Hopefully after reading these blogs, you can more easily duplicate this adventure if you're so inclined.
Continuing from last time...
Once the proper trail had been found, the route got steeper and narrower as the canyon walls began to close in.
I tend to shift into low range early, not because the 4Runner doesn't have enough power, but because low range is easier on the transmission and the brakes when things get steep. The other reason is that I'm a little under-geared for the tire size I'm using. When I re-geared I was running 33's so 4.56 gears were an ideal match. Now that I've got 35's bolted up I'd be better off with 4.88's.
A short wooden sign next to the trail advised "Rough Road: 4WD Only." This canyon doesn't demand long-travel suspension, but parts of it are steep enough and narrow enough (cliffside shelf road) that the extra control afforded by 4WD low range becomes a must.
It's also worth noting that there are three trailheads within the Champion Mine area. The first is the dirt road trailhead at White Mountain Ranch Road. The second is the lower hiking trailhead up the canyon, and the third is the upper hiking trailhead. Both hiking trailheads have the same destination: the lower Champion Mine camp.