I just went over Mengel Pass yesterday, 4/1/24, and that first obstacle is significantly more scoured out. I'm on 35's and triple locked, but solo, so I opted for the bypass. The rest of the route was just fine.
Thanks for the update. I was in Goler Wash back in November 2023 and the road completely washed out right before Barker Ranch, it was a 4 foot step. Good to know this trail is opened again.
Thanks for this series of videos on Goler/Mengel. I watched it a bunch as study material before going and I watch it as part of my post-trip study too. We went in Jan 2023 and being a newbie, I was very worried. But, our 2021 4Runner TRD Off Road handled it like a champ. I wasn't so worried about the 4Runner, but more about my skills. My buddy really helped coach me thru the hard parts.
Nice video. Did this trail back in April ‘21 in my ‘98 TJ. 31” w/ 2” budget boost lift. Coming from DV going west. Wouldn’t call it to gnarly, but technical. Lots of fun. Can’t wait to go back.
The hilarious squeaking on the blue Tacoma is actually from my bug deflector! When the body flexes against the bumper it causes the deflector to rub slightly on the hood. I'm probably going to remove it.
I really enjoy your channel. You don't just run with Toyotas and Jeeps. You show the folks out there that may be interested in giving the off road life a try, that they don't need a $100,000.000 rig and set up to get out and do it. Keep up the vids.
@@adventuretrails1ato i need one, I did the other side with a torch haha and it looks like crap but havnt done the other side till I can make it look better
Watched a number of vids of folks successfully negotiating Mengele Pass. One of these days, may get up the nerve to do it myself. All those rocks look plenty challenging. Your group did an excellent job.
Great footage and great edit! Thanks for comments on my driving skills!! I was low key saying I took that downhill too fast once I did it! Now that I see another perspective I should slow down sometimes! Lol
3 years ago did this run in a stock 01 Tahoe (G80 locker + skids) with an 8 day load out. It was a long tiring day with the constant negotiation, but we made through. Did smack the skid plate and bend the cross member. It left witness on the oil pan but thankfully didn't puncture or crack it, and we were just extra careful the rest of the trip. Replaced cross member when we got home for an easy fix.
One thing I wish I could have done differently is spend a few days in the area. We went through Goler wash, Mengel pass, and warm springs road all in one day. I would have been nice to camp out right after Mengel pass.
Seven of us did Mengel Pass the first weekend of November. That V-notch at the beginning was definitely scary looking at the start but once you motor up in 4-low it was doable. Ran Death Valley in my 2006 LX470 and never touched a skid plate….I was amazed on how well it did! The rock garden was challenging but way fun… Keep it up Jon, I’ve been following you since your Forester days!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring We were at Trona Pinnacles on the 3rd and drove over the Slate Range to get to Goler Wash. We did Mengel Pass on the 4th and we camped that night at Warm Springs. We spent the next night at Chloride City then did Titus Canyon, always a favorite, on the 6th before heading to the Racetrack and down Lippencott Mine Road. We spent the night on Hunter Mountain before heading back to the Bay Area on Sunday. We just missed you by a day!
You just keep upin yer vids Jon. Everyone there looked like they were having fun, lookin out for each other & learning what they can do & improve, their vehicles could do, what other vehicles could do. Keep up the great work. Damn Subies Still impressing me what they can do. Should interview the drivers on the thoughts of how they & their vehicles did & what they would ""Like"" to do if possible to improve their vehicles.
I got some quick interviews of the three subaru Outback owners. This is a rough trail and it not recommended for AWD. I really hope I DIDN’T inspire anyone to do this trail in AWD 😃 because I worry someone could die out here. There has already been 6 deaths in 2021.
Hey you posted the ""Warning"" & if anyone attempts to do it ""Alone"" it's all on them. You did tell people to turn around. Anyways it's cool to see the Subies did keep up even if they were pulling up the rear & needed a nudge. That trail is rated what 1 level under rock crawling? Good to see everyone stuck together & Helped each other. So in the End the only tech problems was punctured tires?
ps @JonDZAdventuring meant for anyone that tries the trail on their own like the idjiots that don't listen to anyone. Think I recall seeing the other subie drivers in other vids as well & they know what's up & what their in for.
Excellent video, I liked your videoing the different vehicles and drivers. It really showed the capabilities of the various vehicles and the driver capabilities. Some divers seemed more experienced and obviously some vehicles are better for off road. Everyone seemed to have a good time and pitch in to help guide, spot, push the vehicles and moved rocks. I especially liked your philosophy no left behind, a sign of a good trail boss. You didn't show airing down, I was wondering if most aired down. Your footage really helped anyone considering Mengel Pass, good job and thank you for sharing!
Dude what’s trail yeah no shame in turning back but when I see these subie doing it I’m always like my Honda Element can prob do it lol just my baby is heavy lol and 5 speed ain’t easy going up on rough terrain lol but I will still try hahaha
Hmmmm we might have seen you guys but we were coming the other way. Did you guys hang out at Ballarat for a bit? We camped at Barker on Nov 3rd and headed into Ballarat on the morning of Nov 4th.
Jon appreciate your content. I have explored many trails due to your videos. I'm planning on doing this trail in March. Can this trail be run from East to West? Or do you recommend a West to East run?
So with your lift and tires, what is your ground clearance, and what would you say would be required for a trail like this. I have a SOLID 10" and looking at that it looks like I would need more like 12" Databyter
My measured minimum ground clearance at the front skid plate and rear differential is 12”, and at the rocker panels it’s 16”. Rocker panel clearance is important because that’s what lines up with the tires. The Subarus in this video had about the same amount of minimum clearance as you. They made some contact, and it was really rough going, but as a team we got everyone through. There was this one rock (the one I scraped on) that all the open diff AWDs were not able to get through without a “push”. It’s so important to go with another rig. To answer your question, for an AWD I’d recommend 12” with full skid plates and either a LSD or Locker and some really careful driving, to get through without trail damage.
Man you really gotta let the spotter do his job. When there is more than one person shouting out directions, that’s when drivers get confused and accidents happen.
Hey Jon! I'm working on a simular build as yours, I love your new wheels! I noticed they have a differnt offset than stock; are you using a wheel offset spacer?
Would be unreasonable and risky and that 2WD would need a lot of flex and large tires and a very experienced driver behind the wheels, but I can see it being done. Anyways, if you disagree with www.trailsoffroad.com level 4 moderate 4WD rating, let them know. I'm sure they'd be happy to hear your feedback.
It will depend on tire size and sidewall. My old Subaru has 29” tires 235/65R17 with 6” of sidewall. I wouldn’t air down below 25 PSI on this terrain. My Honda has 32” tires 256/70R18 with 7” of sidewall. I was down to 20 PSI here.
Atturo. Pretty well known brand. Not a sidewall split, but a puncture. A vehicle in front of me also punctured both passenger side tires, so, uh, yeah probably not "cheap" tires 🙄
If you are going to do rocky trails like this one, sidewall strength is critical. Many "all-terrain off road" tires have weak sidewalls that are prone to failure. To be safe, you should run tires with 10-ply rated sidewalls. I have been doing pretty extreme offroading with 10 plys without a puncture in the past 20 years!
That pass is way dumbed down from 20 years ago!! The "rock fill ins" are really sad. No offense to you Jon, but almost none of those vehicles would have been able to do that trail in years past. Thank you for sharing.
Sounds good to me. Many trails get worse each year due to negligence and weathering. Having one small trail made more accessible isn't such a bad thing :)
You are torturing most of these cars, they aren't made for this kind of track. The white outback and the blue forester seem way out of their comfort zone. Disco driver needs to take it way slower, F150 as its set up also too large for the twisty parts. You were lucky you got away with a couple of busted tire sidewalls. You could have cracked an alloy or damaged smt else more serious. Your money, your cars do as you pls with them, but I don't see the satisfaction in this kind of torment.
Some just aren't meant for this type of adventure!! You obviously aren't comfortable doing this!! No worries at all!! Every one here was comfortable!! Thats what made it fun
the AWDs are amazing! I'd never think they would do so well even with a lift.
Nice to see a Land Cruiser 80 going to the rescue!
“Let’s just have 1 guy give directions, it’ll be easier” pretty much “directions” coming every direction 😂
Epic leg! Kudos to all for pushing through, the pass. I love how the group properly looked after all folks.
It's not about what it used to be, but what it is when it's your turn. Well done to all of you, and great team work too.
I just went over Mengel Pass yesterday, 4/1/24, and that first obstacle is significantly more scoured out. I'm on 35's and triple locked, but solo, so I opted for the bypass. The rest of the route was just fine.
Thanks for the update. I was in Goler Wash back in November 2023 and the road completely washed out right before Barker Ranch, it was a 4 foot step. Good to know this trail is opened again.
Thanks for this series of videos on Goler/Mengel. I watched it a bunch as study material before going and I watch it as part of my post-trip study too. We went in Jan 2023 and being a newbie, I was very worried. But, our 2021 4Runner TRD Off Road handled it like a champ. I wasn't so worried about the 4Runner, but more about my skills. My buddy really helped coach me thru the hard parts.
Nice video. Did this trail back in April ‘21 in my ‘98 TJ. 31” w/ 2” budget boost lift. Coming from DV going west. Wouldn’t call it to gnarly, but technical. Lots of fun. Can’t wait to go back.
The hilarious squeaking on the blue Tacoma is actually from my bug deflector! When the body flexes against the bumper it causes the deflector to rub slightly on the hood. I'm probably going to remove it.
I really enjoy your channel. You don't just run with Toyotas and Jeeps. You show the folks out there that may be interested in giving the off road life a try, that they don't need a $100,000.000 rig and set up to get out and do it. Keep up the vids.
Had so much fun watching this episode! Great job again Jon! Thank you for having me!
Good work getting through Emmanuel! 😃
Awsome, that sound from our exterra in the beginning was the front fender liner. I need to do the melt mod on it
Melt mod time. A nice heat gun from harbor freight should do the trick.
@@adventuretrails1ato i need one, I did the other side with a torch haha and it looks like crap but havnt done the other side till I can make it look better
I have a heat gun if we ever meet again I’ll take it lol
Watched a number of vids of folks successfully negotiating Mengele Pass. One of these days, may get up the nerve to do it myself. All those rocks look plenty challenging. Your group did an excellent job.
Great footage and great edit! Thanks for comments on my driving skills!! I was low key saying I took that downhill too fast once I did it! Now that I see another perspective I should slow down sometimes! Lol
Big Cajones!
So much camaraderie, keep up the great videos Jon!
Great video. The fellow in the Disco Sport should’ve engaged HDC, it works surprisingly well even in the baby Land Rover.
3 years ago did this run in a stock 01 Tahoe (G80 locker + skids) with an 8 day load out. It was a long tiring day with the constant negotiation, but we made through. Did smack the skid plate and bend the cross member. It left witness on the oil pan but thankfully didn't puncture or crack it, and we were just extra careful the rest of the trip. Replaced cross member when we got home for an easy fix.
One thing I wish I could have done differently is spend a few days in the area. We went through Goler wash, Mengel pass, and warm springs road all in one day. I would have been nice to camp out right after Mengel pass.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring it was a pass through for us as well, we tried to see too much in our time there.
Can't wait to join you guys one day! I'm gonna bring my little bucket out there. 🤣
Awesome video!! I like the high speed rock stacking after the full-size knock them over. Sorry for that by the way.
No need to apologize Ernest, that made for some dramatic video footage. It was great.
Seven of us did Mengel Pass the first weekend of November. That V-notch at the beginning was definitely scary looking at the start but once you motor up in 4-low it was doable. Ran Death Valley in my 2006 LX470 and never touched a skid plate….I was amazed on how well it did! The rock garden was challenging but way fun… Keep it up Jon, I’ve been following you since your Forester days!
Thanks Russel! We did Mengel Pass on Friday November 5th. Did we miss you?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring We were at Trona Pinnacles on the 3rd and drove over the Slate Range to get to Goler Wash. We did Mengel Pass on the 4th and we camped that night at Warm Springs. We spent the next night at Chloride City then did Titus Canyon, always a favorite, on the 6th before heading to the Racetrack and down Lippencott Mine Road. We spent the night on Hunter Mountain before heading back to the Bay Area on Sunday. We just missed you by a day!
This is a good thing on a overland community, we help each other 🤙🏽
We missed you on this trip Mike
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I know, I could’ve been there, but really busy at work, but the next run. I’ll be there brother 🤙🏽
Team player Steve!!! Your right, I kinda use your vids to help me decide where I’m comfortable going.
You just keep upin yer vids Jon. Everyone there looked like they were having fun, lookin out for each other & learning what they can do & improve, their vehicles could do, what other vehicles could do. Keep up the great work. Damn Subies Still impressing me what they can do.
Should interview the drivers on the thoughts of how they & their vehicles did & what they would ""Like"" to do if possible to improve their vehicles.
I got some quick interviews of the three subaru Outback owners. This is a rough trail and it not recommended for AWD. I really hope I DIDN’T inspire anyone to do this trail in AWD 😃 because I worry someone could die out here. There has already been 6 deaths in 2021.
Hey you posted the ""Warning"" & if anyone attempts to do it ""Alone"" it's all on them. You did tell people to turn around. Anyways it's cool to see the Subies did keep up even if they were pulling up the rear & needed a nudge. That trail is rated what 1 level under rock crawling? Good to see everyone stuck together & Helped each other. So in the End the only tech problems was punctured tires?
ps
@JonDZAdventuring meant for anyone that tries the trail on their own like the idjiots that don't listen to anyone. Think I recall seeing the other subie drivers in other vids as well & they know what's up & what their in for.
The video really doesn't capture how rough that last 30 mile road was. Driving 30-40mph on a bunch of 4-6" rocks was painful to say the least.
Very true Braden!! It was a brutal leg thatadt bit!!
Lol
Excellent video, I liked your videoing the different vehicles and drivers. It really showed the capabilities of the various vehicles and the driver capabilities. Some divers seemed more experienced and obviously some vehicles are better for off road. Everyone seemed to have a good time and pitch in to help guide, spot, push the vehicles and moved rocks. I especially liked your philosophy no left behind, a sign of a good trail boss. You didn't show airing down, I was wondering if most aired down. Your footage really helped anyone considering Mengel Pass, good job and thank you for sharing!
You did an amazingly job and a great attitude 👍🏾👍🏾👏
Thank you. Super useful. I would love to join you guys someday. Getting there from Wisconsin is difficult. You all live in an amazing area.
Came to see what my new 22 Outback Onyx XT might be capable of. This trail alil much while still paying it off lol. Great informative vid
Lift kit and friends to help spot 😃
Great video! I was looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint!
Thanks Dean! 🙏
Wow! That’s gnarly guys! Fantastics stuff…
Good job on your videos. Never stop!
Thanks for the inspiring words 🙏
Man, going with that many people would stress me out and give me anxiety.
It seems like the kind of trail where rock rails on unibody vehicles should be required.
Dude what’s trail yeah no shame in turning back but when I see these subie doing it I’m always like my Honda Element can prob do it lol just my baby is heavy lol and 5 speed ain’t easy going up on rough terrain lol but I will still try hahaha
Love the vidz, my kind of offroading👌
Thanks! It sure was fun
Sub'd and Liked! Love the videos, Keep em coming.....
I made it all the way to the pass in my FWD VW golf. Didn’t have the balls to go down though sadly, I knew I wouldn’t make it back up
Having amateur spotters would annoy the %##$$ out of me.
Otherwise great video it really shows what to expect.
Stack enough rocks and anything can make it!
True statement
Hmmmm we might have seen you guys but we were coming the other way. Did you guys hang out at Ballarat for a bit? We camped at Barker on Nov 3rd and headed into Ballarat on the morning of Nov 4th.
We stopped by ballarat for about 10 minutes that morning.
Jon appreciate your content. I have explored many trails due to your videos. I'm planning on doing this trail in March. Can this trail be run from East to West? Or do you recommend a West to East run?
Great video, thx!
Ty!
Whoo, first! Cool
Would have been great to see a KL here
Ha, when the going gets tough and you need a recovery, send the Land Cruiser
So with your lift and tires, what is your ground clearance, and what would you say would be required for a trail like this. I have a SOLID 10" and looking at that it looks like I would need more like 12"
Databyter
My measured minimum ground clearance at the front skid plate and rear differential is 12”, and at the rocker panels it’s 16”. Rocker panel clearance is important because that’s what lines up with the tires. The Subarus in this video had about the same amount of minimum clearance as you. They made some contact, and it was really rough going, but as a team we got everyone through. There was this one rock (the one I scraped on) that all the open diff AWDs were not able to get through without a “push”. It’s so important to go with another rig. To answer your question, for an AWD I’d recommend 12” with full skid plates and either a LSD or Locker and some really careful driving, to get through without trail damage.
Man you really gotta let the spotter do his job.
When there is more than one person shouting out directions, that’s when drivers get confused and accidents happen.
Hey Jon! I'm working on a simular build as yours, I love your new wheels! I noticed they have a differnt offset than stock; are you using a wheel offset spacer?
Did the AWD struggle, especially the ML350? I’m hoping to take my GL450 through this. 😀
Overlanders: Slow slow slow!
Motorcyclists: Send it! Shoulda gone faster.
👍
@29:08 80 series life.
It was impressive. The solid front axle was great
@@JonDZ_Adventuring the 80 doesn't really flex that much more than a Hundo up front but that rear... Oh yeah
Looks like the 405 at rush hour😆
2WD can make it through these trails
Would be unreasonable and risky and that 2WD would need a lot of flex and large tires and a very experienced driver behind the wheels, but I can see it being done. Anyways, if you disagree with www.trailsoffroad.com level 4 moderate 4WD rating, let them know. I'm sure they'd be happy to hear your feedback.
So what kind of tools do people bring for these expeditions?
What psi do u recommend for these conditions? And what road was that to bad water?
It will depend on tire size and sidewall. My old Subaru has 29” tires 235/65R17 with 6” of sidewall. I wouldn’t air down below 25 PSI on this terrain. My Honda has 32” tires 256/70R18 with 7” of sidewall. I was down to 20 PSI here.
👊🏾👍🏾
Is it normal now to call ppl by their @?
It’s beyond normal
GX460 wins again.. 😆 seroiusly though what brand of cheap all-terrain tire did that jeep have to get 2 sidewall splits at the same time on 2 wheels???
Atturo. Pretty well known brand. Not a sidewall split, but a puncture. A vehicle in front of me also punctured both passenger side tires, so, uh, yeah probably not "cheap" tires 🙄
@@spencerwright5429 what us price per tire versus say BFG Ko2? that will tell the story..
Any tire no matter what brand or price would have gotten damaged based on how the puncture looked.
@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD ur way of judging quality is comparing it to a over priced set of tires?
If you are going to do rocky trails like this one, sidewall strength is critical. Many "all-terrain off road" tires have weak sidewalls that are prone to failure. To be safe, you should run tires with 10-ply rated sidewalls. I have been doing pretty extreme offroading with 10 plys without a puncture in the past 20 years!
Take a look at the Suzuki mountain goats aka Grand Vitara and Jimny ruclips.net/video/iu2tA1TWFNk/видео.html
That pass is way dumbed down from 20 years ago!! The "rock fill ins" are really sad. No offense to you Jon, but almost none of those vehicles would have been able to do that trail in years past. Thank you for sharing.
Sounds good to me. Many trails get worse each year due to negligence and weathering. Having one small trail made more accessible isn't such a bad thing :)
You are torturing most of these cars, they aren't made for this kind of track. The white outback and the blue forester seem way out of their comfort zone. Disco driver needs to take it way slower, F150 as its set up also too large for the twisty parts. You were lucky you got away with a couple of busted tire sidewalls. You could have cracked an alloy or damaged smt else more serious. Your money, your cars do as you pls with them, but I don't see the satisfaction in this kind of torment.
😄
Some just aren't meant for this type of adventure!! You obviously aren't comfortable doing this!! No worries at all!! Every one here was comfortable!! Thats what made it fun
Why do they need a spotter on the flat road with some gravel?! Lol 🤣🤣🤣 I wonder if they kept spotter on the freeway driving section... lol