Fordyce Creek Trail extends a distance of 9.5 miles and climbs nearly 2,000 feet. Since we only had the one day and were uncertain of the water level at each of the four water crossings (and what it would entail to cross) we didn't necessarily expect to complete the whole trail, rather we elected to take our time, enjoy the obstacles at hand, and see how far it took us. After a few miles through the thick pine-tree-laced trail, we ascended the mountain to be greeted by spectacular views in almost every direction. This was par for the day as the vistas became increasingly more spectacular. After a few photo stops to take in the view and the trail action, as well as to deal with a few minor mechanical problems, we lunched at the first water crossing and took a refreshing dip to clear off the road dust. Soaking in the Fordyce Creek, we ended up staying planted in the shade for a good spell before turning back the way we came.
By day's end, we'd traveled less than the 9.5 miles but had spent close to 8 hours enjoying an activity that we all love. It wasn't hard-core wheeling, and it wasn't necessarily a great achievement in how much trail you can fit into a day. Instead, it was more about getting out there and enjoying it than it was about where we were going and what it would take to get there. Like I said, Trail Fun is fun. I highly recommend experiencing some in your own rig.
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The view is spectacular from almost every point along the Fordyce Creek Trail. The immense beauty of the area and the difficulty of the trail are both reasons for the region's similarity to the Rubicon Trail. Many even refer to Fordyce as the "mini-Rubicon." | 
The terrain throughout Fordyce Creek Trail is mostly rocky, but various sandy washes and meadow lowlands are to be discovered as well. |
Born with Jeep on the brain, Jeff Mello of Danville, California, wheels almost nothing but. Down to four slats on the grille, Jeff's comp Jeep is narrowed for tight maneuvering and rolls on 35-inch BFG Krawlers mounted to Staun internal beadlock-equipped Alcoa wheels. The propane-powered V-6 engine also features many polished internal components. | 
Greg Hussey's "Shocker" tube buggy is a homemade wonder crafted from junkyard parts purchased on half-price day. It uses a $100, propane-burning Chevy 350 mated to an NP465 and a flipped Dana 300. A high-pinion Dana 60 resides up front and a Corporate 14-bolt is employed at the rear. | 
Eric Woodworth of El Dorado Hills, California, gets his '83 Toyota 4x4 pickup a bit close to the trail's edge. With dual transfer cases, however, the rig had plenty of "slow go" to continue forward momentum without tumbling down the mountainside. |