at home prior to going out. I then can record my route while driving. I also see public and private lot lines which is also very useful.

Make sure your phone is charged. And that you’re not venturing out of cell service if possible. Might be a lonnnng walk if you don’t have cell coverage.

 

[SadRobot]

Try Del Sur Ridge in Santa Clarita. Good intro trail with some fun offshoots.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Hungry Valley is a great place to have some fun without the worry of driving off a cliff like many of the local fire roads.

 

[KSwilly]

I second Hungry Valley and Powerline trail - makes a good first trail to get some dirt on the tires.

 

[KSwilly]

1N09 City Creek Trail is a nice long trail in San Bernardino, with a nice spot for lunch midway.

 

[SadRobot]

1N09 City Creek Trail is a nice long trail in San Bernardino, with a nice spot for lunch midway.

Looks like an awesome trail. Putting it on my list of places to check out.

 

[KSwilly]

Looks like an awesome trail. Putting it on my list of places to check out.

For an extra challenge, you can continue on the trail up and over the hill and drop right into Big Bear. You’ll see the continuing road on OnX. It’s a little rutted but nothing super technical. This was one of the original roads to Big Bear.

 

[Poordad]

Make sure you have plenty of water and a way to carry it if you have to walk out.

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