Using Forest Roads/ Trails as Escape Routes

Using Forest Roads/ Trails to get out of the “City” is not a bad idea; however there are things to consider before heading out during an emergency.

Even during good weather days these “trails” can be dangerous, and I have seen cars/trucks/vans that didn’t make it and have fallen down to the bottom.  These “roads/ trails” are narrow and are not maintained very well, they change after rain storms, lots of rocks (your tires can get slashed by the sharp rocks), mud (when the road/ trail is wet), Snow, tight turns, fast elevations changes (going up, going down), in areas of high heat or extreme cold, they are rough and have wash-boarding. You are not going to be moving very fast, in-fact 5-15MPH and is not uncommon for long periods of time (very rare to move at freeway speeds); your fuel consumption will increase as well. And this is during a “Good” day.

This can be daunting if you are trying to make a run for it and using the Forest Roads/ Trails for the first time. I personally like taking the “Rally Race” approach, I have a map of the Forest Roads/ Trails that I plan to use, I travel those routes and make notes of areas that maybe problematic with mileage written down so I know when/what (tight right turn, rocks in road, etc.) is coming up, having a passenger be the navigator/ co-pilot to tell you what is coming up will save you grief and from making errors not to mention damage to your vehicle. Remember most of these roads are not short cuts, but more like the scenic route.

Now what about the vehicle you are using? Will it take the stress you are going to put on it (you may have it heavily loaded and may be towing something)? Is the cooling system Heavy Duty and can keep your vehicle engine cool during extreme heat? (Does the A/C blow cold and does the heater work?) Do you have the needed ground clearance? Do you have extra fuel? How are your Tires?  Do you have a good portable air compressor? Do you have 2 spare tires (Expedition Vehicles/ Over-landing Vehicles usually do and for good reason) and will your Tires take the punishment that you will be handing them. Standard “P” tires are great to everyday use, smooth ride, etc., however, “LT” tires offer more durability and can take lots of punishment but you will sacrifice ride quality during normal driving, ¾ ton and 1 ton trucks require “LT” tires. What about vehicle recovery if you get stuck? While driving my routes I look to see what will be needed if I get our vehicle stuck for some reason (do I need a winch, exhaust jack, high lift jack, recovery tracks?). And let’s not forget, do you need 4wd?

Some other considerations: During an actual emergency there will be tons of first time off road enthusiasts, with vehicles not up to the task at hand. Forest Roads/ Trails will busy with people when normally they can be quite empty and not just with Cars/ Trucks but with ATV’s, Dirt Bikes, Side by Sides and even Bicycles.

So if you plan on using Forest Roads/ Trails to get out, then travel the routes (get to know them) be prepared for the unprepared that are trying to leave too and make sure the vehicle you take will serve you and your family/ group well.