Pardoes Trail, El Dorado NF

[MSFTMatt]

Has anyone done Pardoes Trail in the El Dorado NF? Overland Trail Guides says it's for short wheelbase vehicles only but curious as to the accuracy of that. Planning a trip early July and will have my lift by then (Clayton 2.5" Overland) and 37's.
Overlanding the High Sierra - The El Dorado BDT (youtube.com)

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[Free2roam]

I've looked at that a number of times. Never done it but it doesn't seem all that difficult. Really only one section seems technical. I'm sure there is a work around on it too. Don't know for sure. But I've wanted to do it as well.

 

[MSFTMatt]

UPDATE: UPDATE: I just got back from doing the majority, missed the very last section by China Flat Campground, of the El Dorado BDT including the Pardoes Trail. I was apprehensive because some said I could do it in a Gladiator and others said no. I have a 2023 Gladiator Rucicon with a Clayton 2.5” Overland plus lift, 3/4” front Daystar spacer, Falcon SP3.3 shocks and 37” Yokohama G003 M/T tires. I aired down to about 16psi. The trail is not THAT hard but there are definitely some VERY tight spots and some turns between trees that were three(or more) point turns. If I had anything on the roof other than Rotopax they wouldn’t have been there at the end of the trail. Some very low branches that scraped the top of truck. I don’t have much poke with my tire, anything too much wider woukd rub sidewalls on all tires when passing through some spots. Fun 6 days for sure and to anyone that’s thinking about this trail it’s totally doable just make sure you bring a spotter for the few moderate technical spots but primarily for the narrow areas.

 

[aFatBird]

Pretty, also thats when you whip out the chainsaw, or axe

 

[Free2roam]

Could it be done on 33's? Or 35's minimum? That's in my backyard for the most part.

 

[MSFTMatt]

Could it be done on 33's? Or 35's minimum? That's in my backyard for the most part.

Obviously a little lift woukd make it easier but I think 33’s is doable. I scraped twice I think but have t looked under my truck to see where yet.

 

[Free2roam]

I've also got the 2.5 overland lift. But I've got -6 on my wheels and a camper on back.
Edit:
Did they actually do Pardoes trail in that video?

 

[MSFTMatt]

I've also got the 2.5 overland lift. But I've got -6 on my wheels and a camper on back.
Edit:
Did they actually do Pardoes trail in that video?

Yeah they show some highlights from the actual Pardoes. Looking at your profile pic I think the only issue is your tent/pop-up on top of your camper. You can limb/chop a few limbs and be ok tho.

 

[MSFTMatt]

The rock garden sections really aren’t bad. It’s just the super narrow turns between trees that made me question my decisions but that’s it. Just have someone to watch your sides and take as many point turns as you need to. We did it on a weekday and did not see a single other person so you can really take your time. It’s totally worth it and an absolutely beautiful drive.

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