Tejon Ranch - is 4x4 Necessary?

[Dpace]

I'll be getting a membership to the ranch and wondering if a 4x4 is absolutely necessary when driving the trails there? I currently have a 4x2 Ford Escape and want to know if that is sufficient to get around the ranch? I know it can get nasty there during the rainy season and don't want to get stuck in the mud.

 

[socalkid]

First of all congrats on the membership! I did it spring of 08 and it was a great experience.

As for your question, it depends on when you'll be up there. Summer time you should be fine when the roads are dry. But if there has been a recent rain, 4x4 is definitely required or you'll get stuck. We didn't have a four wheel drive vehicle at the beginning of our membership so we borrowed a friends truck.

 

[acousticmood]

Also if you plan on going up high the trails are pretty narrow so you can plan on getting scratched up.

Congrats on the membership

 

[THE LAB GUY]

I would think so up in that area, I will never hunt without a 4 wheel Drive, use it once and it pays for it self either be big,game upland of H20 hunting. You will get a better know how for the property after going there a couple of times. Enjoy your membership and happy hunting. The Lab Guy

 

[REM3006]

I've hunted Tejon a couple of times. I drove a 4x4 for peace of mind.

 

[Dpace]

thanks for the input everyone

 

[One Track]

You can get around 80% of the ranch with 2x. However, it could rain at the drop of a hat and you would be screwed. If you were in deep or at the top of the mountains and it rained, you would be in serous trouble. Even with 4x4, if it rains, we get out of the big mountains ASAP. I mean, we run to the truck and get off the mountain as soon as possible - with 4x4. Once the dirt gets wet, it turns to slim and it doesn't matter if you have 4x or not. At least, that's the deal with a big trucks. Jeeps and Samurais are much more functional in that slimy stuff.

Trade your Escape in for a small 4x4, and you won't have to worry about it. Have fun.

 

[MJB]

Like OT said.....Even in the dry summer months you can need a 4 x 4 for some roads they are just that steep and no room for error.
Jeeps and the UTVs are good and can go a little further but not much. When the rain and melting snow happens you don't go up or down you stay on flat roads which is hard to do on that ranch. I feel you'll be fine most of the time it's just a little safer with the right gear. Try the UTVs they are light and less expensive than a new jeep or truck, but that Rubicon is hard to beat! If you go the truck route go no bigger than 1500 otherwise length and weight can be an issue. I hunt the ranch in jeeps or a GMC 1500.