• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Off-roading in El Paso, Texas

00kidd

Full Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
425
Location
Texas
There are 2 main off-road areas on the east side of El Paso, Red Sands and the SAC. They are about, and I'm just estimating, 15-20 miles away from each other on paved roads. I've been hearing for a while that you could drive across the desert from one area to the other and I've been wanting to do this for a while and I finally did!

I drove my Av and a buddy of mine took his jeep.  It had rained a few days prior to our little trip and there was a little mud, which was a nice break from all the sand around here. We started at the SAC and went north-east across the desert to our destination of Red Sands. It took us about 2 hours although it probably could have been done in about an hour to an hour and a half.

The best part was that neither of us got stuck! Well actually the best part was that we had fun, but not getting stuck is always nice too!

Enjoy the pics!

P1010003.jpg

P1010002.jpg

P1010005.jpg

P1010004.jpg

P1010006.jpg

 
WHen I lived down there I had a 2 door Tahoe and used to go in the desert between  Joe Battle and Horizon City.  There are several places out through there.  It had a lot deeper sand than what you are showing in your pics.  There is also some good spots on the north side out past Painted Dunes.
 
Ski Edition, the SAC is right off of Joe Battle and we passed just to the north of Horizon on the way up to red sands. For most of the way we were on dirt trails and pipeline roads but there were a few times when it was just straight across the desert, over brush and everything else. I was a little worried about getting a flat for a while. Also it had rained a few days before we went out there and that made the sand more solid. However up at Red Sands the sand is very deep so we stuck to the outside edge so we wouldn't get stuck because we only had a limited amount of time to play.  I've been north of Red Sands, on the other side of Montana, a few time but there are a lot of fences and gates that prevent a lot of access.

The Beast, Yeah it was a lot of fun! I can't wait to get out there again!
 
I was just down there last month for a wedding.  Didn't know that we had anyone active out there or I would have posted something.  Came out for a wedding and mostly played golf:  Emerald Springs,  Painted Dunes, Lonestar, ELP CC and Butterfield Trail.  Stayed at my niece's off of Artcraft.  There is a nice place just north of the old Shipper's Transport building off Joe Battle that I left a few tire tracks in.  Took the AV to the upper valley and played on some family farm land and got a little muddy, but nothing too big.  I should be getting back down there in about 9 months, since the bride just happened to get pregnant on their honeymoon.  ay ay ay  :beating:
 
Hmm, I'm not sure where the old shipper's transport building is, which exit off of Joe Battle? When you come back are you driving the Av or flying? If you bring your truck we should get 'em dirty before you head back.
 
Actually the area is just behind and eaast the ISD Swimming complex.  I always drive if I come down there.  Wish i hadn't looked at this thread now.  I am looking at ads for 2 door Tahoes.  We can definitely hook it up!  (y)
 
Ok yeah that is the SAC (Socorro Student Activities Center - or something like that). Thats where I started when we drove up to red sands. We've been talking about the same place.

Are you driving from TN? I guess thats like 2 full days on the road, I'm from VA so it takes me 3 days to make the drive. Thats why I always fly back home or else I spend half of my vacation driving. It wouldn't be bad if Texas wasn't so huge, lol.
 
I drove from Nashville to El Paso in 20 hours straight.  That 80 mph zone in West Texas sure helps out with the time.  1340 miles and I stayed steady at it.  On the way back we stopped in Greeneville, TX--couldn't take it anymore.  The wedding reception libations just caught up with me.  I planned it to where I drive from Dallas on out at night.  Once you get past Abilene, there is nothing to look at and the cops weren't out either.  We'll stay in touch when I plan my next run out there.  Seriously loved my 2-door Tahoe and have invested about 5-6 hours looking at for sale ads on the computer since I opened this thread--THANKS ALOT!!!  I hear ya about TX being long--Dallas is actually a little over 1/2 way from Nashville to ELP.
 
35thAV said:
Nice looking pics. I don't think my AV has ever been that dirty!
Well there's only one way to fix that...

One thing to keep in mind when playing in mud or water, especially if you have an open air filter element or CAI, is that water in the intake is BAD! I noticed while I was cleaning out the engine compartment today that my filter had been splashed pretty good when I was off-roading last week.  I didn't have any problems at all but its important to keep in mind. Just giving everyone a heads up.  I know this is common sense but I wasn't thinking about while I was in the mud, not until I was cleaning under the hood.

P1010007-1.jpg


On a related note, I can't believe that no one makes a snorkel for the Av. I know someone on here made one once and it turned out very nice! I know there is a demand, where is the supply?
 
00kidd said:
Well there's only one way to fix that...

One thing to keep in mind when playing in mud or water, especially if you have an open air filter element or CAI, is that water in the intake is BAD! I noticed while I was cleaning out the engine compartment today that my filter had been splashed pretty good when I was off-roading last week.  I didn't have any problems at all but its important to keep in mind. Just giving everyone a heads up.  I know this is common sense but I wasn't thinking about while I was in the mud, not until I was cleaning under the hood.


On a related note, I can't believe that no one makes a snorkel for the Av. I know someone on here made one once and it turned out very nice! I know there is a demand, where is the supply?

That was Lord Aries.  That thread makes a D.I.Y. very easy.  If you can get past the drill a 2" hole in the side of your AV part  :laugh:
 
Tango Chaser said:
That was Lord Aries.  That thread makes a D.I.Y. very easy.  If you can get past the drill a 2" hole in the side of your AV part   :laugh:
Yeah thats who it was! Here is the link to the thread http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,85338.0.html

Ski Edition said:
We'll stay in touch when I plan my next run out there.  Seriously loved my 2-door Tahoe and have invested about 5-6 hours looking at for sale ads on the computer since I opened this thread--THANKS ALOT!!!
Ok, sounds great! And by the way, You are very welcome!  (y)

 
P1010007-2.jpg

P1010008-3.jpg

P1010010-1.jpg

P1010012-2.jpg


Made it up every hill, although a few took a couple of tries as you can see. Had a ton of fun!
 
<div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed786.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy143%2Fcg71ewsw%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.pbsrc.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s786.photobucket.com/albums/yy143/cg71ewsw/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.pbsrc.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

First time trying to post picks si if it works.
Me and 00KID play in the sand and the mud

Ok pics didn't come up on here but the links seem to work
 
Lol, I think somehow you posted the whole slideshow in there. For next time its the link that starts with img. Here are some of the highlights:
IMG_0539.jpg

Me stuck
IMG_0540.jpg

cg71 getting ready to pull me out.
IMG_0543.jpg

Me back in the hole, I made it though this time and the time after that.  (y)
IMG_0546.jpg

cg71 getting a little mud on his tires
IMG_0547.jpg

IMG_0549.jpg

IMG_0550.jpg

IMG_0557.jpg

and here is the link to the video of me being pulled out: http://s786.photobucket.com/albums/yy143/cg71ewsw/?action=view&current=MVI_0541.flv
 
Thanks guys! I've got one more, its a picture that cg71 blended together for me. I think its wicked!
 

Attachments

  • 12637_100530079975398_100000552190257_12256_4469731_n.jpg
    12637_100530079975398_100000552190257_12256_4469731_n.jpg
    32.6 KB · Views: 256
thomsen05 said:
Nice job    (y) (y)   hey did you ever get that motor cleaned off?    >:D
Yeah but it wasn't easy. Plus I had to replace the alternator  :E:
 
Thought I was gonna have to change my alternator after our hunting trip the other day.  Lost electrical power and it started flucuating really bad after I jumpstarted it.  after charging the battery properly and letting it idle for about 30 minutes all is good again.
 
Back
Top