SWFWDA Chokecherry Canyon 4WD Trails, Farmington, New Mexico

July 31 to August 3, 1997 found 4-Wheelers from throughout the Southwest making the trip to the challenges of Chokecherry Canyon at Farmington, NM and the Summer Quarterly Meeting of the Southwest Four Wheel Drive Association. The SWFWDA covers a vast area in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas & Louisiana and some traveled very long distances to participate. Check out the previous 4x4NOW trail descriptions of the Intimidator, RJ’s and Waterfall Trails. These were the premier "Big Dog" trails of the 9 offered by the host Cliffhangers Four Wheel Drive Club.

Some arrived early to run trails on Thursday. Many others arrived Thursday afternoon and evening. Trail conditions was the most popular subject as everyone gathered Friday morning. Word was that some trail sections had become easier (too much roadwork?). Other trails were now harder due to erosion from recent heavy thunderstorms, plus holes dug deeper at some steps by struggling vehicles.

Nearly 100 participants took off for a day of trail runs, treated to the recently rare sunshine. "Big Dogs" set out for the infamous trails. The trail known as Marble Rock was new to many of us that have been to Farmington before. Rated a 4, it was a popular choice for many well equipped 4-Wheelers this Friday.

Shortly our group was treated to a number of slickrock climbs and ledges. Chokecherry differs from trails in the Moab area to some extent as much of the sandstone tends to be softer. More sand seems to litter the rock creating slicker surfaces. Finesse must often be replaced with a bump and a bit more speed. The slow crawl approach often resulted in 4 spinning tires with little or no forward movement.

We stopped for lunch at the base of a steep hill. Welcome to "Marble Rock". The drivers hiked up the hill during lunch break to investigate. Heads were shaking.... "Oh my Gawd" was heard often! The route snaked up the hill on loose sand and small loose rocks. About half-way up was a 2 foot step to climb. Then, 3/4 of the way up was the most formidable obstacle. While the vehicle was pointing steeply uphill, a 3 foot step had to be conquered while accomplishing a hard left turn! There would be little variance from taking the proper line. Too far left and the vehicle would slide off the hill sideways. The Cliffhangers talked of some bad moments there in the past! To the right at the turn was an abrupt drop-off into the canyon. To make the turn, the 4-Wheeler would have to turn left and bump up the step, then back down a little with the wheel turned hard right and hope not to fall off the step. Then another hard left and, if successful, complete the climb straddling the narrow hump of slickrock.

"Marble Rock" was indeed the highlight of the day. Many vehicles completed the complex left turn with the right front tire catching air over the edge. I believe only those vehicles with full lockers front and rear made it up the entire hill on their own. Many not so well equipped or with sick equipment had to take the winch to get past this spot.....perhaps the 4 rating was a bit conservative here!

Further along the trail was the Plumber’s Crack. Good spotting kept one out of the crack. But intentional "poor spotting" allowed one to get lotsa air under the left front tire! Good fun and good photo ops.

Starting up the "Plumber’s Crack", Mark [Werkmeister]in the "Too Long" Scrambler takes the scenic route. The White Jeep seems to be in step.

A series of ledges and deeply eroded holes make up the "Stair Steps". A well equipped vehicle and driver attention is required to keep from going sideways.

The climb up the "Stair Steps" on the return trip to Farmington completed the day.

Highly recommended as a fun and interesting trail to do was the one called Ballhanger, rated a 3 ½. This was my choice for the Saturday trail run. This is a trail that offers great scenery with innumerable ups and downs in the slickrock, canyons and washes. The trail provides many challenges for stock 4-wheel vehicles. With skill and an occasional prudent bypass of the worst obstacles, those in our group with stock vehicles enjoyed the trail greatly. Those of us with enhanced vehicles also enjoyed the ambiance of the trail and the occasional harder challenges.

Near the end of Ballhanger Trail was a play area that offered up several challenges. The most notorious, a narrow uphill chute through the slickrock called "Steve’s Step", comes complete with a paint palette on the right side. Take the wrong line, slip off the rock or loose traction and you too will leave your mark!

The plan was for all trail leaders to guide their groups to the "playground" at Brown Springs later Saturday afternoon. Our arrival there found a large gathering with the "hard-core" challenging various climbs on the slickrock. At the risk of total embarrassment, I lined up for the climb. The Peanut Gallery was rather large! Displaying a definite lack of finesse and making my contribution to the existing rubber marks, I conquered the easier route up the big step and steep slickrock climb!

"Chipmunk" in his pretty lime green Jeep attempts a new climb in the Brown Springs "playground". He was successful later following a slightly different line.

Saturday evening participants were treated to a very delicious BBQ Beef Brisket dinner. The return of heavy rains that evening failed to dampen the spirits or to interfere with the meal, raffle drawings and SWFWDA meeting under the large covered patio at McGee Park.

By Sunday morning many participants had left. No formal runs had been scheduled for this day, but the Cliffhangers were willing to accommodate those that remained. Groups formed for trail runs on Ballhanger and Intimidator. Phil Collard of the Cliffhangers arrived to lead the Intimidator Trail run in his CJ7. On Thursday, the daughter of another member of the Cliffhangers was helping to move Phil’s Jeep at the top of the Intimidator for additional parking room. She went off the edge! During the following rollover, the young lady broke her leg in a couple of places and the body-work on the Jeep was heavily damaged. Mechanically, the Jeep still seemed to be sound, the radiator undamaged. The Jeep would work very well Sunday!

It has been some time since I have driven the Intimidator....old memories and fears were quick to return! Somehow, I had forgotten just how MUCH of this trail is driven OFF-CAMBER! I was the only vehicle on the trail with 31's. This meant bypassing a couple of the obstacles that required taller tires and height for better approach angle. Front and rear lockers and a total disregard for the front and rear XJ bumpers and confidence in the Rock-Sliderz meant I could still have fun on the trail though.

Everyone in our group on the trail run had capable vehicles and progress was good. On the steep climb back up out of the canyon, one step proved difficult for me. Due to the sharp turns and off-camber trail, winching or strapping is hazardous to impossible. So, unfortunately, a small addition of rocks in a hole was needed so that I could scramble up. Bigger tires and lifts are the correct choice on this trail.

After lunch, we approached a dangerous step and the imposing "Crap Shoot" just beyond. Some excitement followed as many vehicles bounced and hopped to conquer these obstacles. The Cherokee did well here and Phil accused me of making it look TOO EASY.

The last obstacle on the Intimidator is a steep climb that requires straddling a deep crack. (Check out Darren Owen’s predicament at this spot in the 4x4NOW Intimidator Trail report.) I was to add excitement at this stage as the right rear slipped off and in the hole I went! Now I’m in a real spot with the Peanut Gallery and spotters Phil and Bill Wallace shaking their heads, contemplating what to do. Much of the passenger side of the Cherokee rested at the rock wall. It felt like I was pointing straight up! I handed my camera out the window to record the moment.

About that time Cliffhanger Roger Armstrong, in the Graffiti Bowl just above, got in a little trouble attempting to climb a steep slickrock wall. He had started to go sideways. Roger has one EXTREME Ford Explorer and he is a leader in the development of new trails and challenges in Chokecherry Canyon. Everyone left me to go watch. The use of the dreaded tow strap was attached for safety and the crowds cherished this rare moment of Roger’s embarrassment!

Eventually, attention again turned to my predicament. With excellent advice, I was able to slowly maneuver back and forth a little at a time to climb up the wall on the right. Then, once clear of the abrasive sandstone, I drove out of the hole. An automatic transmission proved it’s worth in this situation. Only damage? A big gouge in the plastic door protector, a little paint and my pride.

The climb on up and out of the Graffiti Bowl signaled the end of another great trip to Chokecherry Canyon. And again, the hospitality of the Farmington Cliffhangers was outstanding.

Editor's note: the Rick Russell Chokecherry Canyon Video was also hosted by the Farmington Cliffhangers - it covers the Intimidator, RJ's and Waterfall Trails of Chokecherry Canyon.