I drove my 2WD Buick Encore to the American Basin yesterday at 4am. It definitely took a steady hand and maneuvering, especially on the shelf road. Parked in a pull off just after the FIRST stream crossing inside the American Basin Gate. Possibly earlier in the season this crossing may not be doable in a 2WD. It was only a .3 mile walk to the trailhead from where I parked. No marmot activity and in asking folks camping, no complaints.
Posting this to clarify it can be done. You have to pay attention, and not be in a rush. There are spots where if you don't turn your wheel and maneuver appropriately you will bottom out. I only scraped my bumper underneath once. Otherwise, it was totally fine. It took me 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to my parking spot from Lake City.
The worst part was being stuck behind 20 plus Polaris ATV's on the way down. What a drag!
American Basin Trailhead and 2WD
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Kcmartinez22
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jbradish
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Re: American Basin Trailhead and 2WD
Thanks for update!
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Aspen Gold
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Re: American Basin Trailhead and 2WD
What about taking a Toyota Camry to the American Basin trailhead for Handies? Next two weeks.
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JQDivide
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Re: American Basin Trailhead and 2WD
You could probably get to AB with careful driving, but not to the trailhead, creek crossing and significant rocky road to the TH parking area once in AB.Aspen Gold wrote:What about taking a Toyota Camry to the American Basin trailhead for Handies? Next two weeks.
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TravelingMatt
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Re: American Basin Trailhead and 2WD
OP, we have the Trailhead Status area for posts like this. This info will be useful for others in the future and that's where they'll be looking for it.
You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough. -- William Blake
