A few of us were up there about 3 weeks ago. The first water crossing was impassable. I hope you guys get a bit farther than us. Be sure to post photos too!
There is fordyce and then there is the backside way into fordyce which is passable to a point. Phil and them are most likely runninv THE fordyce considering their rigs are built for it...ie SAC'd. I doubt an FJ will make it through the whole trail,
Five FJs (none were SAS, but I can dream) made it to the first water crossing on Fordyce Creek Trail about four weeks ago. We all turned around on granite table as the flow was at 1200 fps, I can promise you won't make it across at the rate.
Two FJs triumphantly made obstical Driveshaft Hill. WOOT!
That being said, yeah its a tough run.
There are two ways to variouse parts of Fordyce.. The standard way is via Eagle Lakes Trail that becomes Fordyce Creek Trail at the first fork (to Eagle Lakes Campground). Stay right and you will soon know your on Fordyce. The other way is Committee Road Trail.. this is more of a last ditch effort to take you OUT of Fordyce (considering you can make the first water crossing) when you take the typical route in. It's beneficial to run Committee if its your first time up as you can see up Fordyce Creek Trail yet your not fully commited at that point. Then you can decide if you want to hit FCT and try for the first water crossing
Last year an FJC and FZJ 80 made it to winch hill number two... It was brutal!
I thought the easy side was Eagle Lakes which is right next to Fordyce. I think because the entrance sign says eagle lakes/ Fordyce.... some people think they are hitting Fordyce. Im not sure tho. It will be my first time tho. I wanted to hit the Rubicon again, but my buddies want to hit Fordyce because we hit the Con 2 weeks ago.
It does not get too difficult until after the first water crossing. Got that far with my 31" AT tires. I have friends with built rigs that run this trail often, your rig Philly will be right at home. Those with IFS (me and most others) will find it very, very difficult to complete this trail.
i'll be at meadow lake on the 9th. my father in law is heading there on the 6th to get our campsite for the trek. i dont think it will be overly busy execpt for at the lake.