February 21-22, 2025, McCain Valley, Corral Canyon
The group pointed our grills east and headed out to the far reaches of San Diego County for an off-road adventure through the Cleveland National Forest and along McCain Road. From the moment the convoy aired down and rolled onto dirt, it was clear this was going to be one of those trips that reminds you why you own a Land Rover in the first place. Dusty trails, wide-open skies, and a line of Rovers stretching into the distance set the tone for a classic SoCal backcountry escape.
One of the highlights was the incredible mix of vehicles spanning multiple generations of the marque. We had Discoveries of various vintages, classic and modern Defender 110s, and beautifully set up rigs wearing their weekend’s worth of dust like a badge of honor. Roof racks loaded with recovery gear and camping kits, spare tires mounted proudly on the back doors, and a few well-earned mud splashes told the story of a group that actually uses these trucks the way they were intended. Seeing old and new models crawling the same trails together is always a powerful reminder of the brand’s heritage and capability.
The route itself offered a bit of everything. Rolling hills dotted with wind turbines, rocky climbs, narrow brush-lined sections, and sweeping desert vistas kept drivers engaged and passengers glued to the scenery. We encountered a few unexpected changes along the way, including road closures from recent rain, but true to form the group adapted quickly. Alternate routes were plotted, phones buzzed with friendly updates, and before long we were back in rhythm, exploring new stretches of trail we might have otherwise missed.
For those who camped, the adventure didn’t end when the engines shut off. Evenings were spent swapping stories, dialing in camp setups, and enjoying the quiet of the forest. While none of us caught a glimpse of the mountain lion rumored to prowl the campsite, there was a shared feeling that maybe it saw us — quietly judging our tire choices and rooftop tent deployments from the shadows. It added just the right touch of wilderness mystique to an already memorable weekend.
All in all, it was a fantastic outing filled with capability, camaraderie, and the kind of flexibility that defines great trail groups. Changing plans and muddy detours only added to the sense of adventure. Most importantly, it was another reminder that what makes these trips special isn’t just the terrain — it’s the people behind the wheel and the shared love for getting our Land Rovers out where they belong. We’re already looking forward to the next one.
🏔**LRCSD Trail Leader is a volunteer position. We have leaders with a ride range of trail experience – you do NOT need to have competed in a Camel Trophy or be able to navigate narrow trails blindfolded. Interested in becoming a trail leader? Or maybe you’d like to hear more about what would entail, please Email The Board or inquire at the next club meeting!
