BTW, I have some time scheduled in one week from now to work out many more details for CO4RJ so we have some finilized info to work with.
Some people rate Iron Chest a 9. Others say it's an 8. I found it easier than Chinaman's Gulch, which some people also rate as a 9 and others say an 8.
I think minimum requirements for Iron Chest would be at least a rear locker, rock sliders, 2" or more lift, at least 265/75R16 tires. Aftermarket skidplates would be nice, but not a necessity. Aftermarket front bumper would also be nice, but not a necessity (for strength and clearance).
The people who I saw have problems didn't have a locker or had stock gearing with a manual trans with gearing that was way too high for large tires. It totally depends on the vehicle and the driver on what's acceptable gearing. Iron Chest doesn't have any major obstacles, just lots and lots of rocks. That's why I think Holy Cross and Chinaman's Gulch are probably more difficult.
I think Mike (AuroraSandman) has done both Holy Cross and Chinaman's Gulch.
I don't think I had any damage or problems from Iron Chest. But I added a dent to my stock rear bumper on Chinaman's and sheared off the old-style SAW schraeder valve there. I've had to winch on French's Creek on Holy Cross. There's some major obstacles on Holy Cross.
All of those trails are possible for the "hardcore" group at CO4RJ.
You can see more write-ups and pics of it and other trails at a few web sites:
http://www.4x4trails.net/db_view_trail.asp?trailNum=65http://www.trailseeker.com/4x4/coloradozu/IV/IronChest-KE/index.htmhttp://www.trailseeker.com/4x4/coloradozu/2001/index.htmOops - I never answered about the rock in the leaf spring. It wasn't intentional - there were just so many rocks rolling around as you drive over them that one somehow rolled above the leaf while he had that wheel extended. Took some creativity to get it out.
Red Cone (maybe - wouldn't want any newbies on it), Radical Hill, Hancock/Tomichi, Antero, Tin Cup, and others closer to Leadville and Keystone could be possible for the stock or minimally mod'ed group (depending on where the base camp is decided to be).
Wheeler Lake is sort of half-way between the capabilities of the mod'ed group and stock group, but it can add pinstriping to paint.
<small>[ February 16, 2003, 09:34 AM: Message edited by: Jeff the marmot ]</small>
