We met in Oracle, with a very healthy group size of 13 vehicles. After making our way through town and out of the gate at the end of Callas Dr. We lined up and had a short drivers meeting before making the right turn onto FR 726 (N32 35.930 W110 46.339) and the start of the trail.
Driving the Charouleau Gap trail from North to West was always considered the most difficult direction. However, in recent years the trail has been graded for better access by fire equipment. The grading previously stopped before Canon del Oro wash, but now the grading goes all the way to Coronado Camp, bypassing the "step" all together. The trail to the saddle at Charouleau Gap could easily be completed by most high clearance stock SUV's with low range.
At the time, we did not know the extent of the grading, and continued our trek south around Oracle Hill. The trail at this point is quite tame, with a few steep, but solid hill climbs and descents. There are also a few mild crossed axle challenges at the low point of the trail, where recent rains have begun reshaping the terrain. The trail drops into Dodge Wash via a set of tight switchbacks before climbing back up the next ridge. The climb is long and steep, but has a solid surface now because of the grading. The climb has been called the "elevator shaft" because of the rapid gain in elevation. |
South of Oracle |
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The most exciting portion on the trail in years past was when you reached the Canada del Oro, which contained several exciting challenges, including a tight boulder section, several deep water crossing, the step and a few more ledges before ending at Coronado Camp. All of those challenges are gone, or bypassed. That doesn't mean the trail is any less enjoyable, just easier. |
The step has always been the most challenging obstacle of the trail, though in years past could be climbed by a mild vehicle. There were no bypass' in 1996, when I first drove up the steep rock face that guarded access to the western exit of the trail. Now there is a steep bypass to the right of the step, and a new, graded bypass further down stream. This new bypass allows even mild vehicles to go around these challenges completely.
Several in our group attempted the challenge, including a near roll-over, and an exciting FULL THROTTLE attack by one of the FZJ80 drivers. The driver of the supercharged Lexus attempted the right line of the step. When he began to slide towards the middle, he planted the throttle and traversed the entire rock face from right to left, eventually ending up on the top and completing the obstacle. It was quite a site! Watch the video (1mb)
I was most impressed with Robb's climb, in his lightly modified FZJ80. After a few tries, he made it right up, and with only one tire size larger than stock and a mild lift. The Land Cruiser is an impressive vehicle. |
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After the step, there is one remaining obstacle of any consequence, which is a tight s-turn that exits the wash and climbs up to Coronado Camp. All that remains of Coronado Camp is a slowly deteriorating adobe cabin, with the roof collapsed towards the back. There are several small camp sites there and it makes a good spot for lunch. The size of our group required us to keep moving, now west to the gap. The trail to the gap is still very mild, but it does take some time to make the several mile climb to the saddle. Most of this area has been devastated by fire, leaving charred remains of this once verdant place.
We reached the gap late in the day, with several miles of challenge ahead. The most difficult obstacles of the trail are now on the west slopes, including a narrow rock ledge, several severe crossed axle holes and a steep, cambered granite slab. They were all fun, and several vehicles had major wheel lifts in the process. Overall it was a great day with such a large group. |
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