Is Martinez Canyon beyond me?

[treeofliberty]

I'd like to run this trail. I've been a small ways past the cabin, but we were running short on daylight and turned around.

I have a 2004 Unlimited with an open D30 in the front and LSD D44 in the rear. Auto tranny, 33" tires, steering skid and rock sliders. Stock t-case and gas tank skid.

I've run a number of moderate trails, like the road to Crown King (twice), FR-42, and Sunflower Mine. The beast has a number Arizona pinstripes and a couple of scratches in the skids. I don't mind scratches. My tolerance for damage is that I just don't want major breakage to my daily driver. But I accept the risk that stuff happens, and just fix it.

With this sketchy information, is Martinez Canyon beyond my rig or abilities?

[k7mto]

How far up the canyon beyond the cabins did you go? If you made it to the mill or beyond, then you'd probably make it the rest of the way to where the switchbacks start and from there you'd probably be OK, although the last time I ran it (last April) there were some nasty washouts on the switchbacks.

Also, the hill descent on the other side could be a pucker issue if you're not geared low (what does the Unlimited come with?). You want to let your gears control your speed as opposed to using your brakes so you don't lock up your wheels and start sliding uncontrollably.

[treeofliberty]

If I had to guess, it was about a 1/2 mile. We didn't make it to the mill. I think it was a Y, because there were rigs going off to the right and some coming down from the left.

Gearing is a bit of a problem, as I'm still running the stock 3.73 gears. Engine braking does work, but not as well as it would with 4.56's or 4.88's.

[OlneyJeeps]

If you are careful, moderatly skilled (trails you listed can be super easy depending on your line), it can be done. DO NOT do it alone/without other capible vehicle / without tow strap (and you might make sure self rightous rock jock is not behind you :eek: :D ). My little 7 has pulled a Rubi off the first rock garden (below mill).... bad driver (no)/vehicle(no)/ bad line/luck yep.... crap happens... do your best,leave no mark. If/when you think you are getting in too deep... turn around/take a seat in more capable truck and get yours on the way out. Very pretty scenery... enjoy it

[OlneyJeeps]

If I had to guess, it was about a 1/2 mile. We didn't make it to the mill. I think it was a Y, because there were rigs going off to the right and some coming down from the left.

Gearing is a bit of a problem, as I'm still running the stock 3.73 gears. Engine braking does work, but not as well as it would with 4.56's or 4.88's.

I'm thinking:eek: :eek: you (expecially if you have 5spd) might want to wait for locker(s) and lower gears... drive to mill is challenge... rest can be worse... to you have capable company (going with you)?

DD / limited assets really might want to wait
JMHO

[RokNRich]

My little 7 has pulled a Rubi off the first rock garden (below mill).... bad driver (no)/vehicle(no)/ bad line/luck yep.... crap happens... do your best,leave no mark.


Thanks again for the tug Steve. :cool:

I just ran this trail last week on 33's and never engaged the lockers once. The boulder field on the way to the mill (where you stopped last time) can be a bit tricky, but the way to the right is now easily passable thanks to some rock stackers :rolleyes: It can also be tight under the mill, but there is a bypass to the right, after that the danger factor increases as you climb the switchbacks.

I'm always puzzled when people say crown king is an easy run, that trail seems to get more than it's share of carnage. If you hit all the obstacles on that run (NO bypasses), then Martinez is comparable, especially considering the fact that you can bypass a couple of the uglier sections.
The time that I got hung up, I was still on 31" tires, to me 33's seem to be just right/minimum with some articulation to go with it, LSD or lockers preferred. You may also want to consider an oil pan skid for playing on the rocks.

Definately don't go alone, go with someone who is familiar with the trail and please don't stack any rocks, take straps and a winch is nice to have in the group.

With all that said, it's still a pretty intense trail, be prepared to be out there all day and be careful.

Rich

[treeofliberty]

Definately don't go alone, go with someone who is familiar with the trail and please don't stack any rocks, take straps and a winch is nice to have in the group.

Rich

No way on the rock stacking. I get sick of seeing a normally fun trail turned into I-10. If I wanted a ramp built I'd play at the mall.

I'd rather turn around than build a ramp.

[Renob]

You can do it.
I'd ran the full Loop at least 3 times back when my '99 TJ was still stock height, open diffs (D30 & D35) with 3.07 gears riding on 31" AT's.
It's not that bad, just go with an experienced group.

[SavageSun4x4]

I ran the loop last year after the big rains and by appearance we looked to have been the first folks on the return side of the loop. It was a pucker factor for sure and required lockers front and rear. BUT that was a long time ago and that has a way of changing the landscape around here. I'll fold to those that have run it yesterday rather than last year...enjoy:)

[Lifes A Jeep]

Martinez Canyon is one of my favorite trails in the area. It's a blast. I ran it twice in the last 3 months and had no major problems. The only thing I want to add is make sure you have a spare tire. Both times I ran it, someone tore a tire and had to change it out. Also, use care climbing the switchbacks. They're dangerous! Several places are washed out...you'll scare the hell out of your passenger! ;)

I have two photo albums on my webshots page. This trail can be as hard as you make it. One of my budies got hung up a few times trying a harder line. Nothing his winch didn't get him out of.

http://community.webshots.com/user/lifesajeep

[LKD TJ]

Martinez Canyon is one of my favorite trails in the area. It's a blast. I ran it twice in the last 3 months and had no major problems. The only thing I want to add is make sure you have a spare tire. Both times I ran it, someone tore a tire and had to change it out. Also, use care climbing the switchbacks. They're dangerous! Several places are washed out...you'll scare the hell out of your passenger! ;)

I have two photo albums on my webshots page. This trail can be as hard as you make it. One of my budies got hung up a few times trying a harder line. Nothing his winch didn't get him out of.

http://community.webshots.com/user/lifesajeep

Thanks for throwing me under the bus.... I only needed the winch twice, and yeah I was the one that needed my spare ..... both trips. The trail is not too tough but will be a challenge for a stock Jeep. It is all in taking the correct line. I have a rig that I try to push both driver limitations and rig limitations on. Martinez is one of my favorite trails, but plan on being out there all day, and if you like night runs try Woodpecker, Box Canyon, or something like that on the way out.
Hope you have fun and maybe we will see you out there.

[lancetkenyon]

Hey Treeofliberty, since you ran it on Sunday, I'd say it is OK!:D

[treeofliberty]

Nothing like empirical data to prove the point. I was concerned about vehicle and driver, when the key was good spotting.

[Special K]

Nothing like empirical data to prove the point. I was concerned about vehicle and driver, when the key was good spotting.

That's very true. I have a locker and I got hung up a few times when I picked a wrong line. I'm glad you took the chance, that is a great trail and I enjoyed it very much.

[treeofliberty]

You bring up a good point. I wasn't so worried about the trail as I was about becoming a roadblock. I don't want to become that guy who needs strapped over the entire trail because I'm in over my rig's head.

It was a great trail. 11+ years in Arizona and it still amazes me.