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Story and photos by
Mike Scott (TXJEEPER)

Because so many drivers showed up early, there was a great shortage of trail bosses to lead the trails. Somehow, I got roped into leading the hardest of the day's organized trails. 3 Stage Hill and 4x4 Hill are legendary in the area for being very challenging hills, where lockers and a well-built rig are a must. Clayton had reportedly received rainfall every day for three weeks, so the hills were slick and muddy.

We headed out for the trailhead promptly at 9am with almost 35 vehicles in line (about 3 times as many as I prefer to lead). All vehicles in the group had 6 ratings, which meant, lifted, minimum 33" tires, and positive locking differentials in both ends. Rigs included Jeeps, Willys, Land Rovers, Toyotas, Samurais, and more.

The first part of 3-Stage Hill is an extremely steep, slickrock climb. To make things interesting, there is a foot and a half straight step part way up. As you can see at the bottom of the hill, 3-Stage is a fun place to come and watch the fights as drivers try to power their rigs over the step.