Shows 2006-1 & 2006-2 — Pleasant Canyon in the Panamint Mountains west of Death Valley.
We take our pair of Jeep Rubicon Unlimited's up what we thought was going to be a fairly easy 4-wheel drive trail to explore a beautiful desert canyon filled with old mining remnants. What we found was an extreme trail up a washed-out canyon right after a big winter rain. So although we didn't get to explore the mines as we intended, we did have a great adventure being the first rigs up the water-filled canyon before the road got repaired.
Show 2006-03 — The Piute Trail in the Sequoia National Forest.
We head up Jawbone Canyon Road to check out the original above-ground water pipe that brought water to the Los Angeles area. From there we took the Piute Trail up past a couple old mining areas to the Piute Lookout that proved to be the highlight of the trip! There are plenty of trails in this area and a lot of great places to camp. Be sure and carry extra fuel as you can put a lot of miles on up in these mountains. Be sure to stop at the Jawbone Canyon Visitor's Center to get all the maps and books on this area.
— REST IN PEACE —
4x4TV 2001-2006
Yeah, that's right. This year marks our last season of 4x4TV!
It has been a great adventure, and indeed a real pleasure serving all of you that have been with us throughout the years of the show. We have thoroughly enjoyed this last season of slower-paced programs taking you along with us on what we love to do the most -- exploring the trails around the southwestern United States. Unfortunately, most of us that enjoy exploring the great outdoors are "I guess" doing that rather than watching TV! Consequently, the ratings of 4x4TV have fallen behind what they were when we covered the extreme rock crawling events in the past. Because of this, we have made the decision to continue to explore the back country trails that we love and leave the "Extreme TV Shows" to the younger market.
See you on the trails!
Oh, and if you need to voice your opinion, write to The Outdoor Channel at
TheOutdoorChannel.com
Shows 2006-04, 2006-05, 2006-06, 2006-07 — Exploring the Paiute ATV country in central Utah.
Knowing what a great ATV trail system there is in the central mountains of Utah, we decide to check out how much of it can be used by full-sized 4x4s. We explore some awesome canyons, historic mining sites, and have a great time at incredible high-country camping spots. For more information on this area, type in Paiute Trail in our search engine. We found that almost all of the trails are open to 4x4 vehicles. There are plenty of small towns around the trail area that have motels but the experience is enjoyed best by camping up in the high country. There are plenty of deer, elk, and even mountain goats. Because the highest areas are above 11,000 feet, this area is best explored during the late summer and early fall.
Show 2006-08 — A trip up Coyote Canyon in the Anza Borrego Desert.
The southern part of Coyote Canyon is approximately a 14-mile trip up an incredible desert canyon filled with water crossings and rocky climbs. This trail starts right outside of the small town of Borrego Springs. While there, be sure to check out the Visitor's Center and the hiking trails in the surrounding canyons. Because this area is very low desert, it is best explored in the fall, winter, or springtime. There are maps and guidebooks available that show many of the area's trails and sites.
Show 2006-09 — Exploring Fish Creek and Sandstone Canyon near Ocotillo Wells, CA.
Just out of the Ocotillo Wells OHV Park is Fisk Creek Canyon and Sandstone Canyon. This is another trip that isn't all that hard if you don't go all the way to the end of Sandstone Canyon, yet offers plenty of camera stops and places you won't want to pass by. There are plenty of other trails in the area that include more difficult trails (including the last stretch of upper Sandstone Canyon) and allow rough camping. Check out the wind caves and the slots if you have the time. Also in this area inside the OHV Park is the Pumpkin Patch, 17 Palms, and numerous other scenic and historic sites.
Show 2006-10 — Exploring the Mojave National Preserve.
The Mojave National Preserve lies in the beautiful and remote desert between Barstow and Las Vegas to the North, and Barstow and Needles to the South. Although there are plenty of 4x4 trails in the area, including the historic Mojave Road, some of the best stuff is found down easy dirt roads. The historic Kelso Depot has been rebuilt and now houses the Visitor Center — a must stop! Also be sure to take the strenuous hike up into the Kelso dunes to listen to the amazing "singing sands" — okay, it's more like the roaring of jets overhead! This is a great place to enjoy with the entire family, but make sure you have plenty of fuel as this area is remote.
Show 2006-11 — General Patton's Museum and Red Canyon.
Located at Chiriaco Summit in the Mojave desert is the museum to General George S. Patton. This area of the desert was home to Patton's Desert Training Center. This 18,000 square mile area was established to train over 1 million troops for the rigors of fighting in the desert's of North Africa during WWII. Numerous great 4WD trails head out from this area. One great trail is Red Canyon. Not only is this trail uniquely beautiful as it cuts through the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness Area, but is a great challenge to a stock SUV like our Suzuki Grand Vitara. We link the end of Red Canyon to a piece of the historic Bradshaw Trail for a great day's adventure!
Show 2006-12 — Exploring Butte Valley in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley
This week we start our adventure into the Panamint Mountains from -214 feet elevation on the West Side Road in Death Valley. We head up Warm Springs Canyon to visit Warm Springs and the remains of the camp there as well as the remains of the Gold Hill Mine. From there we head up through the desolute but beautiful Butte Valley and stop at the Geologist's cabin for the night. The next morning we head out over Mengle Pass and down Golar Wash. We stop along the way to visit the Barker Ranch, at one time home to Charles Manson.
Show 2006-13 — Moab Utah
You could probably spend a lifetime exploring all the many trails in the area around Moab, Utah. This week we'll look at two great first-timer trails, Hell's Revenge and Hurrah Pass. Hell's Revenge is a good introductory trail in the giant slickrock—it's scary, but can easily be done by a novice in a good SUV. Plus, it has a lot of very scenic slickrock areas. Hurrah Pass is at the other end of the Moab experience, still easy, but there's no slickrock. Rather the trail is up through rugged rock country with expansive views of the rugged landscape including the surrounding slickrock! These are both great examples of the many incredibly scenic trails in this area.
