Point Sublime Preparation  

Watching a video, all they did was air down their tires. A tire pump may be handy on your return to the highway. Traction boards and a winch if you want to get serious, though probably not necessary. Knowing how to drive through mud. YouTube may be your best source of information.

What tires/wheels are on the vehicle? I have seen some Defenders with large wheels and low profile tires, which is inconceivable to me. Of course, I’ve seen similar silliness on top trim levels of 4Runners as well.

The weals are 19”.

20″

Not much room to air down. I don’t think those are MT’s either.  It’s a tough call. You might ask the local ranger. Local 4x club. Walk the puddles.

Look over the videos of the trail.

This one won’t help much, but I couldn’t resist.

Yes, the wheels are 20” not 19”. It is hard to get sensible wheels on a Land Rover.

I have seen the “Grand Canyon 4×4 Jeep Trail!” video. Those two Jeeps are well fitted out for trail use. I have seen several other videos of more normal vehicles getting to Point Sublime. The “All My Trucks” video makes a good point. Just a bit of slick mud is enough to get stuck.  Still, I would not want aggressive off-road tires for this trip. We will be traveling over 3000 miles on paved roads and only abut 30 on dirt.

I am more concerned abut down trees. Such as the one in this blog.

Dealing with down trees applies to anyone going to a campsite or trailhead on an out and back road. On the way out I can turn around and find someplace else to stay for the night. On the way back we could be stuck until a Ranger shows up to clear the road.

I have a Garmin Inreach to call for assistance if we get stuck, but I plane to be prepared to deal with small trees. I have a folding saw and may take some rope. Any pointers dealing with trees without packing too much are appreciated.

I have been looking at videos on removing trees. Foresters have cool tools! A couple chain saws, a cap stand winch, and a few hundred feet of rope would make quick work of large trees. Even if I had room to pack that much tree removal equipment, I do not have the experience to use it safely.

I don’t have much experience removing large trees from a road, that would be a difficult eventuality to prepare for. As you noted, the only scenario that would be problematic is the low probability of a tree falling across the entire road after you go in.

In general, I think the most important preparation includes good tires and a winch. A winch with long cable is a multi-purpose tool that can get you out of a lot of different types of trouble.

Regarding wheels/tires, I simply don’t understand using low profile tires on an off-road vehicle with low gearing, locking differentials, skid plates, good clearance and departure angle. The tires defeat the vehicle’s purpose.

I’d get some 18″ rims and good tires, and sell those rims, or use them for snow tires. An all-terrain tire like BFG KO2 or Goodyear Duratrac is a good compromise, IMO, if you are serious about taking your 4×4 off-road. Yes, they’re noisier and your luxury vehicle won’t corner like a sports car, but you can actually use the vehicle as intended.

I actually switched out my 16″ Cooper MT’s for 18″ Nitto Ridge Grapplers AT. Not the best on ice.  I’m not a mud dogger. A higher profile so I can air them down. I saw another video of that area that looked a little muddier. Depending on the soil, if it’s not too torn up, you’re probably fine. Perhaps bring some muck boots to check the puddles out. A Bungie tow rope for any trees or if you end up needing a tug.

Short wheel base Land Cruiser

Cheers

Muck boots sounds like a good idea.

Anyone else troubled by the fact that those guys who drove to Point Sublime then flew a drove overhead to get those videos?  All drones are banned in National Parks.

I believe in rules and regulations. I also believe in leniency in the law. If I were to drive off road, I would certainly deserve a hefty fine and perhaps even more. It does set a bad example and shouldn’t be encouraged.