PS - 4x4 BERDOO CANYON- TRAINING & SAFETY COURSE

Berdoo Canyon offers a variety of trail conditions for 4x4 off road training. We will discuss and demonstrate off road techniques, safety, and equipment recommendations. You will have an opportunity to practice tire placement for obstacles and a variety of driving tips and techniques.

Topics include:

• Driving Safety Tips
• Recovery Straps and Tow Straps 
• Lockers and Sway Bar Disconnect 
• Spotting Techniques 
• Basic commands/signals 
• Approach, Break-Over, and Departure Angles 
• Backcountry Driving Tips 
• Trail Etiquette 
• Equipment Recommendations 

View the Training Manual 4x4 Off Road Driving: Click Here

Berdoo Canyon is about 27 miles from Dillon Rd to Park Ave. in Joshua Tree Park., rated Moderate, suitable for stock vehicles. Bring water, lunch and/or snacks. Maybe lunch in Yucca Valley.

Meeting Location:

8:00 AM - PetSmart, Ramon/Crossley, Palm Springs - Map 

Or 8:30 AM Love's Travel Stop, 45-761 Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA 92236

Drivers are welcome to bring passengers.  GO does not arrange rideshares. If any drivers wish to offer a passenger seat, you may so indicate. 

Contact Trip Leaders:  Scott Connelly and Cliff Clue

Here are some of the subjects we will cover:

Equipment Recommendations 

1. Reliable 4WD vehicle with 2 speed transfer case 

2. Trail rated tires, tire patch kit with plug

3. Radio communication.

4. Tow attachment points - front and rear

5. Recovery/Tow strap(s)

6. Fire extinguisher

7. Spare tire, changing tools, jack capable of lifting your 4X4. (Preferably not a high lift jack).  If your vehicle has been lifted, the OEM jack is no longer tall enough to change a tire, carry blocks, or consider a 2-stage bottle jack (18”)

8. First aid kit

9. Tire deflator

10. Air compressor or CO2 tank

11. Checklists - ArriveAlive

Trail Etiquette 

• Have all Required Equipment and be properly equipped for the difficulty level

• Arrive at the meeting place with full tank of fuel

• Drive a reliable vehicle.  If a vehicle has a known reliability problem do not participate on a run.

• Radio communications should be relevant and brief.

• Learn the name of the driver directly ahead and behind you as well as the leader’s name in case you need to call for help.

• On the trail - occasionally verify visual contact with the person behind you. If you haven't seen them in a while, slow up a bit. At any unobvious turn definitely make sure the person behind you sees you make the turn.

• On very narrow trails, when oncoming traffic approaches, use common sense. Whichever group can more easily pull over should do so, even though uphill traffic has the right of way.

• When coming to intersecting trails or confusing turns, make sure the vehicle behind you sees which way to turn before you proceed.

• At an intersection if you are not sure which way to turn, STOP.  Radio the person directly ahead for directions.

• If you decide to leave early the leader know

• If a vehicle becomes stuck or breaks down, let the other vehicles and the leader know to stop.  Keep other vehicles informed of the progress of repairs.

• When approaching oncoming traffic  on a narrow road the leader should warn the following vehicles via radio.

• When meeting oncoming traffic on a narrow trail, the leader should let the oncoming traffic know how many are in the group.  The last vehicle should let them know he is last.

• When stopped on a trail for a break, all vehicles should allow room for other vehicles to pass.

Health Problems/Allergies:  Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the trip.