2023 Onyx XT across Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route
The journey across the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route was epic. We started in Steamboat Springs and travelled well over 1300 miles over mountain trails to get to the Four Corners. The route took us 5 days to complete. The hardest day was definitely the Alternate Route taking us up and over Cinnamon Pass. Despite the difficulties it was epic and perhaps one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in the US.
My Outback has 2” AWD Adventure spacers and Alpha 17” wheels and 245/65/17 XL Nitto Nomad Grapplers.
Only one time did we (son and I) question this car’s ability to make it past any obstacle on the route, which was coming across the northern part of Alpine Loop. It was going up California Pass, which comes after Cinnamon Pass, on a switchback. However, what we learned is to keep the X Mode in DeepSnow/Mud which provides a better crawl ratio and torque curve down low. I stayed in manual mode all the way across these mountains and allowed the car to do the work. Water crossings. Mud. Rock. Climbing. Descending. It performed exceptionally well and only suffered a few minor scratches that can be rubbed out with some compound.
Next overland adventure we take (probably next year) the car’s suspension will be fitted differently. I am planning on Rallitek lift (with the AWD spacers), skid plates, and maybe rocksliders.