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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Plenty of areas in the eastern California desert require a 4x4, but many of those areas are little known and rarely visited which is kinda nice. I like the fact I can really get away from the crowds and explore new areas that I couldn't in a low clearance vehicle.
The fact that I can make it out to the Saline Valley Hot Springs during any month of the year, that fact alone makes owning a 4x4, or two, all the more worth it.
Roxyjoxy,
Prett broad statement about Kali folk, while there are plent of idiots with big lifted trucks that couldn't drive over a dead cat there are also plent of Kali folks with well set up sensible vehicles that know how to use them the way they were meant to be used.
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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I would add:
What area does 2WD not cut it, when the approach is OVER 1.5 hours added by not having 4WD. Black Velvet canyon, Humphreys, areas in back country San Diego... 4WD is NOT a necessity. Just saves time. So is the money you save worth it, or do you plan on waking up 2 hours early and saving thousands of dollars? and hiking ain't all that bad.
-Chevy Cavalier owner
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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edited because I'm trying to be less of a hater
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kev
climber
A pile of dirt.
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Gdavis makes a good point - a lot of places only 'require' 4x4 to save 2 hours plus of nar on the approach.
Batrock - don't feed the troll..
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
I'm James Brown, Bi-atch!
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just hike in.
or not.
depends on the baggage.
4 wheel only necessary about 5 times in my total life,
so much gas wasted on non used 4wd.
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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I have about 4-5 places that can only be reached by 4x4 or a full day hike or more. I prefer to spend the time climbing instead of hiking. All these areas are high desert and would require lots of water to be carried in, another benefit of being able to drive in.
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
I'm James Brown, Bi-atch!
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rubicon trail?
i can hike faster than those stupid jeeps,
jus sayin, wtf, over?
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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I would never go near the Rubicon, too many knuckledraggers, trash and noise. The Whites and Inyos and beyond are full of great climbing areas that need a 4x4 to get to. Way worth it.
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murcy
Gym climber
sanfrancisco
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Yeah, but also true is sometimes in the mud or ice or snow you screw up and 4wd helps you get out. Rhyang can certify that I almost got my FWD Volvo wagon stuck in mud on a bluebird day dispersed-camping outside of Yosemite. Miwoksurfer can certify that I polished the undercarriage on the road to Table Mountain. Others drive better than me, which is why my next car will be a Unimog.
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
I'm James Brown, Bi-atch!
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dang that makes my penis large,
now what?
911...it has been more than 5 hours...
gotta quit the zollaff
bang bang bang, all night, nuthin comes out...
jus sayin, wtf, over?
the ol lady goes to sleep and i feel like a chimp in a zoo cage,
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philo
Trad climber
Somewhere halfway over the rainbow
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Murcy, now that is the real deal off roader. Makes the Hummer look like the crap show it is.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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I have spent enough time on unpaved roads to know that sure, a 2WD will make it fine, but a vehicle with modern 4x4 really smooths out the washboard. Your kidneys will like you.
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bergbryce
Mountain climber
South Lake Tahoe, CA
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For those that think if they get stuck, I wouldn't automatically assume the next guy in a large rig is going to be willing to screw his vehicle up to get you our of your predicament.
As others have mentioned, higher clearance and good driving skills are worth much more than 4wd. Hatcher Pass in Alaska requires a higher clearance vehicle although I've seen some old Loyales and maybe a beater Camry back there. Seen a few oil pans clearly destroyed on roads like that too.
For mileage and off road capabilities and price, newer Outbacks simply can't be beat. Subarus with good tires are also the best vehicles I have ever driven in snow, by a long shot. (Discalimer: I have never driven a Quattro)
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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All you need is this ride. Then add a winch and a locker in the rear and you can go most places.
Though I am leaning towards this one..
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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I'm ridin' with Moosie.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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You know you'll never get a straight answer to this. Not like the people who know are going to share their secret areas.....
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Archie Richardson
Trad climber
Grand Junction, CO
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 4, 2011 - 07:24am PT
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According to the SUV and truck advertisements, all of them.
I'm guessing that 1% of 4x4 buyers in the general population really need one. Maybe 30% ?? of climbers get their money's worth from owning one.
Also if you're hitting these types of places 20+ times per year then it's great.
Agreed. Then you're one of the 30%.
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Archie Richardson
Trad climber
Grand Junction, CO
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 4, 2011 - 07:37am PT
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You know you'll never get a straight answer to this. Not like the people who know are going to share their secret areas.....
Lets just consider the ones everyone knows about, where duffers like me hang out (mostly).
... I just thought of another place I pushed the magic lever. Approach to elephants perch in the sawtooths.
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