> I did this in late 1986 in my Toyota 4x4 pickup. We were n the canyon
> for 4 hours. I'm not sure if they will let a VW syncro do it. Besides
> 4x4 they also say high clearence is needed. The drive in in & along the
> river bottom & is very sandy & deep in places.

This is interesting and I'd love to do it...BUT:   In my experience my
'91 Syncro Westy is NOT good in loose sand, at least not good in
loose dry sand, at least not fully loaded and with 185 tires.  Tires too
narrow, and the engine does not have enough horsepower to 'surf' on
loose sand.  Wet sand may be somewhat different and  gravel and
stone and sandy bottom may give traction to at least one wheel to
keep going.  But when all 4 wheels hit loose sand, in about 10 yards
my van would bog down and I then needed to put sand ladders under
the wheels to get me out.  In loose dry sand, as soon as one spins the
tires, the vehicle sinks.   Syncros are good as long as there is solid
traction for 1 or 2 wheels.    malcolm