Magruder Corridor round trip

[mjn]

*I recommend looking at the forest service map for the Magruder so you know where there are services and water.
Bring extra fuel and a chain saw.

*I highly recommend Observation point as a camp spot. It's high up on a hogs back, and the view is spectacular.

*Definitely don't miss the run up to Burnt Knob. Very cool.

*Another nice camp spot (on the west side) is Poet Creek.

**A call to the store/gas station in Elk City might be in order.. the place is for sale, better make sure they'll be open to sell fuel when you need 'em.

*If you have time and ability after Magruder, run up past Orogrande, there's a nice camp spot next to the creek there. From there, the ride into Buffalo Hump is something you'll not forget. Not a good idea to do that ride solo.. definitely in pairs. There are a couple dicey spots, and it is rougher than a cob past Orogrande summit. If all you do is go to wildhorse lake, then solo is no big deal.

*The Elk City Wagon road is a fun, easy ride. Pretty rough in a few spots, but generally good. Definitely take the spur up to Pilot Knob lookout.

Above all, be safe, and have fun! I wish like hell I was coming along.

 

[Montecresto]

*I recommend looking at the forest service map for the Magruder so you know where there are services and water.
Bring extra fuel and a chain saw.

*I highly recommend Observation point as a camp spot. It's high up on a hogs back, and the view is spectacular.

*Definitely don't miss the run up to Burnt Knob. Very cool.

*Another nice camp spot (on the west side) is Poet Creek.

**A call to the store/gas station in Elk City might be in order.. the place is for sale, better make sure they'll be open to sell fuel when you need 'em.

*If you have time and ability after Magruder, run up past Orogrande, there's a nice camp spot next to the creek there. From there, the ride into Buffalo Hump is something you'll not forget. Not a good idea to do that ride solo.. definitely in pairs. There are a couple dicey spots, and it is rougher than a cob past Orogrande summit. If all you do is go to wildhorse lake, then solo is no big deal.

*The Elk City Wagon road is a fun, easy ride. Pretty rough in a few spots, but generally good. Definitely take the spur up to Pilot Knob lookout.

Above all, be safe, and have fun! I wish like hell I was coming along.

Indubitably! I’ve got the maps, been studying them for a year. Most of what you mentioned has long been on the itinerary. Won’t be going up to Orogrande, but will be doing the wagon road.

I’ve visited with the store/gas station and both cafe’s on several occasions, that’s all good. Not sure whether I arrive Elk City on Monday or Tuesday, but the hotel has allowed me to reserve both nights though I’ll only need one.

Been working all day on gear and packing again. Switching wheels and tires tomorrow. Getting exciting.

 

[JTW]

Indubitably! I’ve got the maps, been studying them for a year. Most of what you mentioned has long been on the itinerary. Won’t be going up to Orogrande, but will be doing the wagon road.

I’ve visited with the store/gas station and both cafe’s on several occasions, that’s all good. Not sure whether I arrive Elk City on Monday or Tuesday, but the hotel has allowed me to reserve both nights though I’ll only need one.

Been working all day on gear and packing again. Switching wheels and tires tomorrow. Getting exciting.

Have fun.. hope you don’t get f***ed by a bear!

 

[Montecresto]

Welded up the bracket for the NATO can rack and got it installed yesterday!!!

 

[100Acre]

Welded up the bracket for the NATO can rack and got it installed yesterday!!!

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That’s a lot of weight back there. I hope it’s supported and is attached really well. I’ve had rough roads tear off rear bumpers holding jerry cans before...

 

[JTW]

Welded up the bracket for the NATO can rack and got it installed yesterday!!!

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Looks good! I call dibs on the trailer after the bear eats y’all!

 

[CumminsPusher]

Looks good! I call dibs on the trailer after the bear eats y’all!

Hopefully it only tears through one side. Easy fix

 

[JTW]

Hopefully it only tears through one side. Easy fix

I figure it will get them when they’re out exploring away form camp.

 

[Mopower58]

Looks good! I call dibs on the trailer after the bear eats y’all!

That bear spray on the show Yellowstone seems to be pretty good on humans!

 

[Montecresto]

That’s a lot of weight back there. I hope it’s supported and is attached really well. I’ve had rough roads tear off rear bumpers holding jerry cans before...
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Not all that heavy @ 142 lbs. full

It’s built very stout.

 

[Smitty335]

Welded up the bracket for the NATO can rack and got it installed yesterday!!!

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You know what sunk the Titanic, don't you? Weight! Ha! That's around 160 lbs. more tongue weight?

 

[Montecresto]

You know what sunk the Titanic, don't you? Weight! Ha! That's around 160 lbs. more tongue weight?

Well I’m not crossing the Atlantic....

 

[Montecresto]

Decided to get an early start, made it to an old west town, Chama New Mexico near the Colorado border.

1881 Hotel/saloon/restaurant

 

[papermaker]

As long as you keep the trailer on the main road you should be ok, you can drive a two-wheel drive through there.

 

[Sacagawea]

Made it to Chama NM. Fosters 1800 bar, restaurant and hotel. Having a margarita and cigarette on the porch! Heaven

First stop on the way to the trail! Can’t wait!!

 

[Montecresto]

That bear spray on the show Yellowstone seems to be pretty good on humans!

We’ve got the spray, and if that doesn’t turn it back we’ll give him lead poisoning.

 

[Montecresto]

As long as you keep the trailer on the main road you should be ok, you can drive a two-wheel drive through there.

Oh I know, thanks. Been planning this for a while. We’ll be taking side trails and unhooking the trailer chaining it to a tree and picking it up on the return to the main trail.

 

[Montecresto]

Have a good view of the ride from the room balcony.

 

[100Acre]

Read https://www.amazon.com/Night-Grizzlies-Jack-Olsen/dp/0943972485?tag=sxsweb24-20
I met the ranger that dispatched all the bears after that freak incident. One night in Glacier NP back in the 70’s or early 80’s when two- three attacks happened the same night by different bears which resulted in the deaths of some individual backpackers. You have more to worry about with Moose and Wolves than bears. Also, bear spray works more effectively against a bear and typically most bears shy away from people unless spooked, coming in between mom and the cubs or, if you run or ride a bicycle by. Most guns will just piss off a big grizzly. Although, This past weekend on the Highline trail in Glacier some hikers sprayed a bear but apparently it had little effect because it didn’t react which resulted in the closing of the trail. Black bears you can walk away or fight back but with grizzly just play dead or become dead. In my 1000’s of miles of overlanding and trail riding, I have only seen very few and at a distance and always in a National Park. Noise seems to work when hiking to alert them to your presence and so as not to spook them.

 

[100Acre]

Or bring a 44 magnum and be prepared to prove you got attacked because shooting a bear out of season and without a license can get ye in a heap of problems with the Forest Service. If you do shoot one, you do need to report it.