After attending the Overland Expo I meet with a group from Expeditionportal in Chino Valley to run Smiley Rock trail lead by Mark (Crawler#976). I had run this trail once last year on a solo and had a blast and wanted to hit it up again. Eleven vehicles in total were to run the trail (3 Tacoma’s, 2 4runner’s, Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2 early Ford Broncos, Mitsubishi Montero, a Nissan Pathfinder and Frontier) only ten made it though, datupr in the Montero turned around before the rock garden portion of Martin Canyon to avoid undercarriage and rocker panel damage. Prior to that the Montero did a great job and surprise me a bit how well it did.
Enough talking on to the photo’s
Heading out to trailhead (I think I need to clean bugs off the windshield next time)

Mark moving a snake off the trail.


At the trailhead the line up

These two where hiding from the camera

But I think they were spotted by these guys


Off to the trail:
Again I really need to clean those dang bugs off

Catus in bloom


The dang rock I missed last year and I don’t know how after seeing it

Looking up out of the trail and side creek



Shameless plug of the 4runner

This is where datupr had to turn around.


The reason being

Moving forward, the time I got up to the first rock ledge Crawler and JJackson had already gone though and where walking back.


Next was Rexsname


The Pathfinder was next (sorry, don’t remember your name)

Followed by weezerbot in her 4runner


Up next was the Frontier. Frontier had a little problem with this area but eventfully made it though a little dinged up.


Followed by one of the Bronco’s



Next up was the another little rock ledge that made for some good poser shots and some rock slider action. I’ll throw in a dented gas tank skid plate as well.

Rex


Pathfinder

Weezerbot coming though (only video I got of the trip). It’s not the greatest due to tight location and trees but it is what it is.



Next up was the Frontier. The longer wheelbase was cause it to hang up some, which eventfully lead to weezerbot backing up and giving him a tug out.


Giving a little tug

Lastly the Bronco’s which I didn’t get very many photo’s of.


The weather at the top where the other’s group were camping for time was in the 50’s, with a slight breeze. It felt great. Tired from the long day it was time to air up, grab some grub and gas and head for home. This was a nice break that over due and sorely needed.

 

Nice pics. Its fun driving in the creeks. I wish i made this trip. You all needa come further north. haha. Its lonley up here.

 

Short video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0CSwW1-B-k

 

You guys needed a 2nd gen with you. I'd def want to run that trail soon. looks like some sweet views too.