Joshua Tree For National Park Week
We took Gidget to Joshua Tree this past weekend to test out her off road abilities and because it’s National Park Week.
She did great on the easy Geology Tour trail and made it through about 60% of the way through the Berdoo Canyon trail. We had to turn back due to lack of ground clearance.
When we purchased Gidget we had QuadVan convert her to 4 wheel drive so that we could explore, surf, and hike all the places a traditional RV can’t get too. We’re not off-road enthusiast but we do enjoy getting to hard to reach places and being out in nature. So far Gidget is performing very well when not on pavement.
The next big test for Gidget will be driving on beach sand. A trip to Baja or Oceano Dunes where you can drive on the beach is probably in our future.
Heading to Joshua Tree you can see the snow capped San Jacinto Mountain.
During our visit Geology Tour Road was doable with just a 2 wheel drive vehicle. Berdoo Canyon Road definitely requires 4 wheel drive and high ground clearance.
Don’t be scared by the sign. Geology Tour Road isn’t bad.
Geology Tour Road sign at the entrance.
Entrance to Geology Tour Road.
Entrance to Geology Tour Road.
Geology Tour Road
Gidget and rocks along the way on Geology Tour Road.
Geology Tour Road
Rock pile in Joshua Tree.
Geology Tour Road
Geology Tour Road
Most of the Geology Tour Road is narrow and sandy.
Gidget in front of some rock piles somewhere in Joshua Tree.
Berdoo Canyon is more difficult than Geology Tour Road. This picture is showing an easier section.
Berdoo Canyon
Berdoo Canyon Road
Berdoo Canyon Road
Berdoo Canyon Road
Goofing off somewhere in Joshua Tree.
Having fun in Joshua Tree.
More fun in Joshua Tree.
Eventually Gidget couldn’t go anymore due to ground clearance.
Thanks for the back-road info. I don’t suppose you took some measurements or photos of the obsticles that turned you back due to lack of ground clearance. Did you feel top-heavy on the sideways slopes?
Rocks turned us away. See this post on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BESCHgLJVVL/?taken-by=moreysintransit
I haven’t had a chance to take measurements yet. But the rear differential is the lowest spot and unless you get larger tires that measurement will be the same regardless of if you have 4 wheel drive or not.
Thanks!
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