First of all, make sure you have plenty of gas to get in and out, and then some if you plan on going up all the way up. The road is free of snow all the way up to 12,800 ft. Biggest water crossing is tame and wasn't more than 8 inches deep, but the drop in and out is pretty steep so I wouldn't recommend anyone with low clearance to attempt it. Same goes for beyond this crossing, the road gets worse as you go higher. Got all the way up to about 12,500ft in my TRD off-road 4Runner with KO2s with only one spot that was questionable. Probably could have made it all the way though. Lots of ruts, exposed, and loose rocks. I would only attempt this if you are pretty comfortable with 4x4 roads and quite a bit of exposure during the last 1.5 miles. On the way down, try not to ride your brakes, keep it in 4-Lo, and pick your line carefully. Camped at 12,500 and it was beautiful! Cut a good amount of time off our day, too!
|
