GEETCH
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I just got home from an epic trip on the Dusy Ershim trail. (Solo not the wisest decision but got extremely lucky and made it home in one piece)
Day 1, Friday the 6th left Lemoore and made it up dinky creek for some camping about 30 min from the southern trail head. Got set up about 1 am.
Day 2, made my way to the trail driving over the dam to get there gave an epic view. Made it to Thompson Hill in the afternoon, boy talk about a climb. Unfortunately did most of the hill at night as I underestimated the difficulty. Used the winch several times. Got to the camp at Thompson Lake around 2300.
Day 3, left early afternoon after watching two groups go towards Thompson Hill (probably much easier to go down) used the winch twice, made it to Ershim lake for another night of camping rolled in around 2000.
Day 4, woke up to some epic scenery lake in view. Left camp at 0900 and got to the north gate about 1600. I think this was the most difficult day due to the tight turns on rocks, the off camber angles etc used the winch three times.
Summary- sketchy ride going solo vehicle
Damage assessment, the skid plates (all 12) took a beating winch got a work out. I bent my tie rod, got rock rash on my wheels and broke the rear sway bar links. Managed to escape with no body damage or serious damage to the underside.
This trail is not for the faint of heart, definitely a very wise idea to travel in a group and need an experienced spotter. Armor up and have a good reliable winch. Took my rear lights off as they stick out. I would recommend either quick disconnect sway bar for the rear or take it off if you have a long body like a gladiator. Also recommend a hitch skid plate (saved my a$$)
the Gladiator X Comp A/T tires really impressed me!! I aired down to 18 PSI no bead locks and I punished these tires, the flex and grip that i got was amazing and the side walls held up awesomely as occasionally they would be pushing the jeep around rocks or trees.
Day 1, Friday the 6th left Lemoore and made it up dinky creek for some camping about 30 min from the southern trail head. Got set up about 1 am.
Day 2, made my way to the trail driving over the dam to get there gave an epic view. Made it to Thompson Hill in the afternoon, boy talk about a climb. Unfortunately did most of the hill at night as I underestimated the difficulty. Used the winch several times. Got to the camp at Thompson Lake around 2300.
Day 3, left early afternoon after watching two groups go towards Thompson Hill (probably much easier to go down) used the winch twice, made it to Ershim lake for another night of camping rolled in around 2000.
Day 4, woke up to some epic scenery lake in view. Left camp at 0900 and got to the north gate about 1600. I think this was the most difficult day due to the tight turns on rocks, the off camber angles etc used the winch three times.
Summary- sketchy ride going solo vehicle
Damage assessment, the skid plates (all 12) took a beating winch got a work out. I bent my tie rod, got rock rash on my wheels and broke the rear sway bar links. Managed to escape with no body damage or serious damage to the underside.
This trail is not for the faint of heart, definitely a very wise idea to travel in a group and need an experienced spotter. Armor up and have a good reliable winch. Took my rear lights off as they stick out. I would recommend either quick disconnect sway bar for the rear or take it off if you have a long body like a gladiator. Also recommend a hitch skid plate (saved my a$$)
the Gladiator X Comp A/T tires really impressed me!! I aired down to 18 PSI no bead locks and I punished these tires, the flex and grip that i got was amazing and the side walls held up awesomely as occasionally they would be pushing the jeep around rocks or trees.
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of your lady friend on the steep loose rock downhill when you jumped out to take the picture!! Thanks for sharing awesome pictures and kick ass trail…..Jack
