2 Nights Car Camping and Overlanding | Off-Road Trip To Stockton Flats

Editor's Forewords: Welcome back, trail folks! 😎Our trail ambassador of this month is Miles@cruisin.miles, he spent 2 nights at the Stockton flats yellow post near Lytle Creek, CA, and an off-road trip with his friends.

Take the beloved off-road vehicle to explore nature, be surrounded by nature and camp in beautiful places, chill with friends around a fire, and talk about all your past crazy adventures. I was completely healed by their trail! Can't wait to share it with all of you guys!

● So, Miles Introduce a bit more about yourself?

I am an off-roading and camping enthusiast. I love to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors with my small family. Some say it's about the journey and not the destination, but for me, an adventure prioritizes both.

● What keeps you overlanding and off-roading?

The sense of adventure. When things go smoothly, you feel as though your preparations made everything work. When things get bumpy, the sense of accomplishment makes it all worth it.

● Tell us about the trail, and why that location? What was the coolest moment? Any scary or recovery moments?

We took Forest Route 3N06 to the Stockton Flats Yellow Post sites. The coolest moment is driving on the dried riverbed and trying out the different routes and off-shoots. No scary recovery moments for us on this trip.

● What makes this a difficult or easy trail?

It is definitely an easy trail. No extreme angle ascents or crawling over rocks. Though the options to try those obstacles are present. 

● Would you recommend this trail to anyone or more experienced folks? Why?

I would recommend this trail to anyone. Beginners and experts. Solely because the terrain has so much to offer. The views are just icing on the cake.

● What is your favorite or dream trail and why?

As of now, I don't have a favorite trail per se. as for a dream trail; I'd love to take the TransAmerica Trail.

● In your opinion, are there any modifications or accessories that everyone has to have?

A Trasharoo (or any other brand Trash bag to clean up after yourselves)

Tires. A good set of tires will Always trump any other mod.

● How important is a proper lighting strategy for the trail? Can you list from the most important to the least to us and explain why? 

Proper lighting will only heighten the off-road experience. Here's a list of prioritizing lights. (In my option of course):

1) Properly aimed Low beams - these are your go to lights. Obviously you need them for everything, but a good set of bright, properly aimed) low beams can beat out the need for auxiliary lights in most cases.

2) Yellow Fog lights - the amount of safety that yellow fog lights provide is highly underestimated. Again, not only will a bright set of TRUE yellow fogs help you cut through a fog layer, but it also allows oncoming drivers to know where you are.

3) Chase lights - for the same reason as yellow fogs. Safety. When dust is heavy from the trail, it allows the drivers following you to know where you are as well.

4) Flood lights - when you’re on your own or leading a convoy, flood lights brighten so much in your general direction.

● Do you have any suggestions about lighting set-up for trail riders?

During the day time on dusty roads, yellow lights add safety to your convoy. They allow your other party members, as well as others on the road see exactly where YOU are in the dust. At night, flood lights and driving lights stretch your vision farther out allowing you to anticipate the trail.

Editor's tips: If you're interested in Miles' review and installation of LASFIT 3” LED light Pods on 80 series LandCruiser, please click here to watch more on his Youtube channel.

Here are the detailed Trail Info Miles provided to us for anyone who gets interested in this trail as reference:

Name of the trail:
3N06
Location:
Lytle Creek, CA
Length:
3.13 Miles
Best time of year to go:
Fall (everything in the mountains is better in the Fall)
Key Features:
Plenty of Yellow posts sites throughout the trail
Elevation:
1,258
Fees:
0
Phone Numbers for local help:
909-382-2851 (Ranger Station)
Grid Coordinates:
34.29602, -117.58956
Tire Pressure Advice:
The lower the better. You'll be driving on a dried riverbed for quite some time. Very rough if you don't air down.
Rig requirements (Example, must be 4x4 with lift kit, or standard 4x4):
I'm the dry seasons, a 2wd will suffice on the main trail. During the winter however, 4x4 is highly highly recommended.
Other considerations:
Lots of fellow off-roaders and campers. Please be respectful and mind your speeds as well as trash.

Check out this fun trail video @Cruisin Miles if you're interested.👇

Questions or Comments? Leave them below!