Off Roading for Wimps

[Sliver]

Hey my friends and I want to take three full-sized trucks and one 4Runner off road on December 31. Just for a few hours. I was planning on doing Maclean Creek, but it's closed until April 1.

I used to off-road and have had some pretty capable machines. Now, however, my friends and I are in nice vehicles that are our daily drivers. We don't want skinny trails where we could scratch our paint, we don't want to bash our bumpers, don't feel like ripping off oil pans.

Basically just want some 4x4ing light to get off the main drags a bit and show the kids a neat activity they've never done.

Is there somewhere close by for this? Preferably south end of town. We have a 3-4 hour window, so Waiprous is out as that's too far for this plan.

These are just essentially stock vehicles, but they all have lifts and off road tires (Ram, Tremor, TRD Pro Tundra, and then the 4runner, which I assume will be the most capable of the bunch).

Any ideas?

[bc-chris]

what about out by bragg creek?

it's been years (actually, more like 2.5 decades), but my cousin and i would go out bombing around bragg creek and would have a blast

[PaperBagger'14]

I haven’t been out ice fishing yet to check ice thickness but if you have an auger and know the thickness needed for your trucks (minimum I go with my f150 is 16”, it’s overkill but I don’t feel like hitting a trout with my bumper). Chain lakes would be a decent bet, I’ve driven on it at least once a year for the last 5 years. Not sure if that’s what you’re looking for or not.

Alternatively, ghost lake would be a good bet if it’s open

[Fuzz]

Not sure if too far away, but take a look at Porcupine Hills. Did a hike up there a few years ago and there are some rough roads, and I think OHV trails that you may be able to drive on.

[Fuzz]

Oh, 1.5 hour drive each way, so you'd get some nice smooth highway miles!

[PepsiFree]

I don’t have any specific advice but I love that you’re taking the kids out for it. Off roading with my dad is such a special memory for me, and basically informed the way I think of vehicles as an adult in subtle and not so subtle ways, even if it’s not something I think of doing myself very often.

[surferguy]

What about cruising some random cul de sacs in Cranston or Mahogany? Minimal snow clearing, too many parked cars and a decent round of freeze thaw should make for challenging terrain.

[Bill Bumface]

There was a kid in High School that decided to take a shortcut home after a party. Straight over Nose Hill. I think they made that more difficult to pull off now.

[bagofpucks]

Would Indian Graves be an option? When I was in high school that was the go to place, but I’m not sure if it was legal at the time or is still possible.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by bc-chris

what about out by bragg creek?

it's been years (actually, more like 2.5 decades), but my cousin and i would go out bombing around bragg creek and would have a blast

Yeah, that's Maclean. I used to go there all the time, too. Even in the winter. I have pictures with my old Ranger off roading in the winter there, but now it's closed December 1 to April 1. Probably has been for years, but I just haven't been since I was in my 20s.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

I haven’t been out ice fishing yet to check ice thickness but if you have an auger and know the thickness needed for your trucks (minimum I go with my f150 is 16”, it’s overkill but I don’t feel like hitting a trout with my bumper). Chain lakes would be a decent bet, I’ve driven on it at least once a year for the last 5 years. Not sure if that’s what you’re looking for or not.

Alternatively, ghost lake would be a good bet if it’s open

Not really looking for a lake. I had it all planned out for some trails in Maclean I know, but definitely don't want to be augering ice thicknesses and stuff. I've basically promised my friends we won't hurt our vehicles and I'm sticking to that.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Don't want to nick the paint on your pretty new trucks?

Yeah, sounds wimpy. This is rugged Alberta. You're just going to have to take that risk off-roading.

I guess a frozen lake is your best bet. Just don't be like those people at Sylvan that went through the ice lol.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by bagofpucks

Would Indian Graves be an option? When I was in high school that was the go to place, but I’m not sure if it was legal at the time or is still possible.

Thanks for the suggestion. Just checked and the road to Indian Graves is closed through the winter. Jfc

[getbak]

Originally Posted by surferguy

What about cruising some random cul de sacs in Cranston or Mahogany? Minimal snow clearing, too many parked cars and a decent round of freeze thaw should make for challenging terrain.

I was thinking taking a drive down 36th Street NE from 32nd to Memorial might give them the proper off-road experience with minimal (but not zero) risk to the vehicles.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Don't want to nick the paint on your pretty new trucks?

Yeah, sounds wimpy. This is rugged Alberta. You're just going to have to take that risk off-roading.

I guess a frozen lake is your best bet. Just don't be like those people at Sylvan that went through the ice lol.

lol dude. Only a moron or a bazillionaire is going to f up an $85k truck for an hour or two of fun.

Not sure if you've ever off roaded, but there are many ways to do it. We just want to bounce around on some undulating roads and hopefully see a neat view with a bunch of kids. Cars wouldn't be able to do it, but Rav4s would. That kind of thing.

If you're going to squeeze through branches and mud holes that's fun, too, but I'm not going to fk up my truck for that. Not worth it. My truck is more for delivering stuff to customers, picking up materials and towing my trailer lol.

If I wasn't lazy I'd post pics of me bogging in my ranger, on my dirt bike, and I even have video of me with my short box stepside GMC off road in waiprous in the 90s. I know how to do the good stuff, too.

[Titan2]

Originally Posted by Sliver

lol dude. Only a moron or a bazillionaire is going to f up an $85k truck for an hour or two of fun.

Not sure if you've ever off roaded, but there are many ways to do it. We just want to bounce around on some undulating roads and hopefully see a neat view with a bunch of kids. Cars wouldn't be able to do it, but Rav4s would. That kind of thing.

If you're going to squeeze through branches and mud holes that's fun, too, but I'm not going to fk up my truck for that. Not worth it. My truck is more for delivering stuff to customers, picking up materials and towing my trailer lol.

If I wasn't lazy I'd post pics of me bogging in my ranger, on my dirt bike, and I even have video of me with my short box stepside GMC off road in waiprous in the 90s. I know how to do the good stuff, too.

This place some times.

"Hey guys, I have carefully thought out what I want to do within certain parameters. Anyone, know where I can do that specific thing?"

CP: "that is dumb. you should do this other thing instead. I now call your manood into question, and heap scorn on you for making that decision, which is probably the same decision I would make in the same situation. Maybe try sky diving."

[chedder]

Anywhere you go in the hills, you better be packing chains and tow straps (ultimately winches too).

[Wormius]

Maybe check out those Alberta Backroads maps. You’re probably looking for a logging road or something?

Otherwise, find out where some big new housing development is underway and putz around there. There’s usually something around the outskirts of the city. Especially NE.

[GGG]

Powder face trail might be an option. Might not be off road enough, also only open May thru December.

[Bonded]

I thought Sliver was starting a new charity