HOLY CROSS in a JEEP GLADIATOR? Watch This First!

[@r_itchytrigger]

Love the video. Best part, "Dad im sorry but youre gonna have to do this by yourself". So great to see the whole family doing this. Goals for me and my wife right there!

[@TrailExpedition]

Haha! I loved that part as well. We made so many great memories on that trip and cannot wait to do it again!

[@amygardner1463]

Hi! It's Amy who was in the white Jeep that helped you out on this trail. It was so great to meet you and your family!! We're planning on doing the Rubicon trail next year.. after we do some upgrades of course 😂😂 Would love to see you guys out there!! We would also try to meet you guys in Moab, it's a great place that we love to visit every year.

[@TrailExpedition]

Hi Amy! Good to hear from you guys! Paul had mentioned you guys were doing the Rubicon next year. It would be a long shot for me to join but I’ll never say never! Thanks again for all the help!

[@amygardner1463]

You're very welcome! That's what the off road community is all about! If you ever plan on making it to Moab let us know.. we may join.

[@TrailExpedition]

@amygardner1463 I’m thinking Moab for next year! We just haven’t nailed down any dates yet.

[@amygardner1463]

Let us know when you have dates and we'll see if it works for us.

[@TrailExpedition]

@amygardner1463 sounds good!!

[@SomeStrangemysterious]

I really don’t think I could put my Gladiator through that, but it’s fun to see what they CAN and CANNOT do. Also give it up for the Badland winch! Those are beasts and it definitely earned its keep for you on this day. Thanks for taking us along!

[@TrailExpedition]

I definitely drag that Gladiator down some trails it has no business being down. But it’s fun and memories that will last a lifetime. And that Badlands Apex winch is top notch!

[@davidmosier1241]

I did it in my gladiator, Cliffhanger was harder, did that too! 2" Mopar lift, leveling spacers on front 40, s Milestar, beadlocks, 10psi, never used lockers, in and out. On Cliffhanger had to winch twice.

[@TrailExpedition]

Nice! I’ve still yet to make it to Moab but it’s on my bucket list. My JT is just on a 2” AEV spacer lift, 37 ATs, and lots of skids.

[@WheelinWithWally]

"These obstacles are definitely harder in person for sure" is the quote of the video lol. If I didn't think the same damn thing

[@TrailExpedition]

It’s so true. I watched numerous videos of this trail before going and it didn’t look that bad. This trail is no joke but definitely worth checking out.

[@WheelinWithWally]

@@TrailExpedition it was a fun one. I didn't get a lot of video from my trip because I was having brake issues most of the trip and that kept me constantly behind schedule. So I didn't have a lot of time to film. We actually finished the trail around 1am so we came back out in the dark. That was fun

[@TrailExpedition]

@WheelinWithWally dang. At that point ya might as well camp out there! We made much better time coming back though. We were actually there around the same time. We were In Colorado from July 21st through August 4th.

[@WheelinWithWally]

@@TrailExpedition lol we just got off the trail and then we camped right up top of there basically. That was my first night doing some night wheeling. I had a blast but I was with two guys who can't see at night at all and they were having much less fun lol. I think I arrived on August 14th we did just miss each other. You were pretty brave running that trail alone

[@TrailExpedition]

@WheelinWithWally brave or naive. One of the two. I wasn’t going to drive all the way out there and not put tires on it.

[@seancoleman2276]

I am doing HC this weekend with a Wrangler Rubicon. Did it in 2023 also and the mistake I saw people do is not go to the far left on French Creek. You guys did great and hope you enjoyed Colorful Colorado.

[@TrailExpedition]

Thank you and far left is definitely the easier line on French creek. I learned my lesson the hard way.

[@surgicalinstrumentsexplained]

I was promised carnage! It would be cool to see a before and after shot of the skid plates. There was some good scraping on that one!

[@TrailExpedition]

That was a brand new skid plate on the rear hitch prior to that trail.

[@rayjeep]

It's good that you found help. I also don't always have a buddy to go with. I'll probably end up getting stuck somewhere that I can't winch myself out and be there for days. I like remote and deserted.

[@TrailExpedition]

We got lucky for sure! But we took two days to drive out there so I couldn’t pass it up 😆

[@iamblaineful]

I have a '21 diesel JT-R with 6.5" Evo HD springs on full MetalCloak arms and steering on 37s w/ beadlocks. The Rubicon trail is our home trail, in our backyard. More lift, brother, it's a gamechanger for Gladiators, you gotta go higher than the typical wrangler.

[@TrailExpedition]

Dang dude that’s a beast of a build! My 2” lift on 37s had no business being on Holy Cross but we managed. I’ll eventually go a little higher with my lift but I also want it to fit in my garage. I also have a JKU that is more built for rock crawling. When I eventually do the Rubicon Trail it will be with the JKU.

[@jcfindley380]

@@TrailExpedition I built my Gladiator with this exact trail in mind. I only have 4 inches of lift but have a quarter inch steel Motobuilt skid plate running the whole bottom. It allows you to slide over what you can't clear. That keeps my top under 7 feet for the garage.

[@TrailExpedition]

@jcfindley380 right on. I run the full metal cloak steal skids along with JCR boat sliders. Those two upgrades have saved me so much. I’m eventually probably going to go with a three inch lift.

[@01messer1]

Awesome video, great footage! Congrats on all the badges. Your family is great, making some fantastic memories! Kudos Scott! Thanks for all the content, we learn a bunch too, mainly to know what trails to not go on! 😂 Actually, you give us confidence to take more on. Thanks again!!!!

[@TrailExpedition]

Thank you for the kind words. I usually tell people not to shy away from trails but Holy Cross is one I would only attempt with a winch, skids, rock sliders and a buddy. If we didn’t run into that other group we would have been in trouble 😬

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

as soon as you said U.P. ya had me! was stationed there many years at K.I. come back every year for reunion!! Definitely a new Sub today!! Enjoying your videos, just purchased a 23 Mohave 2 weeks ago. its my 5th jeep since 1997! 2dr soft top wrangler, 2 door hard top Ribicon in,13, 2 door Rubicon in 15, Gladiator Rubicon in 21, Mohave Gladiator in 24, but its a used one, 16k miles. Thank You! Say ya to da U.P. EH!

[@TrailExpedition]

Nice! That’s awesome! I was stationed at the Battle Creek base and Selfridge Air Force Base when I was in the Air Force. I’m sure I’ll be back up to the UP in another month or two!

[@paulk8207]

Very nice to see the end product. We were the group of 3 JKUs in front of you. Like we said that day, we would love to meet you at Drummond Island and jeep with you. Holy Cross is a great trail and it was nice to meet you all. Sorry we weren't more help at French Creek. The Lexus was on 40s.

[@TrailExpedition]

Hey guys! We appreciated your help so much and couldn’t have done it without you! Holy Cross was such a badass trail and would love to do it again in my JKU next time. I’m actually heading up to Drummond for my annual visit this Thursday the 24th. Just doing a long weekend and coming back Sunday so two full days of trail riding. Again, thank you and I’ll see you out on the trail!

[@paulk8207]

We are doing the Rubicon next summer about the same time frame, your welcome to join us

[@TrailExpedition]

@paulk8207 oh man, I want to do that trail so bad! It’s just so dang far from Michigan 😑. We were contemplating doing Moab as our big trip next year but nothing set in stone yet.

[@paulk8207]

@@TrailExpedition keep it in mind. Moab is good but soooo hot in the summer. Reach out to me if you want to join us. We usually have our trip planned 6 mnths out due to the long route fron Northern IL

[@TrailExpedition]

I’ll see if I can talk my wife into it! Lol! What would be the best time of the year to do Moab in your opinion?

[@adrianw3985]

That's an intense trail. Think I will stay 7 and below with my Jeep.

[@TrailExpedition]

It’s hands down the hardest trail I’ve ever done. Loved it though!

[@ickess]

I have the same tires on my 03 expedition. They were great when driving on the beach. Always wondered how they would do on the trail.

[@TrailExpedition]

They do ok on the trail. Like any AT they turn to racing slicks in the mud. However, they stomp in the snow. Best snow tire ever!

[@ickess]

@@TrailExpeditionthat’s one reason I got them, the 3 peak snow rating. I also liked the sidewall for when we aired down to 15psi on the sand. The ribbing is supposed to dissipate the heat.

[@TrailExpedition]

They have honestly been the best daily driver tire I have ever run and would definitely buy them again.

[@patricksaunders9076]

Hey Scott, great video, I live in Western Australia, we don’t have any trails like this, so it’s inspiring for me to watch this and see what is available in the USA🇺🇸. Safe travels mate, Patrick of Perth WA

[@TrailExpedition]

Hey thanks for the comment from so far away! That was by far one of the hardest trails I have done and hope to do more!

[@etmccaus]

I feel like this one challenges one's driving and relationship skills...

[@TrailExpedition]

You speak the truth! 👏

[@andrewthorsten3809]

i have those same metal cloak breakover sliders on my gladiator. haven't wheeled it yet. im off to moab next month. hope they can stop the rocks from bashing my EGM or driveshafts.

[@TrailExpedition]

I feel like I come down on my sliders, skids, and lower control arms before I come close to my driveshaft. Have fun in Moab!

[@joshlotoczky8084]

Great video. I really want to try that trail someday. Nice to see your family more in this video series.

[@TrailExpedition]

Thanks! And yes, I love to go as a family but it doesn’t always work out that way. Holy Cross is a must do trail!

[@WarthogOverland]

Wow 💪😎 that was awesome, outsides are the best. Big thumbs up to the wife for sticking through it. Watching this gave me so much more confidence in mine, now I just need to build my driving confidence. Maybe you can convince the wife to take the JT to Drummond so you can film both rides their.

[@TrailExpedition]

Haha! I’m actually heading up to Drummond on Thursday but will be wheeling the JKU. Gotta test out the new rock sliders! Hope your trip up north was fun!

[@WarthogOverland]

@TrailExpedition were heading up at the end of Sept. Wife will be taking the JLU and experiencing Drummond for the 1st time. U.P. was exhausting, lol, but was amazing. The JT made the drive easy. Don't know what was more work, 9 nights of set-up and takedown or editing all the footage. Can't wait to see your footage of Drummond.

[@TrailExpedition]

Yeah that’s why I mounted my roof top tent on my trailer build. The setup and tear down every day was cumbersome. Will be nice to set up base camp with the trailer and be done with it.

[@michaelquillen2679]

Good video. We have many trails like this (and a bit worse) in the Wind River range of Wyoming. Many were created going up to high mountain lakes and reservoirs, and built by the CCC and other programs back in the 1940s. One could actually drive a car up these trails after they were made (I've seen the photos). Over the years, through neglect and mother nature, they got rougher. Maps from USGS in '59 listed them as jeep trails. These days, mostly ATV/ORVs (and those that like to repair their 4x4s) do these trails. I used to do them back in the 90s on a Polaris ATV (very rewarding as they went to some great fishing and elk hunting). As a guy who uses a 4x4 pickup for most of my 4-wheelin' these days, I hear you about the Wrangler being a better choice with its shorter stance (however, my YJ couldn't have done this trail). You and your better half did a magnificent job on that trail! Congrats on your badges! Thanks for the video.

[@TrailExpedition]

Thank you for the insightful comment. Yeah we got stuck a lot and had to pull cable several times mostly getting hung up on the departure angle. My JKU with its 4” lift, 38s and frame chopped rear better would have faired much better. Hopefully next time I’ll have that out on the trail.

[@HotRodDave]

Cool Video! Nice Job .

[@TrailExpedition]

Thank you, sir. It was an epic trail.

[@Sami-rp7mf]

Thinking to get Jeep Willys. Woukd thay work on this trail. Great video

[@TrailExpedition]

With enough lift and wheels. Yes. I would highly recommend a winch and upgraded skid plates and rock rails as well. It’s probably the hardest trail I’ve done.

[@AndyYourBrother]

Whats the tire size and lift height on the jeep? Sorry if i missed it in the video! Might be a good idea to keep a running build sheet in the description 😂

[@TrailExpedition]

Hey there! My jeep gladiator is just running a 2” AEV lift and 37” tires. It’s not an easy trail and my skid plates, rock sliders and winch were the real MVPs.

[@ForeverJeep]

That pasture has some good views

[@TrailExpedition]

No bad views in Colorado!

[@fernandomartin624]

I have a ecodiesel gladi love it but same thing departure angle and between wheels space is the only downfall. I'm thinking gkadis benefit hugely of suspension lifts and good skid plates

[@TrailExpedition]

For sure! I am only running a 2” lift so something larger would have definitely benefited me on that trail. Luckily, the metalcloak skid plates and JCR rock sliders saved me on that trail.

[@kayaduss]

I own a gladiator with a 3 1/2 inch lift extended travel rear end on 37s what are you running? If you don’t mind me asking. This trail has been on my bucket list for a long time.

[@TrailExpedition]

I’m just running a 2” AEV spacer lift and 37s. I highly recommend good rock sliders and skids. Along with a good winch as well.

[@AdventuresOfRogersAndHenderson]

15:29 nicely done sir!

[@TrailExpedition]

The one obstacle I didn’t have to use a winch pull 😆 I think that line just favored the Gladiator wheelbase.

[@AdventuresOfRogersAndHenderson]

Fantastic video all around man, you definitely saved the best for last.

[@TrailExpedition]

It was definitely the most difficult and most engaging. My kind of trail!

[@AdventuresOfRogersAndHenderson]

@@TrailExpedition I’m with you, I prefer slow and technical! You just added another trail to my “Must-Do” list!

[@TrailExpedition]

@Rogers.Henderson it was a trail I want to run again in the JKU.

[@AdventuresOfRogersAndHenderson]

@@TrailExpedition hmmm, I may have to follow you out there

[@TrailExpedition]

@Rogers.Henderson I think the next big trip will be Moab next year at some point!

[@MinorCarvajal-no5os]

You must be Rich I don't think I'll do that to my vehicle but thanks to show the capabilities of the vehicle

[@TrailExpedition]

Not rich. Not poor. Somewhere in the middle like most people. The things I put this Gladiator through most wouldn’t. But this is my hobby and I love it!

[@WolfOverland]

Sigh… I need to go get this off my bucket list now too. Great wheeling and camera skills ✌️

[@TrailExpedition]

Thanks! It’s a must do trail! One of my favorites for sure!

[@Smokingtrailsoffroadclub]

Man what a trail that was lol love it

[@TrailExpedition]

It was epic! Definitely worth doing again.

[@Colorado4x4]

Great video bro. Good job 👍

[@TrailExpedition]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@andrewperry304]

Curious what day of the week you ran the trail? I’m wondering if this was weekend traffic on the trail. A lot of other rigs.

[@TrailExpedition]

We did this trail on a Thursday. Saw ten other rigs total.

[@_Jin_Kim_]

wow super gnarly... I don't know if I would've done it in my Wrangler either...def not the bronco...but how did that LEXUS go up and down this ?! 😧

[@TrailExpedition]

That rig was super built up. One ton axles, lockers, all the things. Skid plates and rock sliders are a must for that trail.

[@chioxin]

Ya, that's a trail I'm gonna wait a while on before I try it. XD Rubicon JLU, but I'll get some bigger tires, lift, and winch first before I try it. And a couple of friends XD This was cool to see you working with everyone else. =)

[@TrailExpedition]

Right on. Yeah, it’s definitely a trail to do with some like minded individuals. We were very thankful to our newfound friends on the trail.

[@besttodayever1916]

You guys should join paw paw river Jeep club. Michigan based. I enjoyed your videos. We’re heading to holy cross the ouray on the 27th this month.

[@TrailExpedition]

Holy Cross is a hell of a trail! Everything else in Ouray is tame compared to it. However, the Ouray trails are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever run.

[@besttodayever1916]

@@TrailExpedition heading to rubicon trail after.

[@TrailExpedition]

@besttodayever1916 I’ll get there one day!

[@besttodayever1916]

@@TrailExpedition my buddy Rick is afraid they’ll close it so he thinks we should go now.

[@TrailExpedition]

@besttodayever1916 oh man that would suck! It’s such a long drive from Michigan. I still need to do Moab.

[@besttodayever1916]

Watching this now. You have a mopar 2” lift and 35’s

[@TrailExpedition]

AEV 2” lift and 37s Falken Wildpeak ATs

[@trailtothevoid]

That looks like a blast. I can't remember what all you have for setup.. (Tires/lift/etc... Because if it's higher than what I got... I am like.. HMMM I can't do that yet.)

[@TrailExpedition]

Honestly, my Gladiator setup is nothing special. 2” AEV lift on 37s. The most important upgrades are the JCR rock sliders and MetalCloak full skid plates. Those are a must for that trail.

[@trailtothevoid]

@TrailExpedition I've got the 2.5 aev lift... but only 35s. (Need high rise fenders for the 37s) But I'm also in an overland not a rubi. So no lockers and not the same transfer case

[@TrailExpedition]

@trailtothevoid I would say lockers and a good winch are a must as well.

[@trailtothevoid]

@TrailExpedition I've got the same winch as you. Actually had a different box made for it to put everything in so it could go under the hood. (It's on my channel. )

[@TrailExpedition]

@trailtothevoid nice!

[@jodylowe8476]

Great video. I prefer much easier stuff tho. Too much stress for me.

[@TrailExpedition]

This was a very stressful trail, however, it was one of my all time favorites! Would prefer to run it next time in my JKU as it would handle the trail better.

[@jodylowe8476]

@@TrailExpedition Looking up JKU. HOLY SHOOT and my wife thinks i have expensive hobbies. I just own one mountain bike.

[@TrailExpedition]

JEEP Just Empty Every Pocket

[@gilbertnadeau7181]

Do you think MTs would have been a better choice for these trails?

[@TrailExpedition]

Possibly? Although I don’t think my tires were the problem. It was more so the small lift, break over and departure angle.

[@Roaming-Mike]

That was pretty Gnarly trail… in case of a breakdown who would get your rig out of there was my thoughts ?

[@TrailExpedition]

Haha! That’s future Scott’s problem. Let that guy deal with that.

[@Roaming-Mike]

@@TrailExpedition that trail sign should mention 37 inch tires min also …

[@TrailExpedition]

@mikeseda6350 I totally agree with that! I struggled on 37s but we only have a 2” lift.

[@GYMGUYFE]

How much DEF fluid did you go through on these trails? Did you notice a a difference if DEF consumption?

[@TrailExpedition]

I sure did! The high elevation trails are through the DEF pretty quickly. I had to stop and add another 2.5 gallons to the tank. For normal driving I usually add 5 gallons for every 5000 or so miles.

[@kennybyrd770]

Good thing people were running that trail. Not wise to do by yourself! As u now know.

[@TrailExpedition]

I did underestimate that trail without question. I typically don’t wheel alone but I would probably not get another chance to do it so rolled the dice. We got lucky and it all worked out.

[@kennybyrd770]

@@TrailExpedition 👍

[@marcushoover5410]

Like your videos. Why are you not wearing your seat belt? Your passengers are wearing theirs.

[@TrailExpedition]

Typically when I don’t have it on is because I’m going 1-3 mph and constantly jumping in and out of the jeep to set up cameras.

[@chrisdonohue3305]

What size lift and tires are you running?

[@TrailExpedition]

2” lift with 37” AT tires.

[@richardwilliams7085]

What size tires and lift did you have when you did this trail? Great video!!! Holy Cross and the Rubicon are my bucket list trials

[@TrailExpedition]

Thanks for the comment! I’m running a 2” AEV lift and 37” Falken Wildpeak AT3. I also have and recommend MetalCloak skid plates, JCR rock sliders, and a 12K winch. That trail is no joke!

[@nicholasnelson6073]

Are you running gears with the 37s? If not how does it do power wise at altitude?

[@TrailExpedition]

Mine is the diesel so a regear was not necessary. The OEM 3.73 gears paired with the diesel on 37s still has plenty of power. I didn’t have any problems with depowering even at altitude. It’s been a great truck.

[@barelymadeit]

This is next for sure. 😈

[@TrailExpedition]

It was such an epic trail! I want to run it again in the JK.

[@Pantera4u]

That poor Jeep will never be the same...

[@TrailExpedition]

Haha! It’s fine. Drove it all the way home back to Michigan without issue. That trip was last summer and it’s still running strong 💪🏻

[@beslim15]

How much of a lift do you have on your Gladiator?

[@TrailExpedition]

2” AEV lift on 37” Falken Wildpeak tires

[@terrymcguire6478]

Is that a stock Rubicon? On factory 33s? No lift?

[@TrailExpedition]

2” lift on 37”s

[@terrymcguire6478]

Hmm i have a 3" inch lift on 37s. Same 22 eco rubi. Looks like I'm up for a challenge next year when i try it! Or maybe trade up to 38s which i think is as big as you can go before regearing. Love that torque monster!

[@TrailExpedition]

@terrymcguire6478 honestly I would invest in some really good skid plates and rock sliders if you go. I run the Metalcloak full skids and the JCR rock sliders. Definitely put them to use!

[@terrymcguire6478]

@@TrailExpedition i put the Rock Hard Patriot series tube sliders on and added ASFIR transmission and fuel pump skid plates. Also added skid plates for rear lower control arms and lower shock mounts. And added a plate for the FAD. Will probably pick up diff skids as well.

[@TrailExpedition]

@terrymcguire6478 sounds like you already have a pretty good set up. We did not have differential skids, but we probably would’ve benefited from having them. Have fun!

[@julespatten8336]

Great trail. The ole tj made short work of it

[@TrailExpedition]

Yes it was! How’d the TJ do with that first climb right after the split? The two door rigs behind me really struggled with it.

[@julespatten8336]

I don’t remember the line but I do remember having more momentum and the smell of rubber still resonates. The only issue I had was with French creek because my poor line choice

[@TrailExpedition]

@julespatten8336 been there and done that! I took the Wrangler line when I should have stayed all the way to the left.

[@cjextreme]

In my time, the ultimate humiliation was "pulling rope". This is why Chrysler is sad.

[@TrailExpedition]

No shame here. Bigger things in life to worry about. Besides, my Gladiator in its current setup, really had no business being on that trail 😆

[@cjextreme]

@@TrailExpedition good man.

[@jpk0612]

Never seen anyone winch before the rock wall 😅

[@TrailExpedition]

We winched a lot. I’m sure we could have made it over a few spots with airing down more and with more skinny pedal. However, we do not have bead locks and it’s a long drive home so played it safe.

[@jpk0612]

@TrailExpedition you don't need beadlocks to airdown. If you are that worried about re-seating a bead or changing a tire, this probably isn't the sport for you.

[@TrailExpedition]

Haha! Ok, we were around 14-15 PSI and I have debeaded a few tires in my day. Mostly when I was in the 10-12 PSI range on non bead lock wheels. A couple times we were successfully able to reseat the tire, however, another time it bent the rim so badly that it was impossible. Watch a few of my older videos and you’ll find them.

[@garbock26]

On 35 ? Lift kit ?

[@TrailExpedition]

2” AEV lift and 37” tires.

[@garbock26]

@@TrailExpedition not a little set up and thats was really hard ! Nice video i love it !!! 😄

[@TrailExpedition]

@@garbock26 thanks! I could have definitely benefited by a few more inches of lift.

[@garbock26]

@@TrailExpedition for sure 🤠

[@IUSE4LO]

😲

[@TrailExpedition]

It was a doozie for sure!

[@DKnight_78]

Don’t think you have the best tyres on there for what you were doing. Think you should get bit more aggressive tyres and cut your winching in half i say. Some of those spots you oiled have gotten up.

[@TrailExpedition]

You’re absolutely correct, however, I live in Michigan, where it snows six months out of the year and I need to run a really good all-terrain tire that is awesome in the snow. The falcon wild peaks have been amazing at that.

[@DKnight_78]

Fair enough… its hard to have it all.

[@TrailExpedition]

@@DKnight_78 agreed. They get me through.

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

That trail is a mofo, don’t go alone!

[@TrailExpedition]

It’s hands down the hardest trail I’ve run as evidenced by having to winch five times. Such a fun trail though!