Participant Responsibility Notice
New Mexico 4-Wheelers guests and members will be meeting for a group activity as indicated below. Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of their own vehicles and should evaluate obstacles based on their own comfort and experience level and vehicle capability.
This is a volunteer recreational activity. Participants are responsible for their own safety, vehicle operation, and compliance with land-use rules.
We will warm up on Lower Amado (L5) and then tackle Squeeze Canyon (L7).
After that - TBD - maybe Granite Canyon (L6).
Lower Amado ^^^ has tight squeezes, boulder gardens, slab rock, v-notches - it's got a little bit of everything to get our juices flowing. Lower Amado is also a Jeep Badge of Honor trail now, so come get your Badge!
^Screenshots courtesy CrawlUSA on YouTube (click for video)
^Screenshots courtesy CrawlUSA on YouTube (click for video)
Squeeze Canyon ^^ hasn't been officially run by NM4Wers in a minute, and some of us are itching to get tracks on it. Much of the trail is standard Gordy's rock crawling, maybe L6 range, and comes with all the usual fun and warnings.
The adventure starts to heat up about 3/4 of the way through, where the rocks get bigger and the climbs get more technical - this is where Squeeze earns it's L7 rating. The L7 stretch is short, but serious.
The most challenging part of Squeeze Canyon is a 20-30 yard chute right before the exit. Picture turning a shoe box upside down, cutting off the ends, and then driving through it. Due to the narrow passage, there aren't many lines to choose from, and every one of them comes with the risk of body damage from any off-camber lean over about 5 degrees. I highly recommend upgraded sliders and fender flares to protect the body and help rigs "bounce off" the walls. I also recommend running Squeeze as topless as you can. Hard tops, and even full soft tops, may get cracked or torn. If you choose to run Squeeze with your hard top on, please take these cautions to heart.
Rig size on Squeeze:
This trail is definitely not stock rig nor overlander-friendly. Roof top tents and extra gear hanging off the side will not be attached to your rig by the time you finish the trail.
The Gladiator question - I'm not sure what to tell y'all. I think your wheelbase could be a huge advantage on everything up to the chute. It's the chute I'm not sure about... Right now, I'm hesitant to give you the green light - maybe hook up with a 2-dr or 4-dr driver so you can ride along and see the trail before committing to driving it. If you want to come along anyways, you can run a lot of Squeeze, no problem, and we can help you turn around and head back out instead of running the chute; we can catch up with you elsewhere at Gordy's. That Gladiator wheelbase is going to make turning you around interesting, though, as the entire trail is on the narrow side. If you're in any of these categories and have questions about joining this run, please contact me and we'll talk it through.
After Squeeze, we can pick another trail to play on - I'm open to suggestions and happy to let the group decide. We will be in close proximity to Granite Canyon, and haven't played on it in a while, so maybe that's a good one. Let me know what you want!
Rig Requirements:
Tires - 35's or larger
Dual lockers - front & rear
Full skid plates & sliders mandatory
After-market rock crawling fender flares strongly recommended
Winch & recovery points, front & rear; have your winch controller, soft shackles and D-rings handy
Pinstripping guaranteed
Body damage possible, if not likely - trails include narrow squeezes between large boulders, boulder gardens to crawl through, ledges to climb or descend, and off-camber stretches. The last section of Squeeze is a tight run through gauntlet of rock 10' high on both sides. It is one Jeep wide.
I strongly recommend removing doors and hard tops for this run. Squeeze Canyon is tight and that rock looks seriously unforgiving. Any lean to one side, and tops/windows will take some tough hits. Hard tops may get cracked, glass may get broken, and even soft tops may get torn. GO TOPLESS!
Bring plenty of water, as it will be warm. Chairs & lunch too.
Children & fur babies welcome; driver's responsible for extra passengers.
For more information on this Ride use the
link above to contact Mary with any questions.If you wish to go, be sure to fill out an Application Form to add youself as a potential NM4W member.
Be sure to have a look at our Trail Ratings information to know what you are in for.
You can also use our Photo Gallery to Search for photos from prior rides to this area.
NOTE: NM4W requires all ride attendees, including passengers, to sign a 'Release of Liability' waiver.
After you submit an Application Form, you can e-sign the waiver online before the ride.