Spring route report: three days in the Ouachitas

We entered from the north gate with four rigs: a JL on 35s, a Tacoma on 33s, a stock-ish 4Runner, and a Polaris trailer support vehicle. The first ten miles were easy, but the south ridge had fresh water damage.

The creek crossing was lower than expected but the exit had a polished rock ledge. We used a spotter and a small winch assist for the 4Runner. Nobody needed a second attempt once we got the line right.

The camping overlook was excellent, although the wind was strong enough to make cooking uncomfortable. The road beyond the overlook is narrower than the map suggests and a full-size truck would need to commit to several tight reversals.

How was cell coverage on the west side? We are planning the loop next month and want to know whether the emergency check-in plan needs a satellite messenger.

Intermittent service on the ridge, nothing reliable in the valleys. We used a check-in schedule and carried a satellite messenger. The park map was useful, but several old junction signs are missing.

One final note: leave more time for the southern bypass. It was technically easy but slow because of fallen trees. The route is worth doing, just do not schedule it as a quick afternoon loop.