desertempire

Hey, im in a High Adventure boy scout troop and we would like to do some four wheeling for our summer activity. We are in Ridgecrest CA. and need to stay within 6 hours to get to a trail. we have 5 days and most the of the jeeps will be around 3-4.5 inches of lift. We would also like to do a service project one of those 5 days. this trip will be the first week of august so I think most trails shouldn't have snow around here. Any suggestions on where to go and a trail we can do some maintenance or cleanup on as a service project? thanks for any input.

highmileage

Dude!!! may have it for you. Breckinridge road Kern canyon needs help. Good camping at cow flats. Drove this road last fall easy trail even for a stock ride but steep narrow and windy(lots of washouts road needs better drainage). No where to back up if you get into trouble but a B-E-A-utiful ride. Possibly a good Eagle service project.

desertempire

ok so are there other trails in the area we could do during the 5 days? what all would need to be done to make this trail better?

highmileage

Not sure about around the Bakersfield area but all around red rock for sure there are more trails that probably need work. Some of the guys on the forum regularly visit and have mentioned trail condition and access there. As far as Breckinridge some widening, road leveling, drainage, a few trees need to come out, did I mention drainage. You can contact the local parks station they would have more information for you and would maybe even help some, I did a few service projects up at greenhorn summit, and alder creek "YEARS" ago so I know you have to do all the planning and logistics.

whowey

Are you chartered as a troop or as a crew??

Has your Scoutmaster or Crew Adviser contacted your council office about the tour permit?

The Guide to Safe Scouting isn't exactly clear on the use of full-bodied rigs off-road in the program. There are sections that make me think they would deny it, BUT that is me being an over protective committee member.

highmileage

I don't remember all of the rules regarding(that was 23 years ago), but I was in high adventure and that was the scouts above first class and 15yrs old, at least in my troop. We went white water rafting, mountain climbing, scuba with sharks so they may be able to do this as well, if the Southern Sierra Council says it's okay who knows. Plus if it gets tied in with a service project?

whowey

ALOT of things have changed... its been 20+ years since I was a 'registered youth'... But I am now a committee member for three units. Outdoor chair for one and administrative chair for the other two. The things we do for our kids....

The service project aspect isn't the issue. ATV or motorcycle use in BSA programming is banned except at council approved events. Any type of motorized racing is specifically banned. But there is no mention I could find that bans trail riding in full bodied vehicles.

If I was presented with a request from a unit about it... I would go straight to the council. I sure wouldn't sign the permit until I had an opinion from them.

highmileage

Agreed, planning and research.

desertempire

we actually went last year to monache meadows. we can drive, not quads but as long as you are 16 (or 18?) you can drive yourself. but I know that we can do it because we also did the sherman pass trail last year.

94XjSport94

This is what I was about to say. Not in the guide to safe scouting lol... You can all drive individually, but you can't take other kids with you in your jeep. I'll be surprise if you get a tour Premit. I got my eagle last summer btw