Well, we have a Jawbone trip planned (riding Fri March 23, Sat 24) - and when doing a search for ideal trails - found a lot of threads on the Piutes. We've been to jawbone twice before - and would like to check out some other areas/ singletrack.

I already printed the map found here that i found on another thread http://www.fs.fed.us...r_download.html

and a buddy of mine has a GPS - so I'm following the explicit instructions from fellow TT riders about not using the friends of jawbone map - and having a GPS. (I'm trying to limit my odds of getting lost).

So I have 2 questions -

1) can anyone recommend where is the best place to stage from - I've read Dove Springs   - which i've ridden through before - and can you recommend a route from there (or better place to stage) to get into the Piutes.  We also only have 3 gallon tanks on 450's  - so I don't think we can do these 120 mile loops i've read about - so is it even still possible from parking near JB or DS?

2) - anyone headed out this way this weekend? I've got a group of 5 total riders - with all riders being at least advanced intermediate  - and some expert. so maybe we could hook up with another small group and ride together?

Hopin to make this work

Edited by trailhound, 07 March 2012 - 05:50 PM.

Stage from Jawbone, remember the Piutes are the Bermuda Triangle of the OHV world.

Pretty sure that you need to be plated too...

ouch - need to be plated eh?

Couple of suggestions

There is really not any good legal connector trails from Jawbone to Piutes, Street plate is required for the county roads

I usually stage up in Landers, that way you will not run yourself outta gas, Physical energy, food or any other needed items

If you have never ridden the Piutes, Suggest hook up with people who know the area

Keep in mind, There is no
Gas
Cell service
Food
Parts
Help can be days away if you get lost or run into problems

I have seen many rescue operations taken place over the years due to people and
their kids getting lost doing just what may appear like a short ride on a map.

Wayne

What Wayne said. If you want to ride the Piutes please don't stage in Jawbone and ride up. All former connector trails and fenced off and unless you want to ride outlaw the county road is your only option, and yes, you'll need a plate for the county roads. And there are really no good maps, the best ones available at this point can lead you astray. Maybe when they finish the Piute Travel Management plan there will be better maps, but till then it's best to find a good trail guide. Someone who's been there and can help navigate the ugly terrain. Most trails up there are difficult, sorta' rocky junk compared to Jawbone. Some folks don't like 'em.

All great advice above, but this is my favorite, and quite possibly the best warning for anyone heading up that doesn't know what they are getting themselves into......  

ossidog, on 07 March 2012 - 06:18 PM, said:

Our first trip, knowing we were prepared, all good riders, and having a moderately early start, we foolishly took the FOB map at face value, plotted a "loop" starting at DS and up Brightstar, and proceeded on to a wild azz adventure that almost left us out there.  One thing is for sure, I'll never forget it.  Riding in the pitch black, out of water, on fumes, with no map, 35 miles (as the crow files) from the truck, hitting deeper snow on the way back, not seeing another human all day, with one beat up buddy  --  the Piutes DELIVER!!!!  The advice to ride with a guide is a good one.  Also, even with a plate, staging from Jawbone or DS is going to put you on a 100+ mile loop just to barely get into the high stuff.  That leaves you coming back after dark if you have any "issues".  We didn't get home from that trip until 2AM.

Have fun.  Wish I could attend.....

PS - end of march???  There's going to most likely be serious snow up there.  Not sure about the snowpack this year, but that is EARLY for the high stuff.  I'd go on Friday, because it will probably take you thru the end of Saturday to get out.     Also, with those tanks you MUST, MUST carry extra gas. 1/2-1 gal minimum.

Edited by Bill_P, 08 March 2012 - 10:58 AM.

Build a time machine and go back to 1977,
Single track from the rock formation at Red Rock
all the way to the lake and back via DS, also
included the Microwave station.  Took 4
gallons and all day and 90% real singletrack.

That is why I love JB so much.

What has already been said I can only reiterate ....plated from Jawbone or Dove, get a heads up on the trail conditions, try to hook up with someone that knows the area and if you ride from Jawbone bring extra gas.

We've seen way to many unprepared riders....  So make sure before you go, those rides out late winter early spring can get really cold.  Other extras should include water, food and some rope;)

Trailhound, I have been to many places all around the state and considering
your Eastbay location you can find more, and better straight across the valley.
Piutes was great, is great, blah blah blah.

Just go to Little Stoney and your world will be rocked.
1/8 of the drive.

Take some rope so you can tow the busted bikes back out.

Please post details/suggestions about your ride.  We are trying to plan the same ride on April 14th.

Went down something we shouldnt have, destroyed clutch going back up. Now we start pushing and draggin until we find something we can tow the bike on (always bring rope)

If it wasnt for gps and general knowledge of area, we would be in some deep shit.