“You can’t get through” he said.

We were starting up Powell Canyon, in west-central Nevada. It was the start of what was to be about a three-day excursion. The roads were really smooth. (Tourists come through this area all the time – in passenger vehicles, of course.) We were looking forward to a relaxing trip to the campsite.

At one point we encountered a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The driver waved us down and said the road was washed out. I asked if we could get through. He said “no,” and continued on his way.

I respect other drivers’ opinions but always prefer to see for myself. I decided to press on.

As we progressed, road conditions deteriorated until we spotted the area of concern. Apparently a major storm had hit recently. Everything was really torn up. You can see the damage in this image.

I have encountered severe washouts before, but this was immense. I was determined to find a solution. But I was determined to find a solution. I didn’t want to give up on our trip. We discovered an alternative, safe route up stream and resumed the drive. We arrived in camp about an hour later than planned, but with ample daylight for setup and relaxation.

Four-wheeling experience, training build confidence

This incident showed the benefits that four-wheeling experience and training bring to a situation. Drivers are confident enough to at least try to overcome the challenge.

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen people turning back, saying, “You can’t get through. It’s too slippery/It’s too muddy, etc.” Yet, when we get to the bad part of the trail, we discover that conditions aren’t as bad as stated. Or that, due to our knowledge and experience, we are able to continue on.

This is a satellite picture of the road before the storm.

Perform your own analysis

Success hinged on a thorough analysis. Unlike the driver we encountered, we didn’t merely turn around and leave. Instead, we stopped to assess the situation and develop a plan.

My thinking was, “Let’s look and see if we can get around this somewhere.”

First, we walked back up the trail to inspect its condition. In doing so, we found a shallower spot that wasn’t damaged too badly. We backed up and crossed over there, bypassing the severely washed-out portion. Our trip was saved, and we enjoyed a nice outing in that area.

Of course, we could’ve encountered additional washouts along our route. That’s possible anywhere a storm has passed through. This road was in pretty good shape beyond the major washout.

Four wheeling naturally involves quick thinking and decision making. A case in point: Roads and trails that start off smoothly can turn challenging at any time. Take stock in what you know. With four-wheeling experience, along with the right training, you can handle those situations. You may not have to turn around and go home.

Feel free to question someone else’s advice. Just because that driver couldn’t negotiate the obstacle, doesn’t mean you can’t. Consider the other driver’s advice but perform your own analysis. Simply tell yourself, “I need to look at it for myself.” You may have more options than the other person did. That was the case in Powell Canyon.

Yours may not be the perfect solution, but if it gets you out of a jam, that’s darn good. And you’ve learned from the experience.

# # #

Did you miss the previous articles?

2025

2025-08-07 Tow Bar Invaluable For Four Wheeling
2025-07-18 Valuable Hacks for Tent Camping
2025-06-10 8 Valuable Hacks For Four-Wheeling And Camping
2025-05-26 10 Concepts For Responsible Four-Wheeling
2025-04-15 Trail Leader Safety
2025-03-22 Wheel Cheat: What It Is and How to Avoid It
2025-02-09 How to Quickly Escape a Natural Disaster
2025-01-14 Be A Hit At Camp With A Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie

The 2025 schedule of clinics and adventures trips is posted on the web site.

See the entire 2025 Schedule

73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.

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Want to Use This Article in Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4×4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

“You can’t get through” he said.

October 2025

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Related posts:

Tow Bar Invaluable For Four Wheeling

Valuable Hacks for Tent Camping

8 Valuable Hacks For Four-Wheeling And Camping

10 Concepts For Responsible Four-Wheeling

Trail Leader Safety

Wheel Cheat: What It Is and How to Avoid It

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“You can’t get through” he said.

October 2025

November 2025

December 2025

Related posts:

Tow Bar Invaluable For Four Wheeling

Valuable Hacks for Tent Camping

8 Valuable Hacks For Four-Wheeling And Camping

10 Concepts For Responsible Four-Wheeling

Trail Leader Safety

Wheel Cheat: What It Is and How to Avoid It

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