Please review our hiker info page to familiarize yourself with hiker safety rules and our hike ratings so that you can select hikes that meet your level of fitness. Unless specified otherwise in the activity descriptions below, hikes have a 15 person limit, and they begin in the ABDNHA parking lot.
4WD Tour: Chariot Canyon to Rodriguez Canyon
Trip Leader: Ed Pollock, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at 9 a.m. at the Banner Store on Hwy. 78, at the foot of Banner Grade. After check-in and tire-pressure adjustment, we’ll cross Hwy. 78 and head uphill on historic and scenic—but sometimes rough dirt—Chariot Canyon Rd. After a short distance, we take Rodriguez Canyon Rd., which can be rough with washouts and rocks. This road crosses the Pacific Crest Trail and leads to the desert floor, entering Oriflamme Canyon (Mason Valley Truck Trail). Enjoy a BBQ lunch near an ancient Indian Village site and 1930s CCC camp remains. Then return east to Hwy. S2, ending the trip about 3 p.m. No charge. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve. Come prepared and enjoy this historic run safely and with fun! Because of the small group size, ABDNHA members have priority on 4WD trips. We invite you to join today!
BBQ lunch: Meat and utensils provided. Please bring a side dish to share and your own drinks if you wish. Camp chairs and small tables are encouraged.
Recommended: Short-wheelbase vehicles, good tires, and a full tank of gas. Short 4WD pickups are fine; AWD city vehicles and SUVs are not suitable.
