Cleghorn Trail (2N47) Review Part I - All Offshoots & Difficult Sections

This is the complete trail review and guide for the Cleghorn Jeep Trail (2N47) and all of the difficult offshoots and side-trails. We take you through every difficult spot, every rut, and every turn on the trail starting from Interstate 15 all the way out to the end of the trail at Highway 138 across from Silverwood Lake. If you have never done the Cleghorn off-road Jeep trail this video will show you what you have to look forward to and shows you where to turn or not to turn to keep out of (or get into) the rough/difficult areas.
For a review of just the fire-road, with none of the hard sections, see this video:
• Cleghorn Fire Road Tra...
You can download a FREE GPS (.gpx) track file of Cleghorn Trail at The NotARubicon website, here:
www.notarubicon.com/cleghorn-...
Part I of this video goes from the beginning of the trail at Interstate 15, traveling eastward to the end of "The Chute", roughly half-way through the trail.
Part 2 Starts at the "punch bowl" (just after The Chute) and goes to the end of the trail on Highway 138 at Silverwood Lake.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You can download a FREE GPS (.gpx) track file of Cleghorn Trail at The NotARubicon website, here: www.notarubicon.com/cleghorn-offroad-trail-review-and-information/

[@jesusmunguia5306]

As a newbie, I greatly appreciate you guys that make these types of videos!!

[@derekb.miller3457]

Just purchased a new Rubicon. Think I will stay on the fire road until after first payment is made 😂

[@traxiii]

25 years ago I did all of Cleghorn Trail in my '90 F150 standard cab 2wd with 33" BFG M/T's and an Auburn limited slip all on a Rancho 3" lift. I did get stuck after going over the crest, on the way down my left front slid into a rut and stopped on a bowling ball size rock. I had to flag down a Jeep group that was slow putting up the fire road bypasses to pull down on my rear bumper that was 6 feet in the air. That tater-tawtered the front tire over the rock, and I finished the trail. One of the Jeepers was kind enough to take pictures and sent me the negatives in the mail. The trail has been washed out and rutted to the point where my old truck wouldn't make it very far these days. I'm blown away at much more difficult the trail has become.

[@jamesngotts]

Little updated info on this trail. I just ran this trail and off shoots yesterday in my Power Wagon with 35s, 7/11/20. Coming from the 15, after the 3N22 split, there are two “obstacles” on the main trail which are very washed out ruts. The first required some decent approach angles and ground clearance but was no problem in 4HI. The second put my front driver wheel and rear passenger wheel off the ground. I locked my rear and pushed through it. On my passenger side, was a rut about 3 1/2 to 4 feet deep with a flat face out. A few trucks behind me decided that obstacle was not for them and had to reverse down to a turn out. Again this was on the main trail with no bypass. Still very doable but I would not go alone and I would bring a spotter. Just an update coming out of this last rainy season.

[@ralfqwiggum]

Great tour of cleghorn. Didn't think I'd finish a 30 min youtube video, but I believe I just set a new personal attention span record, and still left hanging waiting for Part II. Part II is where the trail seems to always detail my hard top.

[@timchambers7596]

Hey I'm heading up there this weekend this video made it easy to see for a first timer can't wait to get out there

[@jackbaur18]

Wow, what a big help this video really is. I can't believe someone hasn't done this before. I'm looking forward to taking my F-150 up there this summer. Thank you for doing this. I really appreciate it!

[@jtdashark]

Glad I saw this video before hand! definitely keep posting up more trail videos!

[@gosser66]

Hi there. I drove Cleghorn this past Sunday and I had previously watched part 1 & part 2 of your Cleghorn reviews and it was a great help to have the prior knowledge of the features. I started from the 15 side, and completed all, but one of the features and also took a right at the punch bowl. I have open differentials, and 31" tires with a 3 1/2" lift on a 1998 XJ. All very doable features, but it's all about choosing the right line, plus stacking rocks here and there also helps. I will say that the Cleghorn trail needs to be respected as there are features where you can roll your vehicle if you're not careful. If possible, don't do it alone, but at the same time, the trail is very busy on weekends and you won't be alone.

[@RobDTom]

Randy, out of all the great videos that you've done, this may be my favorite. When I saw how long it was I wasn't sure I'd make it through, but I never came close to losing interest. Great information, excellent "play by play", and just a very helpful video overall. Looking forward to making it out on a run with you guys.

[@El_5Zero]

great review of the trail! one of my favorite trails close to home. the fire road can sometimes be hard when after a hard storm or snow. never go alone, always good to go with a group of rigs to help each other out.

[@83justinbrandt]

Thank you so much for the review! Planning on heading out to cleghorn this weekend maybe. Feeling much more confident on running this trail now in stock TRD OFF ROAD 4x4 Tacoma

[@peggymarty2190]

Awesome job. Love how you did this video!

[@gorillahd9247]

Excellent guide to the trail. Thank you for sharing the tips with all of us. Scott

[@msuarezone]

Something about watching these videos gets me hyped to build up my Cherokee def. will be doing this trail in the near future.

[@ezlikesundae68]

I was there 2 days ago. I wish I would have seen this video before I left. The road was littered with jagged rocks that had obviously fallen, and too narrow for a vehicle coming down to pass. The steep slope to my right and the thought of a vehicle coming down spooked me and I took my first opportunity to turn around.

[@WFORacer]

I have a friend who is new to this so excellent timing on your video. Now to pick a day.

[@Landops]

Nice trail report. Looking forward to watching the rest (part 2).

[@HuongPham-qn3xe]

Absolutely love this review ! Thank you

[@ignacioaveyronflores3275]

thanks to this video I was able to ride this great trail on a motorcycle and venture to do it, thanks great video with all the necessary information

[@ForensicPI]

Excellent documentary. My wife and I live real close to Cleghorn, hopefully we can return soon.

[@fjgear]

We totally studied your Cleghorn videos before our run. Thanks to you, there was no guess work and just had lots of fun! Thank you!!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Glad it helped! Now study our John Bull guide and give that trail a try!!

[@Noisybatt]

Do Miller Jeep Trail someday.

[@TillDeathDualUsSport]

Great upload! On to part 2!

[@williamtsol636]

Thanks man ! I've driven past there so many times and wondered about it !

[@andrewsmith1655]

One of my favorite trails in CA. A nice day offroading is Cleghorn first and then running Pilot Rock trail after which starts right after the end of this trail. If that's not enough challenge Dishpan Springs starts right at the end of Pilot Rock or if you want more easy/moderate run Willow Creek after too.

[@MrCaRealtor]

great video thank you for the tour!

[@WFORacer]

Awesome video , very well done.

[@gcoronado4622]

Thank you for great video!!

[@vicpropic]

this is awesome thank you

[@RudyC27]

GREAT REVIEW!!!

[@kaomatic]

super helpful video man 👍🏻

[@Mark-qm3qb]

Great video!

[@thefailingstudent]

thanks for the video man!

[@anthonyvuong]

Super helpful vid. Thanks

[@edgarmendoza6312]

Great video sir!

[@lorenzolocoteshuffle]

This is good content👍

[@scottcoy4098]

Thanks for the video we are heading out there tomorrow on our Rhino

[@vitale6633]

NotaRubicon Productions - Thank You for compiling this video series. I'm inspired to take my M932A2 (aka M939, 5ton 6x6) across this trail in the next few weeks. Probably shoot for a weekday to limit traffic - 5tons are pretty wide.

[@coleowens1616]

Isn’t the M939A2 a Vietnam-Gulf War Era Cargo/troop transport truck? Big as shit?

[@Trd2020]

Great review

[@extrasteez5727]

I went here today for the first time, went up alone to the electrical tower,then grouped up with some nice fellas I met, get people great trails, great times

[@kevinmaedel481]

Nice video!

[@freeway7979]

Thanks for the detailed guide of the trail. It helped me a lot as I am new to the trail. FYI, I drove through the trail last week(June 2019) and i felt it was little bit more rocky and rugged than how it appears to be on the video. I think the frequent rain earlier this year may have made trail more rockier. However, I was able to pass through it (mostly remained on the fire rd) with bare stock 4runner. It was a fun drive! :)

[@armandosoria7993]

4runner squad!

[@brianflynn6421]

Well explained ty

[@vinhbotchu]

I wish I had watched this video beforehand, ended up going up the "3 wheel hill" with a 2wd No rear Diff locker and nearly tipped over 2 times and got stuck since I took the left and not the right of it and ended up smack dab on a mound of dirt. Good tips in the video though!

[@codyshanks8181]

I did most of the off shoots in my tacoma in 2wd with my rear lockers on. N its fun as hell when its pouring rain:)

[@4wdtaco594]

Did you have any moments when you thought you were going to get stuck? I have a 2019 TRD sport 3” lift, getting fox suspension, and ARB locker next month.

[@Matthewv1998]

Fun fact. Ive done this trail, in a near bone stock, open diffed WJ, its, quite an experience, i did the chute and all, didnt get through some but i did a lot. I was a dumb kid but i got out of it alive, and i learned.

[@hmfic4297]

Been through Cleghorn many times in my F 350 crewcab long bed in snow,wet,dry 4inch lift on 315s its so fickn heavy 9600pounds tool.box full rack so wide it goes over all of it (lol) fun.slow and steady No problem 4x4 on!!!

[@californiagold7764]

Just ran this today backwards from silverwood. I've got a stock TRD off road prerunner with duratracs, hit most of the offshoots just have to pick a good line and lock up my rear.

[@DonziGT230]

I did "the chute" up and down in my stockish XJ on 28" tires and prefer climbing it. It's hard to get traction with open diffs, but it's easier to keep the body off of the walls. If your tires stick out they'll help keep you from scraping, my little donuts don't. Going up I was able to use the front tires to help pull it away from the wall.

[@brandonkrause9617]

My mom taught me how to drive on this road, I miss California.

[@darrinelsey3379]

Hey guy's Great video appreciate the tip's and commentary , do you know if sxs can make the Chut?

[@mr.bluegrass9723]

Great video. I'm a Newb would love to make this trip .

[@artinist]

thank you, very informative, plesse do more trails if yiu get a chgance like Goldman

[@coleowens1616]

Going this Saturday with my 2014 Silverado 2WD V6. Wish me luck :D

[@4wdtaco594]

How did it go?

[@garypheng909]

Thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU!

[@andygarcia6590]

Just copleted this trail in a 2004 2wd ford f150 3in leveling kit with a rear locker and 33s no problems

[@4wdtaco594]

Did you stay on the fire road? Or did you take some of the off shoots?

[@deanlyman4615]

Just took my 91 F150 4x4 on 33s today. I will say do NOT take a car through. The fire road is not in good shape. Fun stuff though, very helpful video

[@sesarman]

Thinking about trying this with my Nissan frontier stock 4x4 tomorrow, I think I can clear most of the off-roads but some I don't think I'll have enough clearance, hopefully I don't go on the wrong ones

[@onememories8523]

Thank you so much for sharing this video ! Please do some more of this type of video ! A+++! Would you recommend this trail for an Q7 TDI ?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Not familiar with the capabilities of a Q7 TDI - but if you stick to the fire road, any truck can do it - dont got alone!

[@onememories8523]

@@TheNotaRubicon thank you !

[@luismendoza2522]

Where can I get the same fender flares that you have On your Rubicon I Cant find them anywhere They look very cool

[@toddthompson6907]

Cleghorn Fire Road, named for Matthew Cleghorn who felled timber here in the 1870's. Imagine if you can this region covered with tall timber that was used in the building of railroad trestles crossing Cajon Pass!

[@adamcontratto6116]

That's an awesome bit of history! I'm going to Google it.

[@CoryFrebergEsq]

Got an $800.00 XC70 through there no problem. Only able to take a couple off shoots, but we made it and had a swell time!

[@oscarsantos1]

Cory Freberg awesome. I was wondering if could take my BMW X3 up there

[@myronhensel]

Love your vid. Please tell me what exhaust you have, it sounds great!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It's a MagnaFlow 17143 Cat‑Back.. Nice and small and tucked up under the driver's side rear door

[@myronhensel]

NotaRubicon Productions I saw your build video with TrailRecon. He mentioned it was a modified system, mind telling me how it was modified? It sounds really good. I wonder if it will would just as good on my 2016 4runner with the 4.0 v6? You're running a single or dual exhaust?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I think he meant it was modified by us putting on the MagnaFlow 17143. It's a single exhaust system. The NotARubicon engine is a 3.6 v6 so it might even sound a bit better on your 4.0.

[@myronhensel]

NotaRubicon Productions Thank you, would love to hear a "drive by" with your exhaust, I think a lot of others would love to as well. You should contact their marketing and have them set you up with a unique promo code and work something out with them

[@alfonsogonzalez2628]

The blue jeep in 4 low still has to go fast up hill ?? 😕

[@Max-jh9ng]

So do u think a stock Silverado Z71 can do everything u did whit that Jeep?

[@swifty4408]

If you stay on the main fire road, can you do this in a 2 wheel drive Grand Cherokee?

[@YeepLife]

Excellent video! Do you have any other step-by-step vid? If not, i'd like to request that maybe you create a scenic trail like mojave or somewhere at big bear. Let me know if you might already have them. Thanks.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

All of our review/overview videos are in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLku2B9MS_IISkphp5O8O33DIpXeq_SUqb We are planning to do a full trail review of Gold Mountain in Big Bear in a few weeks.

[@Youtubecensoredmyusername]

You: this is a relatively well taken care of dirt road. You: 4:50 getting the crap rocked out of you

[@HeCute_]

Do you think the trail is still open after the recent storm? Thanks for the video!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

This video was recorded less than a week after the BIG storm in February. Since then there have been a few other rainy days.. Yes, the trail is open.

[@WashingtonWetWheelers]

"Despite what people tell you Cleghorn is not a fire road. Well technically it is a fire road" lol sorry man I had a chuckle at that.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Noo.. "not JUST a fire-road".. it IS a fire road, but not JUST a fire-road as so many say.. Much more to it!

[@pigeonman7483]

I think the fire lane is always on the right side as I remember. Stay on the right side lanes. Just be aware that your Vehicle will get scratch with side branches..

[@jakedaum]

Is there a staging area off of route 15 at the Cleghorn Trail start to park a truck and trailer to ride a SxS on this trail?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Yes.. But there is a much better staging area off Hwy 138

[@thenum1379]

Great video! What are the chances I’ll pin stripe my new midsize truck if I stick to the fire road the whole time?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

david Silva if you stay on the fire-road, the chances of pinstriping are about 0.000001%

[@thenum1379]

NotaRubicon Productions thanks!

[@shaneamcnally]

great video. really enjoyed it. I have a 2.5" lifted 4runner trd off road, rock sliders, and 33" tires. also with kdss. meaning a bit more articulation than the ones without the system, so you think that I can do most of the off shoots, even though i have kdss, it is ifs

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We've seen lessor vehicles do it, but you might struggle a bit near the end on "oh shit Creek"/Hell's Highway.

[@shaneamcnally]

@@TheNotaRubicon thank you. Maybe I'll skip the last two or three. Pride isn't necessary. Haha

[@shaneamcnally]

So if you can't do the chute traveling east towards the lake, do you have to turn around, or is there a bypass for the chute?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

shane mcnally Easy bypass for The Chute on the left. Just stay on the flat fire-road.

[@1lifelive570]

Thanks for the video. Do you know if it is ever closed during the year?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

The only time Cleghorn ever gets closed is if there is a special circumstance like an active fire.

[@1lifelive570]

Thanks for the update!

[@dualsportdiary1150]

First, thanks for this video! Im still studying it and hope to go soon. how long of a trip is this? Im on a dual sport bike and want to know how long this trail takes from start to end on the main road. thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It's 14 or 15 miles start to finish. if you stay on the main road you could probably do it in less than 2 hours.

[@dualsportdiary1150]

NotaRubicon Productions thank you sir!

[@shawnriddle3018]

Lets go wheeling buddy.

[@MrPugabuilt]

Thanks for the video. Can Cleghorn and Pilot Rock be done in the same day?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It's a long day, but yes!

[@MrPugabuilt]

Which way do you recommend going?

[@MrPugabuilt]

Traveling with my kids, should I just do Pilot Rock? And Cleghorn some other time

[@adonischan2343]

Can my sequoia fit though the point where we have to bring our mirrors in?

[@panin007]

I did it on my ram 1500 single cab while riding solo …. and yeah wouldn’t try that again, you literally start sliding towards the wall if you’re going down

[@Ghost-oq4qj]

At 15:24 it’s not just a dead end that’s what people come to cleghorn for other than the offroading..... at the top of that hill they have 2 pathways through the bushes that leads to a big rock that people sit on and look at the view and eat and relax

[@Ghost-oq4qj]

Wait I’m confused on when I should even use 4LO? I did the a lot of the trails in 4H I didn’t use 4LO is that bad?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You will generally want to use 4LO when going up long/steep hills or climbing over ledges or big rocks. If you are in 4HI when you should be in 4LO you may find that you dont have enough power to get up/over something.. or, after a while your transmission may overhead and warning lights will start appearing on your dash.

[@socaldep2280]

Do you like the hi-lift jack bolted to the hood? Looks like it blocks your view.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

yes, we like it on the hood.. Does not obstruct the view at all. It only appears that way because the camera is mounted low on the dash.

[@lou_02]

So if we stay on the fire road I'll be good with a GMC Sierra 4x4 & Audi Q5 AWD? I don't wanna try no shoots. Just wanna take the family out. We have 8" clearance.

[@jairvera722]

Yea most 4x4 /AWD vehicles will be just fine if you stay on the fire route. I don't air down on it.

[@jorgeub27]

I have a big 1998 Suburban 4 by 4 do you think the Suburban would be too wide for these Trails or would it be okay.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

A suburban would do fine on the fire-road but would probably struggle on most of the off-shoots and would definitely be too wide for "The Chute" - i would also keep it far away from the "Hells Highway" section.

[@marroquinjonathan88]

Would this be ok for my 2wd Tacoma sport? Im a noob. Ive only tried holy jim trail. And my son loved it.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

If you stayed on the fire-road your Tacoma would probably be fine (although someone just commented here that they struggled in a 2WD truck on the fire-road) .. You would NOT make up/through/over 99% of the off-shoots..

[@marroquinjonathan88]

NotaRubicon Productions Thank you for the reply. Im gona give this one a try. The views look amazing. I should have gotten a 4x4.

[@therealjonasmancuso]

I am brand new to off roading. In the case of the yellow jeep on its side - What happens? What is the process to get him/her upright? Is there such a thing as Jeep rescue? LOL.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Firstly, never go alone so you have someone to help you or give you a ride home if you need it. This driver was alone, and lucky for him when our group found him we were able to help get him upright with our straps and winches.

[@gosser66]

Hi there. What, if any trail app do you use when out jeeping?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We use the Magellan TRX7 Trail GPS.

[@davidwielt8549]

I just bought a new ford ranger and want to go will be my first time but I think I will stay on the fire road for a while?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

David Wielt I would recommend that. Can’t go wrong on the fire road!

[@sofiaroman443]

There’s an entrance to a trail in the beginning of the entrance of the trail that goes to the right. Do you know the name of that and if it’s friendly to my stock Sahara 😬

[@TheNotaRubicon]

That is a power-line access road.. we've never driven down it, but because the Edison trucks have to be able to get to all of those power lines, it cant be too tough.

[@Ghost-oq4qj]

Sofia Roman dude if you got a Jeep and it’s stock you can do almost every offshoot don’t get me wrong it will be hard/fun but you can do it I own a 03 sahara and I did almost everything stock

[@Ghost-oq4qj]

Wow at 12:50 the offshoot that goes to the right doesn’t have the second part even dig out yet. Someone must have just made it when I went there then

[@MrMoruss78]

Will this be passable with 2WD Taco with 3 inch lift staying on the fire road in the winter with snow?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Some of the sections of the fire road are a bit steep. We've had trouble on the fire-road in the snow even with 4WD..

[@MrMoruss78]

Thank you for the reply. We ended up going on Sat (sans 4x2) Jan 5th before the snow came and foolishly got stuck on the Hell's Gate? part. Luckily we (Taco and 4runner 4x4) were able to turn around and go down the way we came up and saved ourselves. But love the vids! Keep it up! @@TheNotaRubicon

[@angelmaldonado4204]

Done it a few times it's pretty easy. Jku on 37's

[@garysigritz7405]

I forgot to ask, what do you mean using Lockers or not. We just bought a Wrangler. Does this mean we may not have them?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Only the “Rubicon” comes with lockers unless you purchase and install aftermarket lockers.

[@StudyJam_]

awesome video! I can't wait to go on this trail! But what do you do when you are going down the trail that allows space for only one car and see another car coming up the trail? Since up coming cars have the right of way, how would you get out of the way to let them pass?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thanks for watching! We've never seen another car on the rough sections - but we've seen many Jeeps and a few big trucks ;-) On some sections where it would be impossible to back up (like The Chute) we will walk the section and/or put someone at the top/bottom to make sure someone else does not go up/down while we're doing it.. on longer sections we keep an eye out ahead as much as possible, and if we run into another vehicle we just 'figure it out' ..

[@StudyJam_]

@@TheNotaRubicon thanks for the reply! what about on the fire roads? I saw there were some parts that only fit one car at a time? do you back up til there's a spot for you to move out of the way? sorry for the newbie questions. 😅

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Almost the entire fire-road is wide enough for two vehicles.. any narrow spots would be flat/easy for one vehicle to back up on .

[@travelingman21000]

What program or device are you using to get your GPS to show in your video?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

That's dashcam video from our Garmin Nuvi GPS

[@travelingman21000]

@@TheNotaRubicon I didn't know that the Garmin device did videos, I'll have to check it out..Thanks.

[@chrisginoc]

Are there a lot of dirt bikes or atvs out on this trail usually?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We usually see both every time we’re there.

[@christianpastrano6247]

My friend keeps telling me to go with him. But I think my rig is too massive for that trail. 94 f350 long bed, crew cab on 46in tires. I'll stick with mudding for now lol

[@californiahandball]

There was a F350 last week, hauling ass!

[@joemomma7161]

I have a 2019 Ford Raptor. It’s pretty wide. Do you recommend this trail for me? If not, any you do recommend In socal Near this one?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

If you stay on the fire-road, you would do fine.. If you venture onto any of the off-shoots, expect some scratches, dents, and possibly some damage.. Check our "Top Ten Easy Off Road Trails" video !

[@joemomma7161]

NotaRubicon Productions Will do Thanks! So I went and tried one of the offshoots that jeeps can most likely easily hit but my truck was simply too wide so I backed off with no damage Thanks!!

[@juancabrera7752]

what do you mean when you say disconnect..im new to offroading.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

That means to "disconnect" your AntiSway-Bar to allow the suspension to flex more.