The Backway To Crown King in a Jeep Gladiator

The KCHILITES fam got together for a weekend of adventure. We hit the Backway To Crown King on the second day. This trail has gotten more difficult over the years and I highly recommend you run it if you get the chance.
This vid was filed Oct 2023, Enjoy!

[@ChuckReynolds]

the end... exactly why i don't want those drop-step sliders lol. Great video man.

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Thanks!

[@D310N12]

I'm an AZ local, by far my favorite trail. I have a modified 3rd gen 4runner on 35s and rear locker. Only time I've used the locker was for a couple of the more technical obstacles, I've done in it 2WD on 33s when my front diff actuator started acting up. This trail has bypasses for almost all the obstacles so anyone thinking about doing it just make sure you have a good spotter, try to go with a group of at least two vehicles and choose your lines accordingly and you will have a blast, be careful in the winter as the area towards the top gets snow sometimes which will make things a little more challenging. They have a small town at the top as he mentioned in the video, there is a restaurant/bar and then they have another restaurant on the hill across the street as well as a convenient store that sells really good fudge. Great views and a great experience on this trail, be safe.

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

100 percent

[@NativeArizonan]

Looks like those tractor tires you have there work real well! Dang what nice looking rigs you all have.

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Thank you!

[@Jacob-bf5zu]

Building my Jeep in yours image, looks / performs freaking awesome. Was wondering if you had a build list.

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Thanks man! It’s still not done but see below for details. 2020 Jeep Gladiator #RESQJT : - @camp_king_industries Camper - @goosegear storage - @battlebornbatteries 400AH LiFePO4 - @sherpaec rack - @multicampattern wrap - @multicamvinyl - @rebeloffroad bumpers - @warnindustries Zeon 12s - @ruggedradios GMRS Rugged Radios - @weboost - @67.designs phone/iPad mounts - @evo_mfg 4.5” suspension - @racelinewheels Monster Beadlocks - @toyotires MTs 40x13.50R17s - @rock_slide_eng sliders/steps - @kchilites all the lights - @revolution_gear_and_axle 5.13 gears and axle shafts - @steersmarts full steering

[@Veer1958]

I did this on a dirt bike. Kicked my a__! Initially bemoaning my predicament until I came across a guy who was 70 years old on a Kawasaki and zipping right around me and off he went. Was looking forward to a beer at Crown King, but knew if I would be like Jelly if I had one. O’douls was a good replacement.

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

70!

[@Brian_C_]

Most of this road can be done in a stock Jeep and some others... except for the bits near red F150... The bypass at the waterfall just south of the F150 was a piece of cake if you don't have a LWB. The obstacle after that, however, is a bit more sketch because you're either going to turtle or take an off camber line. I did it in an unlocked XJ on 33s. The pile of helper rocks shown in this video were pretty much beaten into the road by Sept '24 and I took the line next to the wall. The optional obstacles range from 'Meh' to 'Who actually does these'.

[@johnsampson9646]

The rock stacking is getting rediculous.

[@tomb2354]

Nice, heading up there next weekend! Stock axles still holding up ok?

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

You should have better weather than us. Axles have been good, im on track to replacing them next year.

[@dad3562]

Do you feel the length even on 40’s is very limiting? I’m in a TJ on 31’s so even 4 doors are massive so I’m just curious. Thank you so much, pretty cool to see your boy out wheeling with you.

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

No, it’s not limiting. The departure angle does make contact quite a bit but it’s manageable. You just make different choices on your line when out on the trail. I’ll never get rid of this thing.

[@dad3562]

@@Mike.A.Hernandez that’s exciting to hear, thank you for the info!

[@coleworld18]

is a 392 XR good enough to tackle that? I see you had some 392's with you but I am assuming they had 37's on. Thanks & excellent video!

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

It's more about picking the right line

[@carlosandrade7439]

How would a one ton do on that trail? she's on 37'' tires but I'm more concerned with the trucks width. Sub'd!

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

You could do it, we had a couple with us the last time.

[@jasonbarajas1105]

Dude...that Mike Hernandez is SO HAWT right now

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

🤣

[@Nonyabizness411]

Thats my backyard 😅

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Love it, I grew up here.

[@Bizill75]

Stock axles, one tons? What'chu got?

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Stock housing with 5.13 gears.

[@planchik]

does that red F150 block the bypass around that rock or can you still bypass it? also, what app is that?

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

The truck blocks the waterfall on the left and using OnX

[@planchik]

@@Mike.A.Hernandez thank you for the follow up and info. god bless!

[@scottstone4948]

The f150 has been moved out of the way.

[@planchik]

@@scottstone4948 so there's a way to get around the rocks? you saw this recently?

[@joshdousten6349]

At 16:39 I've seen a mountain lion there

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Oh man! The only one I have seen in AZ has been up here too.

[@chrisschultz8331]

lol i did this whole trail in my Tacoma in 2016

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Legend

[@DUNEATV]

Anyone know if that red truck is still blocking the bypass?

[@TheCutFather]

It still there went thru it last weekend when it snowed 😊

[@TheCutFather]

Without tires tho lol n this video you can see the tires lol

[@planchik]

@@TheCutFather does the truck block the bypass completely?

[@TheCutFather]

@@planchik no it ain’t blocking it but I think they removed it already

[@planchik]

@@TheCutFather thank you.

[@pbr-streetgang]

Don’t buy a jeep, I speak as someone who did….worst purchase i ever made!

[@Mike.A.Hernandez]

Why are you yelling?

[@jasonbarajas1105]

lololol @@Mike.A.Hernandez

[@DUNEATV]

Best purchase I ever made! Both my 2021 Rubicon and my 2024 Rubicon Extreme!