'97 Winter Meeting SWFWDA 4WD Trails Las Cruces, New Mexico February 22, 1997

The Guardian
by The Flatlander

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THE HUNGRY JAWS OF THE GUARDIAN

by Fred Huff

"It has waited....since that long forgotten flood altered the canyon bottom enough to stop the small flat fender Jeeps of yesterday. It has waited...longing for the taste of metal against its rocky jaws and the smell of burning rubber as these vehicles struggle to escape its bite. It has hungered for the sound of metal and fiberglass crushing like paper in its teeth. Over the past few decades more and more of these mechanical morsels have approached its hungering jaws only to retreat in fear. It's wait is over! Although most of the small flatfenders are gone now, they have been replaced by fatter tastier 4x4's with names like Rock 'n horse, Candy Cane, Wobbley, Ol' Red, etc. This new generation of 4x4's does not retreat in fear. They challenge the hungry jaws head on, because they are attracted to it, like a moth to flames!

The Guardian gets its name from the fact that it stands like a silent sentinel guarding the upper Robledo canyon, protecting it from those who would take the privilege of driving this trail too lightly. Like any good guard, it only lets those pass with the right credentials, such as lockers front and rear, 33" tires, suspension lift, nerf bars, and nerves of steel. No stock or near stock vehicles. Once past the Guardian, it is no cake walk. This is a trail that does not let up for one instant as rock after rock, ledge after ledge, and climb after climb tries to rip the undercarriage right out of the vehicle. Like an appetizer is the prelude to the meal, the Wolf run was the prelude to the Guardian. Since most obstacles are as yet unnamed, the best we can do is show you pictures of those who have successfully and not so successfully challenged this trail."

Two of the new generation of 4X4's that did not retreat in fear were driven by Frank Currie of Currie Enterprises and Joel Randall of the great state of Nebraska. Quick time videos of either/both may be viewed by clicking on the respective image.

Overhead view of Frank Currie challenging the Guardian's Jaws. This video clip was sped up by a factor of 6 to reduce download time.

Head on view of Joel Randall challenging the Guardian's jaws. This video was sped up by a factor of 2-3 to reduce download time.

An optional obstacle not far past the Guardian Jaws is "Max's Crack". Be very careful, you'll need lots of body work if you slip in!

This optional ledge was the most fun (and potentially the most dangerous). Just about everyone in our group wanted to have a whack at it. Rod Pepper (on the right) was trying to find a new line.

Frank Currie made quick work of this challenge with a little extra excitement toward the top. See the Quick Time Video of his assent at normal speed.

The Waterfall obstacle is one of the most threatening and time consuming of the run. The as Cruces 4WD club took months to open this part of the trail. They went home to fix their broken vehicles more than once before they discovered the right line. This is where I ruined my right rocker panel and door last year. (For pictures and a video see the '96 SWFWDA Winter Meeting.) This year we had the front drive shaft pull out of the splines on a CJ while trying to climb the waterfall. Other trail damage included a broken front axle, bent tie rod, tire sidewall ripped open and sheet metal damage.

Jim Petersen of Farmington New Mexico furnished a ride for me and my gear. Jim custom built his YJ from the body and frame up. Today he was sporting a new style of bikini top called the Windbreaker. It has fold down sides and back contained in zippered pockets. This is the ledge I nearly rolled on last year. (For pictures and a video see the '96 SWFWDA Winter Meeting.)

Joel Randall, displaying good Nebraska attitude, tries to find a new way up the last obstacle on The Guardian. He didn't lay it on the side but this must be about as close as you can come without going over.

Max Bennett was a trail leader and one of the pioneers of the trail. The Guardian is rated 4+++ for difficulty and likelihood of body damage. Two solid lockers and at least 33s are required to do the trail.

Base Camp | Broad Canyon | Wolf's Run | The Guardian

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