Charles Quarto

This was our first time on this trail and we ran it from Shelter Valley up into Banner. Our JL Rubicon diesel has a 2.5” RK mid arm, 35” AT3W’s and full belly skids. This made the trail easier for us but I could see a stock JL struggling on a few sections if the driver was a novice. Airing down is a must as there was a decent bit of deep sand at a few spots near the start and if you want to tackle the stairway obstacle. Between waypoint 2 and 3, the dry riverbed is a sweet rock garden with an easy line on the left and a harder line on the right. We didn’t make contact with our skids or sliders but came very close. Very fun surprise as we didn’t expect to encounter that. Just before waypoint 6 the trail is pretty rutted with lots of flexy spots and a small rocky stretch. There are a few rock ledges/waterfalls you’ll have to traverse along this trail. There’s also a section that is very off camber and the dirt is soft so you will find yourself sliding toward the road edge. There is a berm along the edge that will keep you from sliding off but it could make a novice nervous. The stairway obstacle was really fun, we really got to see the RK lift shine and we were glad for the Rubicon lockers. One you reach the higher elevation portion of the trail you’ll encounter oak trees and shade, with some beautiful views. We really enjoyed this trail. My wife finally tried driving some of the flexy spots and she had a blast. I don’t know how the condition of the trail now compares to before all the heavy rain we had last month but a local we ran into said the trail is definitely harder than before. I would not recommend anything other than a 4x4 on a small lift and 32’s. A locker will be needed to do the stairway obstacle, however that is optional.

Ran this today in our JL from the 215 fwy side into Crestline. Trail was easy and mostly in good condition with the exception of some washout ruts on the southern half that would make it very difficult, if not impossible, for a low clearance vehicle. Any stock 4x4 could clear the ruts. This was the worst around waypoint 17 I believe. There were a couple downed trees but they were moved over enough to get around no problem. Brush is very grown in, expect serious pinstriping if that concerns you. Trail views were gorgeous! Everything was super greened up, with some patches of ice and snow still at the higher elevations. We will definitely return to do this one again, with an earlier departure so we can tool around in Crestline more afterward.

Trail was open, though a few spots were showing signs of washing out from the recent storm and it was a bit concerning. Very narrow in some spots, once you pass the launching area for the hang gliders the brush can be very heavy leading to serious pinstriping. All in all we really enjoyed this trail and the beautiful views it offered.

Ran this in our JL with a 2.5” lift and 35’s. I agree with others who said this trail was super easy after being graded. I would rate it’s 2, even the optional little spot is not anything close to the 5 rating it has.