Trip Report: April 2005 Black Mountain

The morning began at the CVS Pharmacy on the corner of Horizon ridge and Horizon Parkway in Henderson Nevada. Five Vehicles ended up making the trip. Brian from sincity4x4s.com was our trail guide. One look at Brian’s custom bodied Jeep should have been enough warning…

We proceeded out of town and aired down to 10 PSI. The weather was typical of a Las Vegas April (approximately 80 degrees F - no clouds). The first obstacle we encountered was a waterfall ledge approximately 3 feet tall. Brian and Keith (driving Linn’s jeep) crossed it with relatively little effort.

Lau Made several attempts with a nearly stock four runner, but did not make it up, and opted for the bypass after sustaining damage to both ends of his truck. Rick’s truck managed to be just the right length to take advantage of the giant hole in the sand left by Lau, and needed a rock boost.

Unfortunately the rock came loose and managed to do some pretty serious damage to the fender well of Rick’s truck. I guess its time to make that call to Poison Spyder for some rock armor.

The Bronco was the last one up and cleared the bump with little effort. This was going to be a good day! Brian drove us through the backcountry for about 15 min before coming to the next challenge.

Similar to the first, this was a step about 3 feet tall on the low side and 4+ feet tall on the high side. It sits slightly off camber and is covered with water and moss. Brian took a few tries on the hard side before making it to the top. Keith, following Brian’s lead made it up. Rick decided to turn his lockers on after some tire spin, but it was too late and he was strapped out.

Lau gave it a valiant attempt but limited wheel travel kept him from clearing the hood high bump. He was strapped to safety.

Next up was the Broncos turn. First I attempted the Wet/Steep side but it was not going to happen with open diffs. Next I tried the center section – not as steep but two wheels are in sand and one is in water and the fourth is in a crack. So, I opted for the taller gradual line up the high side. Things were going good until I began to slide… Remember the crack?

The good news is no one was hurt. I topped off the fluids and we were on our way to the next adventure - A narrow V notch.

Lau decided to watch this one from above. I also sat out to reinstall a front spring that had worked its way out of its retainer. The three jeeps in the group made it look easy and on to the next we went.

The most difficult obstacle yet laid ahead - another V notch with a double 3-foot waterfall at the end.

Are you sure this a trail Brian? Brian impressed us all with a three-foot wheel stand before his rear axle let go stranding him in the bottom of the V.

We pulled Brian’s truck to safety and phoned for a trailer. We then headed out over one last obstacle, which the two remaining Jeeps and the Bronco cleared easily. I will be doing this one again very soon!!!