Passport to: Monache Meadows Part 1. Can an AWD crossover make it???

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I had a couple people commenting about the camp fire 🔥 (singular). The camp fire you saw was early in the year before the Covid fire restrictions were implemented. The temperature is not 31F Degrees in July...

[@ScoobyFermentation]

I love your videos. Not because I ever plan on owning a Passport, but because you are legitimately off-roading in beautiful locations and your videos are very well produced. Thanks!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for the kind words scoobyFermentation! I'm glad there was so much variety of vehicle on this trip. Thanks for the comment!

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice work Jon, it was really interesting to see the same spots at different times of year. Loved the edit on this one! Also fun to see yet more Instagram cars I know in action! :-)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Donald! This is one of the places you’ll want to check out if you visit down here.

[@BorderlineExplorer]

Whoa! It's awesome to see Monache change over the months. The puddles disappeared and refugees appeared! Great info for your viewers & something only you can pull off being there so many times. The Monache Master. Can't wait for Part 2!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Alan! Thanks for all the trail footage! You're hands down my favorite KZbinr to collaborate with and looking to more future trips!

[@nwilson228]

Thanks for making these great videos! nice to show off AWD rigs.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Nick Wilson thank you for watching and commenting! It means a lot to me.

[@olliechristopher467]

Thank you for the memory. I have been going to Kennedy Meadows for over 20 years. I used to go to trails end and relax in the Upper Kern. I ride bikes up there and stay off the grid in meadows further up the mountain. You are showing how crowded it has gotten. Social media has destroyed that area. Just 5 years ago you would only see a few vehicles camping on the big weekends. Now it is overrun by anyone with a 4 wheel vehicle.

[@salsanacho]

I really like how you anticipate viewer questions... "hmmmm... how's that 2wd prerunner getting through? Oh, rear locker" "Does he drive with that solar panel on? Oh, perfectly timed caption" "I wonder where his air intake is? Oh, another perfectly timed caption" Etc...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks! I didn't even realize I was doing that :P

[@jamiethomas8975]

Great point! He should keep it up even if he didnt realize he was doing that! Also, I wanna tag along sometime! Im from Long Beach. Probably going to Monache for the first time next week, and wanna go back to Coyote Flats maybe in September.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Jamico Oscardog join up on the crossoverlanding FB page. We’re hitting up an area north of the hungry valley this Saturday/sun

[@pnw_element9822]

Main thing is having fun and enjoying the outdoors

[@HighjakSecondary]

Good stuff as always! It's fun watching you wheel with some more dedicated traditional 4x4 vehicles. Keep up the good work.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Mr. Highjak! I totally missed your new video btw, I now have you "Bell'd" looking forward to more content from you!

[@HighjakSecondary]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Haha! You the man!

[@soulsurfer8797]

Great perspective and thanks for sharing. I will try to join up with you guys before summer is out.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Sounds good!

[@xzinx]

that 3 inch lift is tempting

[@ck4391]

Generally you want the smallest amount of lift to fit the biggest tires you can.

[@monicahamblin9006]

All right, we made the cut! Yes, that was one of my refuge boys yelling “hi” as he was so excited to see you cross the river. We really expected to be the only ones back there. To our surprise, the place was packed. Let me know if you want some drone footage to add to your videos. (I was the one with the stock Subaru Ascent. It performed so well!)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Monica Hamblin oh wow! Those kids were so cute! I meant no disrespect by calling them refugee kids, I was just trying to make a joke regarding how packed it was by the river. THANK YOU 🙏 so much for not getting upset, you’d have every right to be. Good job with the Ascent! In part 2 of the video I’ll be showing the other places we camped. We were able to get the spot right in front of the river. It was epic!

[@monicahamblin9006]

JonDZ Adventuring on the contrary, we thought it was funny. My hubby laughed. We went to the other side, sequoia forest and camped. No one around! It was great. We hope to see you on the next adventure.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Monica Hamblin a group of us visited Laurel Lake this weekend. The place was even more jam packed than Monache. Actually, it was so crowded that we had to ask some carcamperlanders if it was okay to double park on the road, just so we could walk down to the lake. We did the Duck lake hike, very beautiful, and I highly recommend it if you have never gone. We actually had a 2 inch lifted Subaru Ascent on BFG KO2’s go with us. I started a Facebook page that’s meant to get like minds together, please feel free to join. facebook.com/groups/1097379240623726/?ref=share

[@ozandzo]

I'm trying to figure out what route to take to get there from 395 , any help would be great.

[@kevinharbach4901]

It really is getting super overcrowded up there

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah.. really really really overcrowded. I think the current covid situation has a lot to do with it. People are so eager to get out and do something. I couldn't mention that in my youtube video because it would get flagged with a Covid 19 weblink on the bottom of my video.

[@bradleylutz7957]

It’s almost sad to see how busy it’s got over the years. I remember back in early 2000s it would be crazy to se even one other camper. I went back in mid Aug 2020 and it was so crowded we had to wait for someone to pack up to get a spot. The trail is kinda been trashed too a lot of people leaving trash and not properly cleaning camp spots after usage. I just hope it will calm down after COVID passes, but I doubt it now that so many people know about it.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Bradley Lutz I’ve been noticing that highway 395 as a whole has become unusually busy. I think it’s clear why, I’ll blame covid. I think once life returns to normal we will see a lot of people rushing back into dine in restaurants, bowling alleys, movie theatres, Disneyland, water parks, baseball/football stadiums, concerts, and what else did I miss? I think there will be an implosion of traffic to these areas. BUT... we shall see! Who knows how long this will all last.

[@dukeford8893]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Covid has nothing to do with it. I spent three weeks in the Whites and Inyos back in 2018 deer hunting. What a disappointment. Every swinging dick with a 4x4 or off-road motorcycle was running up and down Silver and Wyman Canyons. They weren't hunters, either. No wonder nobody ever sees any deer up there.

[@stevendphoto]

Hi Jon, I have a Thermorest Neo-Air Dream, (which was discontinued a few years ago, for some stupid reason), but it features the same 3" Neo-Air (single) mattress, with a 1" Foam topper in a form fitted bag! I have used it when camping in my Passport, but I have to sleep cross-diagonal..

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

You have to sleep diagonal? do you use a head board? I have a video about my sleeping setup in the Passport. I have a 2 foot long head board that I place between the big gap between the front and rear seat. It's held up by a strap that goes around the front head rest. With the front seat moved forward, it'll accommodate someone 8 foot 4 inches.

[@stevendphoto]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I'm 5'9" and need to check that out, I thought about making something to fill that gap...

[@stithis]

I actually scrapped my rear diff on that boulder haha

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That boulder is so sneaky! Did you hit the one one going downhill to the river campsites too? or the smoother boulder that some people spin tires on?

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Let’s go again! Haha jk I kinda do want to explore more of the meadows and that trail leading further back but I feel like it’s getting overcrowded...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo MORE!!! Maybe next year.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

JonDZ Adventuring hahaha august. Let’s do eeeeeeet 😂😂😂

[@huskynoob7881]

Heads up that fridge is a rebadged alpicool made in china with lg compressor lots of great reviews all over KZbin and forums. I bought mine 2 years ago in Amazon with 3 year warranty for 300 and still running great, buying from costco is smart for their warranty.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I love the thing, especially for the price I paid, but I did open it up and look at the compressor and it was a no name Chinese brand. It works, so I don’t mind 🤣

[@huskynoob7881]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I don't think they can use lg branding, but if LG uses alpicool to provide compressors which alpicool advertises they must be using the same type or quality for alpicool, or so i hope...haha, anyways it's been reliable for a bunch of trips past 2 years and surprised me. Just google alpicool lg compressor and you'll get a bunch of hits.

[@1483Frenchman]

When I can make it back out to Cali I'll bring the 04 Outback H6 VDC and we can hit up some trails

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Oh nice! You have a unicorn Subaru! It should do well in the Monache Meadows! Lets go! Are you joined up on the Facebook event page? facebook.com/groups/1097379240623726 Let us know when you're coming down!

[@1483Frenchman]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring if I was on Facebook I would be, but I'm not on any social media platforms. I've been along time follower and always love the content, thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us softroaders

[@nickfelix3157]

I really enjoyed this video and it is super helpful in making me decide to drive up from so cal to camp at Monache. Do you have a recommended month to come up and camp here?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The Monache meadows is only opened from May to November (depending on snow), so any opened month should be good. It’s nice that this place sits at a high elevation, so the weather is typically pleasant. It can get super duper cold in the early months. When I was out here in May it got down under 30F degrees. The later in the season, the less water there will be. It seems to be more lush and green in the earlier months as well.

[@1483Frenchman]

Lol. I enjoy Tito's and ginger ale too, add a little lime next time

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Ah, I knew I forgot an ingredient! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@therootedprogress]

Just had to say that I thought the undercarriage point of view near the beginning was awesome. I like those types of shots. If you have the time to get em I really appreciate those different point of views. Just watched Danny Rocksteadys video as well. Super dope you all were able to meet up. Can't wait to get back out there. Just a matter of time. Y'all got me super missing the outdoors. Yesssssss the fridgeeee we all want!! The thermarest is a great product. We had the thermarest for our backpacking air pads. They work really well. Not the same model as yours but of similar quality I assume. Love the solar panel setup bro. Gonna be doing a similar setup soon as funds accrue 😏. Do you know if you need to keep the solar panels clean to absorb more light to produce more energy? I want to be part of the #poserlanders. How much do you charge per month to be a member? Lol 😁

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

the.rooted. progress thanks for stopping by to leave a comment! It actually stuck this time!!! We just got back from Laurel lakes, but I was able to read your comment before I lost reception. Ah man, have you just been too busy with fighting covid down there? Hope you can get outdoors for some R&R, you deserve it. Poor wife is overworked too! So, about the solar panels, I’m sure they’ll work while cleaner, but they seem to still work even dusty, hehe! I don’t have a watts monitor thingy, so I won’t know. Maybe they sell one on amazon

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

the.rooted. progress haha! I think we’re leaning more towards the “REI DIVIDENDERS”

[@ClawsoftheLion]

Shout out to restful sleep. I see that CPAP. Now I know why you really have that solar panel, lol.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Alexander it was a total life changer! I was I. Denial, I should have seen a Doctor sooner! Haha! The solar panel is more for the fridge, the CPAP is only dropping my 288wh power station by 15-20% a night 😃

[@Sergiop4x]

You record everything on your phone and lav mic?! Looks good

[@justinbrown2044]

Where did you get that GIANT flask? (cocktail making section)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Vegas baby! Vegas!

[@Saintslax29]

Hey, thanks for the video! How long did it take you from the highway to the top?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

From highway 395, it takes about 1-2 hours to get to the trail head. Lots of windy road and a reduced speed limit. The trail itself will take another 1-2 hours.

[@Saintslax29]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring awesome thanks! Really appreciate it

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@Saintslax29 yeah man! Get out there before the trail closes for the winter 😃

[@adolforivera3008]

Great video , it’s look like beautiful place, like to join in on the next trip!!! How do I contact you??

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

adolfo rivera we have a Facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/1097379240623726/?ref=share Anyone can make an event for anyone in the group to join. There’s an event posted up right actually.

[@pnw_element9822]

Hey Jon where can I find a skid plate for a Honda Element I can’t find them at all

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I did a quick google search and found this: facebook.com/SkidPlateGuy/posts/honda-element-engine-and-gas-tank-skid-plate-kits-25mm-steel-engine-and-3mm-stee/2223398474603534/

[@vandrewvcasti]

My Mazda Cx-30 made it !

[@soloadvtravel]

Hey Jon great work! I had a question as to how do you get that high quality on your vids? On KZbin… Di you edit on a computer? I edit on the phone, shots in 4k/30 and they look terrible on YT.. Thanks man!

[@GPMAX01]

Jon what roof box do you have? I like the low wide profile.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It’s the Thule Motion XT Alpine.

[@scottridge8207]

Do you have a transmission cooler attached? What 18 inch rim would you suggest?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Scott Ridge I don’t have a transcooler in the Passport. The highest temps I have seen is 230F on the coyote flats trail. This trail overheated a Ridgeline 7 times (which I believe is triggered at 250F). As far as 18 inch wheels, I think it’ll depend on the style you’re looking for. Black Rhino and KMC are popular brand choices, but if you have lot’s of money, I’ve seen a guy mount Volks ($1K per wheel). I personally have the KMC XD 820 Grenades.

[@scottridge8207]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thank you for responding. Enjoy your videos. Be safe!

[@charleyfolkes]

My favorite off road camp destination but we haven’t gone since we sold the Suburban .. Do you think a 2017 Outback would make it in there ?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I haven’t been back since this video, so I’m not sure if the trail has become worse (or maybe even better if they did maintenance), but if conditions are the same and it’s not too muddy, this trail should be Subaru friendly.

[@charleyfolkes]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Cool ! I’ll have to go check. You have a great channel bc you look at the individual characteristics of vehicles which gives us an idea, then the products we actually use - Like the battery jump box BTW , I looked at Laurel Lakes and it said ‘temporarily closed’? Maybe a seasonal thing?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@charleyfolkes yes, seasonally closed due to snow. Last year, the Laurel lakes trail became so rutted that they temporarily closed it down. Those will be the two reasons.

[@pratcliffe1969]

Hey Jon- Enjoy your videos. I also have a Passport and love it. Question for ya..did you put the Transmissions Cooler on it..if so, would you recommend?.. Thanks

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Paul! Congrats on the Passport! So, NO, I do not have the Honda OEM transmission cooler. The ZF9 seems to keep the Passport out of any dangerous temps. I've done two steep drives lately, the Coyote Flats/Funnel lake 4,200 to 10,700 feet. and Laurel lakes 7,300 to 10,300. Trans temp got to 230F with the A/C blasting. Now, I'd love to Keep my temps below 210F, so I plan on eventually getting a trans cooler, but not the one by Honda. Watch my Coyote flats video, the poor Honda Ridgeline with the Honda 6spd Auto comes with the so called "heavy duty trans cooler" from the factory. It didn't help. Honda Ridgeline owners have told me that the Honda transcooler is so small and insignificant. They say something like a Hayden 679 cooler is 3 times the size for only $60.

[@pratcliffe1969]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Hey Jon.. Thanks for getting back to me..I did some research and fyi our zf9 won't take a traditional cooler with flexible hoses.. It uses metal piping that has single use fittings to connect to the tranny.. Plus the check/add fluid process is more complex than you would hope for... Just a heads up if you ever plan on adding one. Still on the fence about adding one in mine.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@pratcliffe1969 Thanks for the INFO! Well, that sucks! haha! I wonder how much the dinky transcooler helps. I think I was quoted $300 for the part and $450 for the install by the dealer. I'm a sucker, I'll probably buy one anyways.

[@pratcliffe1969]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Yes, I was quoted about the same $385 part and $390 install..I would install myself if it had flexible hoses but I hear its a difficult DIY and I would rather the dealer do it than an Indy shop in case there are eventual warranty issues (would have less potential risk)...if I do have it done I want to make sure they add fluid (3.1) ..dont want to send the $ for it not to be done right....BTW..i ended up getting the OEM passport cargo mat based on your recommendation and its a quality product..All the best

[@ghifai222]

So whats your current favorite sleeping system now? I see you're not using your other one

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Michael L good question! Well, the thermarest is hands down my favorite sleeping system. You get what you pay for, and it isn’t cheap! $334!!! I used a 20% REI discount to being the cost down to $260 and then knowing it’ll earn me $26 in dividends, the price was much easier to swallow. The thermarest neo air camper duo is 50 inches wide and won’t fit in many vehicles. The Honda midsized SUV’s are very wide for the segment, one of the widest in the class, so this mattress won’t work in many vehicles. With that said, the Honda Passport/Pilots dont have a tall cargo floor. I was able to free up 2 precious inches of headroom with this pad.

[@ghifai222]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I'm assuming you're also using it over the luno air because it's more comfortable since there's foam inside the thermarest system, as oppose to just air inside the luno?

[@aaronrepper7649]

What is the tarp thing on the roof rack? Brand and available

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Aaron Repper that’s the Yakima slim shady. Many of these tarp systems are made in the same factory, so you can find one for as low as $100. The one I have goes for $300. It was given to me after the previous owner damaged it.

[@Environmenthrall]

Dude, take that cocktail to the next level--ditch the Canada Dry, and grab some Bundaberg instead.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Environmenthrall I will have to get that stuff a try! Thanks for the recommendation

[@raycabrera941]

Is it possible to do a one day trip there and back from Santa Clarita, Ca?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It's possible, let me break it down for you travel time wise. So once you turn onto 9 mile road from the 395, it's about a 1.5 hour drive to the monache trailhead. If you were familiar with the trail and traffic isn't too bad, you can get down to the river campsites (and golden trout pond hiking trail) in 1.5 hours. Most first timers will want to stop and marvel at the beauty, so realistically, for someone's first time, you'll spend 3-4 hours before you decide to head back. You can look to spend 7-8 hours down there, so plan accordingly. Hope that helps :P

[@raycabrera941]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring so, am all day event. Thx. Keep up the great videos. I drive a lifted jeep gladiator on 35s.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

RAY CABRERA nice! I love the Jeep gladiator. The guys from borderline explorer have one and it’s just stock (except an added warn winch). Early AM would work great! Preferably on a weekday and in either May or Late August. Should be pretty empty by then.

[@raycabrera941]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I plan on going on a Monday. I saw your friends gladiator in videos, 👌.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

RAY CABRERA I think once his stock Falkens wear out, he’ll be mounting 35’s as well.

[@tonystarks3-11]

Are you taking applications for your crew?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Tony Tickles no need! You’re already in THAAT REI DIVIDENDERS fo LyFe!

[@soulsurfer8797]

Do you have the GPX file for this route as I am from SoCal and would like to link it with other trails I plan to do when I drive up.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Soul Surfer I don’t have the GPX file, I just map it through Gaia. I still need to learn about how to use GPX files. I know I can upload them into Gaia.

[@soulsurfer8797]

JonDZ Adventuring could you send me the Grid Coordinates. Thanks.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Soul Surfer I don’t give out coordinates publicly, but you can hit me up on Instagram @jondz_adventuring

[@ck4391]

Would you recommend going in winter or spring or do you think there will be snow or high water levels?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

c K good question! Actually, the Monache meadows is closed for the Winter from November until May-July depending on snow levels.

[@ck4391]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks for the info!

[@OGT242]

What's the music?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The music I use is from KZbin music studio

[@HunterPlayssss]

I don't think you would make it this time....very rutty...you would need more ground clearance

[@Lebowski5000]

I always love your vids! I just bought a 20’ Forester Sport, so I’m definitely following fozz_outdoors. Thanks!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

P J thanks 🙏. Rob is a good dude to follow! Are you in So Cal?

[@Lebowski5000]

JonDZ Adventuring I wish! I’m in Denver, CO. If you’re ever up this way, I’d love to meet up!

[@ahhhhhderf1]

Is this place called monache Meadows? It doesn’t show up on gaia or alltrails.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Bro it literally says it in the title

[@ahhhhhderf1]

2A556FMJ what I mean is, when you type it in on gaia or alltrails. That name doesn’t pop up.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

haha, it shows up on All trails: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/monache-meadows-jeep-road

[@Romans_Toupee]

Seriously wish these youtubers would STOP POSTING LOCATIONS to all the hidden gems simply cuz they want views and attention......

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

A Google User you can’t even hide your social security number nowadays, how in the world do you think any place is going to be a “hidden gem”? I’m this video I inform people that places like this get over crowded. Trying to keep a place a secret isn’t sustainable, but recommending to people that they diversify their camp locations is. Haha! Funny troll comment though 😘

[@TheActionistheJuice]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring great reply. 👍🏽

[@Madbmr]

Any update on that massimo cooler?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yep, still using it.

[@Madbmr]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring sweet, Costco has them on sale again and I’ve been thinking about it since I first saw you with it. Looking at the cx50 they currently have it for $290 .

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@Madbmr thanks for letting me know. I shared the sale on my Instagram for others

[@harmik98]

No fires allowed in July by the way.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yep. Actually since June. This video covers a span from May-July

[@1ytbg]

Fires were allowed in june

[@rl-gm1dw]

wood fire = prob want to leave that segment out

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Fires were allowed when we had them lit. May 2020

[@rl-gm1dw]

JonDZ Adventuring haha solid save attempt - just saying, video timing and timeline definitely point to july fire

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

r l it doesn’t get to 31 degree’s at night in July.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

18:30 If the 1foot difference in water level doesn’t convince you, then I don’t know what will.

[@vishwasdiwakara]

Could you please accept crossoverlanding (hub) request?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Done!

[@iyot1020]

You filipino?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yep, born and raised in California though. I visited the Philippines 🇵🇭 when I was 2 years old, but don’t remember much and haven’t been back. I understand Tagalog pretty fluently, but can’t read it too well.

[@iyot1020]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring your trips are epic wish I can join you guys in group

[@deadbrainn]

Damn i wanna take my fam here. But im scared to go bymself lol

[@johndoee12345]

I’ll be there in august . Lots of people use the trail if you go during summer chances are you’ll have others running the trial at the same time

[@Lenivec07]

Водку надо пить чистую.

[@IWNTYU]

Terrible tires

[@gladegoodrich2297]

First time there 60 years ago before all you UTUBERS ruined it.

[@dukeford8893]

You could include the entire Eastern Sierra (plus the Whites and Inyos).

[@shagmymonkey]

Yay I made the cut 😁👍

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Mario... I'm kinda sad I don't have more footage of your Outlander GT. Remember how we found about the Riots when we got back to civilization an then camped at the Trona Pinnacles? That was a crazy time! Driving around Los Angeles by taking highway 395 worked out great! You coming out to Laurel Lakes?

[@shagmymonkey]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yeah that was fun and scary going back home. But no Laurel lake for me . I have to work early on Sunday. Only had today and tomorrow off.