Are you ready AzLCA? In my 7-years with the Club I don't ever recall us running the Sutherland Trail. It seems like everytime we all head towards Tucson that we either run Chiva Falls or Charouleau Gap. Why, when such a killer trail like the Sutherland exists?
The Sutherland Trail begins in the town of Catalina, heads down to the border of Catalina State Park (no admission fee for this trail) then follows the old phone line up the Catalina Mountains where the line connects at Mt. Lemmon and Summerhaven. The road used to go to the top following the line. Years ago the top section was closed as it enters wilderness area. We will travel to about the 5500' level which is within a half mile from the trail's end. The last 1/2 mile is almost not passable. (Almost)
Scenery on this trail is pretty impressive as you climb. Better on the return even!
There are some pretty difficult spots on this trail. A few of the harder spots can be bypassed. On some others it's Driver's Choice. Make it easier or make it harder. This trail is not for most stock vehicles, even stock Land Cruisers. Equipped properly however and you will enjoy every minute of the day. This also includes the 100 and 200-Series trucks. Rod Seagle did just fine in his '99 though it was tight in a few places. In fact, Rod put on quite a show making the obstacles look easier than they were. To make sure we all have a good and safe time I think I need to set some minimum vehicle requirements for this trip. They are:
*One traction device required (locking diff and/or traction control)
*55-200 Series Cruisers should have at least a 2" lift
*FJ Cruisers should have at least a 2" lift and/or bigger tires (a stock FJC w'rear locker MIGHT be OK)
*Tacoma 4x4 TRD w'rear locker...fine in stock form
****Recommended: larger tires and rock sliders for all vehicles
DATE: 1/10
MEETING TIME: 8:30 AM...FIRM pull out time is 9:00 AM
MEETING PLACE: McDonalds in the town of Catalina on AZ77 (Oracle Road)
EXPECTED TRAVEL TIME ON TRAIL IS ABOUT 5-HOURS (including lunch)
CB CH 4
My cell phone...520-975-1723
Directions:
Phoenix:
I-10 to Tangerine Road (about 20 miles NW of downtown Tucson)
Exit and go left (east) until the road ends at Oracle Road
Turn left and go north for about 5 miles to the McDonalds
Far east Phoenix:
US60 to Florence Jct
Exit onto AZ79 into and through Florence and onto Oracle Jct
Turn right (south) at Oracle Jct onto AZ77
McDonalds is about 4 miles down the road
COME ON OUT! Here's some previews of the trail:
Optional spot:
100-series:
80-series...wrong line:
View:
