Fixit Pass

Great trail. Almost all of this would be more like a 3 in my opinion other than coming down the pass itself in 2 or 3 spots that probably make this about a 5. This trail lived true to its name of "fix it" for us as we had two broken front shock mounts at the first pass (we went from the Southern end towards the North). We got them working enough to do the rest of the trail after some modifications. It was very scenic and a great trail otherwise.

Fabulous trip and one of the most beautiful trips ever. The swell in any other state would be a national park. This is one of our favorite trails in the San Rafael swell.

So...I had not read the latest review of Fixit pass prior to my adventure, that's on me! I decided to attempt Fixit Pass/Coal Wash in reverse starting from Cane Wash in my Storyteller Mode van. From Cane Wash to the top of Fixit Pass was a very nice drive, narrow in some sections and I had to do some maneuvering to avoid serious pinstriping at times but easily doable. However when I descended down past the switchback on Fixit Pass I realized it was no longer "fixed" and instead posed a very daunting challenge for my van! With some creative use of loose boulders and my Maxtrax I was able to make it down but I did do some minor damage to my side step and narrowly avoided gouging the upper portion of my roof do to some unavoidable sever lean angles! Once past Fixit the challenge only eased a little as Coal Wash was plenty challenging with the erosion that had occurred and I again was required to get pretty creative in my maneuvering. All in all, super glad to get through it all with only some minor damage. Not recommended for stock 4x4 (my van is modified with and has extra clearance and that is the only reason I made it through).

I apologize for not posting this earlier, and it is probably old news and Fix-it-Pass has been repaired, but Fix-it-Pass, was “unfixed”, by the same weather system that, produced the flash flood that devastated Hanksville on September 2nd, 2021. On 9/27/21 we intended to take the Eva Conover trail to Cane Wash, via the South and North Forks of Coal wash, and then over Fix-it-Pass and back to civilization. We didn’t make it over the Pass, the “fixed” west side of the pass was a boulder field, and since we were solo, we turned around and exited through Ferron. FYI, Eva Conover, usually a 3 and 4 rated trail was at least a 4 plus, and took us twice as long as normal, also the North Fork of Coal Wash was not the usual easy route to Ferron either. If Fix-it-Pass has been “fixed” again, please post an update.

Finally got out to confirm the accusations (on Facebook as well as a review from Rob below) that this trail had been "fixed" or graded. Yes it has been. The trail guide will be updated with new photos and a matching drop rating. It is sad to see it go. I feel like grading this trail was a waste of money, as most people probably preferred the challenge, and that difficulty kept the trail a little less busy in return. Now, this trail will be run by everyone and likely show it. Sad to see one of the only "difficult" trails in the Swell fixed.

Ran the trail from south to north on the above date. You can call it "Fixed Pass" now. That tough spot called out in the TO video on youtube is no longer tough. The boulders have been removed and the section can be covered in no time. In our direction of travel, we went down that section and while it is steep, without the boulders it's just a cruise downhill in low range. The rest of the trail is very scenic and easy. Though the dry wash that intersects with the North end of Devil's racetrack and eventually the Eva Conover trail was wickedly washboarded that could not be overcome with speed.

This is an awesome trail and easily one of my favorites in the area. It provides a good challenge, but then you are rewarded with stunning sights. Due to the composure of the trail itself, it changes with every rig that attempts it. It was definitely more chewed up this time than the last time I ran it. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time if you are not wildly built as you can easily get hung up coming up the pass!

It has been a while since I last ran this trail. Its really fun and starts off with a bang if you run the pass uphill. This year, the pass was much rougher than I remembered and I required a little bit of spotting over the boulders. I had forgotten that after a long day, it takes a long time to complete the entire trail to Neilson Dugway. This is a great trail to do in the area, but stock vehicles could have a problem over the pass depending on its condition, so beware.

This is an awesome trail. The challenge is fun right out of the gate. Once you reach the top, the views show. Definitely recommend if you are in the area. It is popularly run with Devil's Racetrack. The only thing is this trail is popular with SxS's, ATV's, and dirt bikes which mean you need to keep it slow around blind corners and always be paying attention. Trail etiquette seems to be lacking on these desert trails.