Miller Rock 4/29/2018

[RockyMtRebel]

Make sure you go with someone else, this trail is not a beginner trail and depending on what sections you avoid you will scrape. The main obstacles are ones I would only try with a spotter, and I’ve done them a quite a few times already. I even broke down on this trail (I have a 4” lifted Rubicon with 34” tires) when a tough section broke my tie rod... luckily I was with two folks who helped me big time!!!

I live 10 minutes from the trailhead so if you want to run it there’s a good chance I can join you! Let me know ;-)

[FINOCJ]

As Matt said - its not an easy trail. I'd put it on the upper end of moderate, and the most challenging obstacle going down to the creek probably is in the difficult category (modified vehicle pretty much needed). On a stock jeep you will probably scrape a bit and getting back up is challenging. But that section of the trail is optional...If you run up the entrance (which is fun and a bit challenging for a JK Rubi), and then take a right at the central intersection up to Miller Rock (the high point with nice outcropping view), you will find another section of rocks etc that will be fun but challenging for a stock JK rubi. Going down to the creek and the toughest obstacle is straight ahead at the central intersection (sort of a 4-way). Going to the left is all easy. Matt knows the area well - jump in with him. Its a fun trail even without the toughest obstacle.

[MartinR80233]

Maybe it’s a trail I’ll have to do once I lift it and get bigger tires. Are these difficult obsitcales ones that I can go around if I don’t think I can manage or do they have to be crossed if I want to continue on the trail? Sorry for the dumb questions. I live about an hour from the trailhead and won’t hate to drive all the way there just to get turned around real quick.

[FINOCJ]

The toughest obstacle has no bypass, but is not mandatory either. Its down a dead end spur to the creek (maybe not truly a dead end, but for almost all of us it is - but that is another story). Running up the entrance and taking a right to Miller Rock, and then either continuing on through the private ranch and out, or returning the way you came would be the recommended route for a stock vehicle (and lots of fun I think - especially if you have a bit of off-road driving experience). You can also go left at the 4 way (sort-of) intersection and explore some easy dead end spurs as well. Everything except going straight through the 4-way is all good. I actually think a stock 2dr Rubi can run the toughest obstacle with the lockers locked coming up, but you are likely to put your sliders to the test, and get a bit of scraping and bumping going down even with a good spotter. How much you are willing to push your jeep and risk some bumps and scrapes is up to you. Certainly for the big obstacle I would not go down alone as you might not get back up - or at a minimum be comfortable winching yourself up.

I apologize - don't mean to offend - just asking some questions to help provide a more accurate and appropriate response:
1) How much 4x4 off road driving experience do you have? If you have quite a bit, you are good to go. If you don't have much, I might wait on Miller Rock for a bit later in the year and get out on a few other trails first, especially if you haven't used your lockers, determined where exactly your jeeps wheel placement is, or for that matter, what portions of the underside is okay to drag over rocks and what portion isn't. After a few runs Miller rock will hit the spot (even without the hardest obstacle). As mentioned in your welcome thread - stock 2dr Rubi is VERY capable if you have a little skid protection and don't mind using it. The lockers will get you up most anything - just a matter of how much you mind dragging and bumping and banging stuff. Throw a winch on it and you are good to go just about everywhere. A small lift will help avoid some of the banging, scraping dragging, but is far secondary in terms of performance to the lockers and tire traction. The run up to Yankee Hill on Sat would be a great place to start if you are relatively new to wheeling the jeep. The anniversary run to China Wall is also great - can start the day taking the easier lines, and over a couple hours can push into the harder lines. I went there with Louis on a weekday when no-one else was there and 'played' at a number of the obstacles for a long while taking lots of different lines...really learned a lot about how my jeep works as compared to my other 4wds that I have driven.

[RockyMtRebel]

I agree with James, if you have a lot of 4x4 experience then you will be fine on Miller Rock with a stock JK Rubicon. I would still recommend going with at least one other if you run this trail because like I mentioned, if something happens it would be a long hike out on your own if you brake down. I have run Miller Rock on my own a bunch of times, but I never ran the toughest obstacles without someone else there to spot.

I actually did Miller Rock with Maverick a month and a half ago, and he has a stock 2016 JK Unlimited Rubicon. He scraped a little on the route but had no problems anywhere, but he chose not to go down the obstacles (he spotted me so I could). Here's our trip report with pics and videos for fun:
http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/...creek-crossing

[Heather]

Agreed with the above. Also, if you don't have much experience, going with a good spotter, who is very familiar with the particular trail is always a good idea. That can be absolutely invaluable in terms of your success and your learning. I ran it several times as a newbie in a stock TJ Sport, but I had the very best teachers (Rob, Todd W, other old-timers) and it really made me a much better driver, quickly and happily.

[MartinR80233]

I don’t have very much experience on trails like these. I did some fairly easy trails like pole hill and Jonny park road with my pickup before the flood damage but that’s it. So I’m definitely a beginner when it comes to this. I wish I could do the Yankee hill run this weekend but I’ll be busy. Maybe I’ll try this trail and if I do I’ll stay away from the tough obstacles. The great thing about Colorado is that there is no shortage of trail options.

[TDash]

Justin.K previously posted: