Toyota 4Runner Offroad: Colorado Trails

I gotta admit, I love adding "Toyota 4Runner" to the names of the other vehicles listed on this forum!!

Technically this is not the first edition, as I have made some posts about the truck and offroad trails before.  But it is the first time posting a trail run in the Automotive Forum, so hopefully it can be a theme I add to over the years.

The truck is a 2010 Trail edition, the first year of the "5th Generation" 4Runner.  I have always loved the vehicle, and when I originally test drove it spring of 2010, if was supposed to be for Tracie.  She did not love it, but I sure did, and shortly after ordered a new one to get the exact options I wanted.  I was moving out of a 2008 Infiniti EX35 that had every option, and was beyond pleasurable for my typical highway commute.  But, being a "truck guy" never left my soul, from the days of my youth playing in dirt and mud. 

So we like to get our little ones out in nature as much as possible.  The 4Runner is a terrific family vehicle that can accommodate a good amount of gear while remaining extremely capable off road.  In order to stray off the path a wee bit more, I installed an aftermarket suspension lift (about 2"), under carriage steel skid plates, rock sliders, and a few other goodies   The truck is mostly complete, although at some point I will add a custom roof rack (it has been designed in my head for some time) and some additional lighting.  I might do a rear bumper as well in order to get the spare tire out from the bottom for both convenience and improved departure angle.

Due to the numerous fire bans this year in Colorado, we have not been able to camp as we usually do.    We finally got up and hit a few trails called Pickle Gulch and West Magnolia, both southwest of Boulder.  Right before we got underway a strong rain shower moved through the area and wet everything down.  A mere 50' into the first trail we slid sideways and neared a tree, but it opened up a bit and we carried on.

Starting out

A nice wet rock climb to get going

With my tires aired down to 20psi we did not slip at all on this.  I was in 4lo w/ the rear differential locked.

Lots of nice ruins along the trail

Rain or shine, the 25770 does not care

Small ravine

This sort of view always re-energizes me

Some aspen leaves are already beginning to turn.  In a few more weeks it will be awesome, and we're hoping to get back up.

We hit a tougher obstacle on the second trail.  After crossing a small stream, the trail curved sharply to the left.  A few large boulders on the inner edge forced me to do some back and forth to get the truck properly aligned for the climb.

Unfortunately, the information we had on the trails had not been updated and we ran into this obstacle several times (usually it is not so nice and instead is revealed with a barb wire fence and crude hand written "NO TRESSPASSING" sign.  We ended up turning around in the trees and re-traced our entire route back out.  That is always a possibility, and you must adhere to the rules of the land.  Besides, you never know when a guy like MichaelC might be on the other side of the sign

Getting tight in here...

And one thing about off roading, if you are worried about some new hairlines or swirlies, you are better off owning a Pavement Princess (that is what we call the big bad trucks that never get dirty).  A few new scars:

OUCH.  Now this bugs me.  I just bought and installed these new wheels and all terrains for the winter season as they are much better for snow and ice traction than my mud terrains.  The wheels are 9 pounds lighter than factory (each), and I noticed improved highway performance and less power loss.  The picture makes the ding look worse.  I was really surprised as I did not recall hitting the rock that did this.  It punctured through the edge of the rubber and hit the wheel.  Luckily the structural integrity was not compromised.  Why did I not wait to install the new rubber and wheels until after the trail?  I thought these particular trails would be fine with this setup, and while traction was perfect, next time I will switch first for the kevlar reinforced sidewalls of the MTs.

A few new racing stripes

A Chicago 7 and Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA never tasted so good.  4wheeling can be a real drain mentally.  I imagine some of you track guys can relate; your focus can't waiver or you could really have a problem.

A little out of order, this was me trying to figure the proper line up the turning climb





 
These guys get everywhere

Even the 25770 fell victim to an unexpected exploding coke!  I did not have it in me to snap a photo before dunking it in water.  I let it dry while I aired the tires back up.

Hope you enjoyed the photos.  More installments to follow down the road...