14ers.com

I was at Beartown TH recently, but BEFORE this latest monsoon flow. So my intel will skip the Rio Grande crossing, as it was not an issue for me at that time. I will confirm the road has become increasingly rougher, and especially once you go through the zig-zag section in the first cluster of trees (veterans of this road will know what I mean). And the final push uphill to get to the Beartown site and the actual TH is extremely rutted with loose rocks. There are several "bogs" to go through, so be prepared to power through and/or engage the RR Diff Lock.

Back from Beartown today. Most stock 4wd were parking between 4.1 and 4.8 miles from the RG crossing prior to bigger steep ruts. This is after my topo map's Beartown location but before the hill leading to the signed Beartown location. Beyond that, faster to hike for most.

River crossings were maybe 5-10 inches. I've seen good Subaru drivers tackle far worse than Stoney Pass, though low gear was nice for the steeps.

Monster5 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2024 4:45 pm Back from Beartown today. Most stock 4wd were parking between 4.1 and 4.8 miles from the RG crossing prior to bigger steep ruts. This is after my topo map's Beartown location but before the hill leading to the signed Beartown location. Beyond that, faster to hike for most.

River crossings were maybe 5-10 inches. I've seen good Subaru drivers tackle far worse than Stoney Pass, though low gear was nice for the steeps.

Thanks so much. I’m driving Thursday and this helps a lot. Sounds very doable. Richard

Monster5 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2024 4:45 pm Back from Beartown today.
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I've seen good Subaru drivers tackle far worse than Stoney Pass, though low gear was nice for the steeps.

I also just got back from Beartown today, and I'd agree. If it weren't for how steep Stony Pass is, I would have little issue taking my Subaru to Beartown; I just don't love overheating my transmission or brakes. I believe it was Tom Frahlic telling me that he has gotten his Outback Wilderness to Beartown a couple of times. It's generally a good road, any stock 4WD with 4Lo should be able to get to the trailhead.