xFallen
05-25-2006, 08:07 PM
Bad Medicine
Trail Rating: 4.0
Bad Medicine is in the Florence Junction area. It is part of an old mining route. There are actually active mines in the area so please be respectful of these active claims.
The trail begins in a wash that winds through a canyon. The canyon becomes very narrow and culminates in a very interesting waterfall climb. Turning around is not a realistic option on this trail as it is usually pretty narrow. You'll be grateful of big tires, and lockers are required. Carry spares as the rocks can be hard on axle and driveline u-joints, and tires.
There are several waterfalls and tight squeezes to negotiate. A rock garden or two are thrown in for good measure. The rocks are not always conveniently situated so careful line choices are a must to keep the axles off the rocks. While there are bypasses for some obstacles, the bypasses can take their toll as well. Do expect some body damage.
The last fall can be pretty tricky. There are several lines which are workable depending upon driver skill and vehicle capabilities. Nail the line and up you go. Blow it and you'll be winching and dragging your vehcile through a very tick squeeze. This is not the place to have a hard top or doors. Vehicles with tires less than 35" tall may have trouble climbing the ledges midway through the waterfall.
After the last waterfall there are a few rocks to negotiate before exiting the wash, but you may not even notice them. The drive out is very scenic and worth the drive through the canyon.
Near the beginning of the trail.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5846&stc=1&d=1148611710
One of the earlier little ledges or falls typical of the few along the trail.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5847&stc=1&d=1148611710
The canyon gets pretty narrow in places making it difficult to pass without dragging something somewhere.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5848&stc=1&d=1148611710
Here's a full width rig negotiating one of the squeezes.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5849&stc=1&d=1148611710
Another of the technical obsatcles typical on Bad Medicine, and why it is such a fun trail. Do it right and it is easy. Mess up and you're in a world of grief.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5850&stc=1&d=1148611710
Another climb and squeeze along the way.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5851&stc=1&d=1148611710
The bottom of the last major obstacle and the big climb out of the canyon. It becomes pretty clear why it is called a box canyon. Those are 37" tires just to put the size of the boulders into perspective.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5853&stc=1&d=1148611710
Making the ascent up the steep slope to the narrow squeeze at the top.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5854&stc=1&d=1148611710
Another view hopefully putting it into perspective.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5855&stc=1&d=1148611710
And finally, making the tight right turn at the end of the waterfall.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5856&stc=1&d=1148612671
Trail Rating: 4.0
Bad Medicine is in the Florence Junction area. It is part of an old mining route. There are actually active mines in the area so please be respectful of these active claims.
The trail begins in a wash that winds through a canyon. The canyon becomes very narrow and culminates in a very interesting waterfall climb. Turning around is not a realistic option on this trail as it is usually pretty narrow. You'll be grateful of big tires, and lockers are required. Carry spares as the rocks can be hard on axle and driveline u-joints, and tires.
There are several waterfalls and tight squeezes to negotiate. A rock garden or two are thrown in for good measure. The rocks are not always conveniently situated so careful line choices are a must to keep the axles off the rocks. While there are bypasses for some obstacles, the bypasses can take their toll as well. Do expect some body damage.
The last fall can be pretty tricky. There are several lines which are workable depending upon driver skill and vehicle capabilities. Nail the line and up you go. Blow it and you'll be winching and dragging your vehcile through a very tick squeeze. This is not the place to have a hard top or doors. Vehicles with tires less than 35" tall may have trouble climbing the ledges midway through the waterfall.
After the last waterfall there are a few rocks to negotiate before exiting the wash, but you may not even notice them. The drive out is very scenic and worth the drive through the canyon.
Near the beginning of the trail.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5846&stc=1&d=1148611710
One of the earlier little ledges or falls typical of the few along the trail.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5847&stc=1&d=1148611710
The canyon gets pretty narrow in places making it difficult to pass without dragging something somewhere.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5848&stc=1&d=1148611710
Here's a full width rig negotiating one of the squeezes.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5849&stc=1&d=1148611710
Another of the technical obsatcles typical on Bad Medicine, and why it is such a fun trail. Do it right and it is easy. Mess up and you're in a world of grief.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5850&stc=1&d=1148611710
Another climb and squeeze along the way.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5851&stc=1&d=1148611710
The bottom of the last major obstacle and the big climb out of the canyon. It becomes pretty clear why it is called a box canyon. Those are 37" tires just to put the size of the boulders into perspective.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5853&stc=1&d=1148611710
Making the ascent up the steep slope to the narrow squeeze at the top.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5854&stc=1&d=1148611710
Another view hopefully putting it into perspective.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5855&stc=1&d=1148611710
And finally, making the tight right turn at the end of the waterfall.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5856&stc=1&d=1148612671