Jeep Wranglers Off-Road in Calico - Adventure Weekend Day 2

In this second episode of my adventure weekend in Calico California with the San Diego Jeep Club, we head out early in the morning to hit some technical obstacles on the Odessa and Doran canyon trail. Aa you'll see, we had to stack a few rocks and break out the tow strap along the way... good times!
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Video transcript:
Now this was only my second time packing up the tent, so I set the timer to see how long it would take…. 11:36 seconds isn’t bad
Now if you remember in day 1, we explored some easy trails with 32 Jeep, but today, we have a much smaller group and we are going to put our tires, suspensions and lockers to good use.
On day 2 we headed up the Odessa trail which begin in a magnificent sandstone canyon. Now I came up with the my friends at the San Diego Jeep Club to run this trail a few months ago and there are some pretty solid obstacles along the way, but honestly an experienced driver in a mildly modified rig and a good spotter can make it through as you will see in this video.
One of the first major challenges of the day was making our way up this narrow uphill climb that will flex your suspension and cause you to lean pretty far towards the wall. A couple folks in our group leaned over just a little too far and scratched up there rigs…. Nothing that can’t be buffed out,
Now this was the first time I’ve done any real off-roading with the roof top tent and I really wasn’t sure what to expect and I thought there was a pretty good chance I’d be leaning over more than everyone else and scrap the wall even worse…. To my surprise, I actually could only barely notice the extra weight and by taking a high line on the passenger side and a few rocks thrown in a hole I was able to avoid the wall.
This next obstacle is a good little waterfall that requires a good line, rear lockers are helpful and even stacking a few rocks if you’ve got low clearance.
Up next is an obstacle that honestly is not my favorite…. Pucker Pass. Now, I can’t over emphasis enough that even with all the camera angles I took, it still doesn’t show just how sketchy this is. You cross a very narrow ledge that has about a 10 foot drop off to the driver’s side and when your drivers rear tire tips down in the hole, it is just a very uneasy feeling. The best thing you can do is keep a good eye on your spotter and keep your momentum going as you roll through it.
After you complete the climb up the Odessa trail, it’s time to begin your decent down the Doran trail…. Which has just as many challenging obstacles along the way.
As we made our way down, we came across a group of great folks that were doing the trail in reverse. I will say, that this is probably the more challenging direction to take this trail and something I think I’ll have do next time. They were working hard to get all their rigs through and we enjoyed taking a bit of a break and watching them navigate through.
No I mentioned earlier in the video that you can navigate the trail with a mildly modified rig, but you just have to be prepared that sometimes you are going to get stuck and stacking a few rocks and breaking out a tow strap from time to time might be necessary… it’s all part of the adventure if you ask me.

[@jesusrivera4769]

I dont have a jeep to go wheeling yet but thanks to you i can get a feel for it. Thanks

[@OVRLNDX]

Videos are getting better and better every time ! Awesome brother!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Can't wait to hit the trail again with OVRLNDX!

[@TFPadmin]

Always enjoy your videos, Brad. There seemed to be a noticeable difference in driving styles between your group and the other group. Not sure if there was a right or wrong, but I prefer the slower, purposeful pace the San Diego Jeep Club exhibits.

[@TrailRecon]

I'm with you, I always prefer to take a nice slow approach to an obstacle whenever possible.

[@WeekendHandymen]

The driving style seen from other group is typically necessitated by older and 'lower coin' rigs with leaf springs, stiffer suspensions, and lack of lockers. Every rig is built differently and in turn will need to be wheeled differently. But I'm with you, a slow purposeful pace is my preference as well.

[@mattgardner3763]

Slow is pro 👍

[@michelledarkling6690]

I'm not a Jeep owner yet, but I have my heart set on a Wrangler and I can't wait do this!!!

[@rbuste]

Trail Recon - Great video as always! I noticed that your coffee of choice was Starbucks. I know you're a fellow Vet so I wanted to let you know about Black Rifle Coffee Company. It is a Veteran owned company in Utah that makes outstanding coffee. They do more than their share to support active duty and they also have a goal to hire as many returning Vets as possible. Give them a try, I don't think you will be disappointed. This is not a paid advertisement, I just love their blends. Look 'em up.

[@TrailRecon]

I'm absolutely going to check them out.... thank you!

[@HarryJVaughn3]

I always wonder who the people are that give Brad's videos a thumbs down. The man puts together nothing but high quality content and you can really see and feel the time he takes to edit these videos. Two thumbs up Brad!

[@jerryjohnson9832]

It was nice to see some 2d for a change.

[@f.r.i.e.n.d.s9775]

It happens🖤🖤positive mind

[@glynnbaker5448]

Really good video Brad. Some good technical driving there.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, really appreciate it!

[@brucewootten3143]

I love your channel and I want to get my Jeep in the club and hit those adventures with you guys. Looks like a ton of fun.

[@sonnicman]

Outstanding video Brad. Hope you and the boys had a fantastic Christmas.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Hope your Christmas was great as well... have a Happy New Year!

[@terryandteresa]

Let me ride along and I'll get you the best drone video you've ever seen. Free of charge bro!! (I fly a Mavic pro)

[@Jetmech01]

Great video! Robert’s Toyota truck was pretty sweet, I have been toying with the idea of a truck like that after I get my JK done. Thanks for sharing!

[@TrailRecon]

His truck was very cool... would love to bomb though the desert with something like that. Thank you!

[@pccook]

Thanks for the video Brad. Put together perfectly showing all the crazy technical lines we did. Fun day on the trail with the SDJC!!! O|||||||O

[@TrailRecon]

It was a great day of wheeling!! Thank you!

[@Matt.Jungfleisch]

Sporting a Seattle Seahawks hoodie. I knew there was something about you that I liked. A great time you had. Wonderful video.

[@TrailRecon]

Go Hawks!

[@mann-kg4pg]

ਇਹ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਨੂੰ ਜਿਉਂਦੇ ਆ,, ਤੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਨੂੰ ਗਵਾਉਦੇ ਆ,,

[@stevenforrest2378]

I just want to say thank you. We've got a tricked out 2018 Rubicon, which is way more Jeep than we deserve. Your videos have taught me so much and given me the right mix of confidence and well-placed FEAR. A big "gracias" from all the beginners out here. Knowing what a Jeep can do, and knowing how important brains and experience are too, is precious.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Offroading is all about pushing boundaries, and Jeeps do it with style!

[@robjames8884]

Love watching these videos. But is it me or in every one there is some horrible high pitch brake squeling? Man have to turn my volume down so low I can't watch it and hear you speaking. Lol

[@hahe7350]

Who would've guessed the toyota that does the trail the easiest is the one without IFS stock toyota suspension replaced with (jeep) straight axle front suspension

[@james9156]

That had to kinda suck havin that big of a group it’s more like babysitting at that point I did a big group run one time like 27 and it was very slow and crazy great video bro like always

[@Chris-to3wj]

Yeah Ohio trails are cool and all, but HOLY COW am I jealous of California.

[@cavediverjc]

What long arm system is that yellow LJ running? It looks like he's got quite a bit of articulation.

[@quintonr5271]

Metal Cloak Lock N Load 6" long arm.

[@cavediverjc]

Just Q Thanks!

[@outlaw9232]

I love your trail videos! You do such a professional job Brad! Your rig is looking awesome too! What a great trail! It just makes my day every time I get a notification you have a new video out!

[@TrailRecon]

Appreciate Outlaw! I hope you had a great Christmas!

[@nickbrock5546]

Go Seahawks!!

[@lror]

Always hard to capture the true nature of obstacles on camera. Looks like good fun, have you done the trail in reverse yet?

[@Ruthless9187]

Whats the challenge if 10 people is guiding you through the way lol

[@mariodesmo]

The group going in the opposite direction didn't seem to know about lockers. Lots of open diffs in that group, makes for a long, long, day... lol That looks like a really nice trail. Passes Calico many times but always on my way to somewhere else. I'll have to go there and explore those trials and the old mines.

[@TrailRecon]

The mines are worth checking out... so many out there I haven't seen.

[@davidbarr3131]

Awesome video. Really enjoy the long format trail footage!

[@Jabroni2U]

I guess you didn’t go to the Gatekeeper section of Calico

[@theemeralddj4734]

4:56 I was there

[@michaelhughes2168]

Hi Brad, excellent video. Really enjoyed the flow of action footage. Thanks for putting in the effort to produce high quality stuff.

[@TrailRecon]

Hello and thank you, really glad you enjoyed it!

[@Crashtestcowan]

Love the TJ with the metalcloak long arm kit!

[@misoxa]

Well done, outstanding video... Great trail.

[@WFORacer]

Excellent footage as always, did you folks check out the mines? Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@TrailRecon]

We did some exploring of the mines on day 1, but day 2 was all about wheeling. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you!

[@310to703]

Awesome vid great footage the rig looks great

[@awsomer1231]

Outstanding video Brad.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you sir!

[@m2steve2m]

More info on that yellow LJ please

[@quintonr5271]

It is a 2004 LJ with the MetalCloak 6" Lock N Load long arm suspension. He is running 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers. I think he is running 4:88 gears. no engine work (he keeps trying to decide LS swap or a stroker pkg)

[@m2steve2m]

Just Q do an episode on the LJ. Everyone likes LJs

[@brokwillie9059]

Y’all need Fromt diff locks.

[@colazo_official27]

Happy to be a subscriber I lovw your videos

[@richardbaker6194]

Greetings and Merry Christmas Brad. Thanks for the great videos, keep them coming. I was stationed at George AFB, Ca. by Victorville for 2 years. Spent some time camping in the high desert and dirt biking. Beautiful trails you visit. Thanks. USAF Ret....

[@TrailRecon]

Merry Christmas to you and thank for your service!

[@richardbaker6194]

Thank you Brad for your service also. It is sometimes strange hearing someone say 'Thanks for your service' as I retired in 1983 and the military community was very un-popular during that time frame....

[@user-hd8ej8yx9p]

Those guys destroying their Toyotas :(

[@Mientras_Tanto]

nice shots! love them!! i could watch those flex situations all day long!

[@TrailRecon]

It's always fun to test your suspension. Thank you!

[@MordDorr]

What colour is your wrangler?

[@thesarge8488]

Great video as always, you make me want to move to the west coast.

[@TrailRecon]

We've got some great places to explore out here! Thank you!

[@RD-hn6ut]

There’s only a hand ful here in Texas and the ones that are any good you have to give a arm and leg to pay .....( private parks )

[@abbtt7809]

White Tacoma needed more lift

[@duoglide69]

What does mildly modified mean?

[@scotttownley5076]

Great Video I cannot find the odessa trail in any TRX 7 searches any advice? Thanks Scott I want to take my 4 year old grandson up there he would love it. Awesome footage

[@N0AGI]

nice - the 10' drop spot was inspiring.

[@TrailRecon]

Pucker Pass will get your attention for sure!

[@SwampySi]

I've only recently been watching your videos and hoping to buy my first jeep in a few months.. Great tips on your channel, really appreciate the hard work.. Keep them coming :)

[@jmreagan007]

Great videos Brad! Feels like we are there with you!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@makeyourownadventure1653]

Looks like a lot of fun, nice work on the video!

[@TrailRecon]

It was a whole lot of fun! Thank you!

[@discovering_adventures]

Awesome looking trip 😎 i reckon id be touching cloth on that 10' drivers side drop off and if you say the camera angels don't do it justice, that must have been very scary

[@serjkeshish3384]

Awesome video as usual, but why small group gets to go tackle harder trail !!?? That’s the rule or just ppl choice ? Not be nose 👃 lol

[@TrailRecon]

It's easier to manage a small group through difficult trails when you have to spot often.

[@serjkeshish3384]

Through makes a lot of sense LOL I’m hoping soon I could be part of trailrrcon and San Diego Jeep club member And hopefully I’ll be in that small group 😂 👍👍👍🍻🍻x

[@adamshartley]

Fun trail just ran it last weekend. Made it to the last canyon before the gatekeeper and my yj's steering box had a yard sale! Good times! Stay safe and happy trails 👣

[@jakefromstate4899]

hey trail recon. i just got my second curved light bar for my silvarado and i want to do the double windshield mounts but i have no idea who makes what. can you do a video on some if you kniw where they are or what im talkin about

[@tayloroncars]

SEAHAWKS!! Yeah man!! Represent! (I'm From Seattle)

[@MrTurbo64]

At 6:13, that was a full on ramp you guys built with all them rocks...

[@chunmanski]

nice video, although the I saw three toyotas got through this same portion of the trail without stacking all the rocks, this seems too easy

[@RumrunnerAdventures]

Awesome

[@dad3562]

Subscribed ! Thank you for the video !!!

[@getoutofthetimetrap5435]

What wheelin is all about👍

[@TrailRecon]

Yes it is!

[@brucewootten3143]

Do you need lockers for some of that stuff?

[@TrailRecon]

You don't need them, but they sure help.

[@offroadiran]

that's nice

[@CS-bh4ur]

Beautiful

[@donaldbacha5807]

Do you still have the discount code for KC?

[@samargill1]

Plz show how well your rig done this with your stepups

[@IRiSH112310230423]

I am very interested in overlanding and offroading in general, and want to get my own rig and modify it as I please, but I can't help but wonder...what does someone in your/our position do when something happens to your rig that can't be fixed on the trail. Can someone really tow your rig through that terrain?

[@TrailRecon]

That is why it is essential to always off-road with friends and have some basic gear in your rig for repairs. Dependability is so essential with you are out on the trail. I've seen many Jeeps towed out of easy and difficult trails... it happens.

[@theemeralddj4734]

The 1 dislike is a Jeep Wrangler and Trail Recon Hater

[@harrynelson9203]

I actually thought you meant in reverse literally

[@mud15x]

I used to do that trail in a stock Rubicon no spotter :D

[@timothyvalencia7872]

🤣🤣to think we did the trail reverse and alone oof

[@jeffc5329]

Nicely done! Some serious trails

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job B-Rad.......

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks!

[@aaron.p.bbroddesson5697]

blessings brother,,,,,just found you ,,,love what you do. What roofrack and tent do you use?

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I have the RhinoRack Back Bone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXiqqauGnJiUrK8 and Smittybilt tent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn2cmIKBhZl9jpo

[@Weeves09]

Great video!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks!

[@christophermartinez5314]

✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@edreiguerrero1817]

Hi brad. Question when are you going to take the xj to one of this trips?? I would like to see your xj in action with your quality in making videos. 👍

[@TrailRecon]

She needs a lot more done before I take her on a trail like this. She does just fine on desert easy trails, but a few things need to be addressed before we get technical.

[@TheKidAubrey]

Love the video! My thought however is how well the JL will do in a tight situation like the one you all were in. It’s much wider and i feel it wouldn’t fit after flex.

[@TrailRecon]

I think it will be okay. I've seen larger vehicles make their way through this trail.

[@MatthewEash]

Great video, Is there as list of the mods you have ? I'm interested in that Light Bar and the KCs!

[@TrailRecon]

Here is link to my Amazon page with many of the mods I'm using. www.amazon.com/shop/trailrecon. Thank you!

[@georgepolio4850]

Hey brad, you should make a vid on what gears to use or when to use them, when to use 4L or 4H, stuff liek that!

[@TrailRecon]

That's a good idea, I'll see if I can integrate that conversation into a future video. Thanks!

[@steviecarbone4052]

Great video as always!!👍

[@christophermartinez5314]

Awesome off-roading

[@terryandteresa]

God I miss my Rubicon!! It was stolen a few years ago.

[@TrailRecon]

Oh man, sorry to hear that.

[@Scalegaragesofficial]

Do you use a dji osmo mobile?

[@darthmaul7428]

Awesome videos keepem coming

[@carlosa.cervantes1380]

Would a slightly modified 4 cyl Manual make it?

[@quintonr5271]

The engine size wouldn't matter. There are not big, long, steep hills to climb. Depending on your clearance, and tire size, you may get stuck, so go with someone (really any vehicle should have someone else with them in a different vehicle). One of the 2 door red JKs was running I think a 33" tire and possibly only a leveling kit. They did get stuck on a big rock in one of the last gardens. I would suggest running it the way we did it in the video. The opposite way is harder.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

LOL Don't get between a chief and his coffee.

[@TrailRecon]

Gotta have my coffee!

[@JonnyBgooD007]

finally 2 door action

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Great video

[@HANUMANBHATT]

Awesome, awesome and awesome

[@TechyTorres34]

Nice video

[@oldchicago3216]

Awesome video!

[@bustednbroken4x476]

Mate in Australia we do 120kmh over that terrain. Thats what we drive through to get to the 4x4 tracks

[@snakes57]

Brad - Just wondering have you changed your Fender Flares? Keep producing the great videos buddy.

[@TrailRecon]

I cut them before I ran the Rubicon for extra clearance. Hope to replace them with some proper ones soon. Thank you!

[@FXEENEY]

By mildly modified, what extent do you mean?

[@jeepingadventureswithjoeki6220]

2.5" lift, one locker, 33" tires

[@prescottpage5395]

I️ wanna make a suggestion, try branching our further than just jeeps, try like FJs and trucks, ext.... I’d also try doing more reviews. I️ can tell you enjoy this sort of thing and try hard for it. And I️ just as much as you wanna see this channel take off.

[@TrailRecon]

I think you'll enjoy the variety of rigs I was with in Baja last weekend.... keep an eye out for that video soon.