Best Overlanding near Greer/Eastern AZ? (1 Viewer)

[Jackal301]

Hey all,

I've done quite a bit of overlanding in Central AZ and Northern AZ.. but I have yet to explore much of Eastern AZ (mostly because of the drive time and campfire ban in AZ). I am interested in doing some backpacking on the East Fork Little Colorado River near Mt. Baldy and overlanding near Greer/Eastern AZ.

Any good overlanding spots with spectacular views or ideas from previous experience?

TIA!

 

[Clunky]

I'm also interested in learning more about the Greer area. It looks like there's some good fishing and potential creekside spots on the East Fork of the Black River.

 

[Mattman]

The East Fork of the Black River is really cool but any camping near the water is campground style and crowded. I have a spot I like up the hill to the north a ways (<5 miles) that is away from all the crowds but close enough to drive down to fish. I'm sure there are plenty of other areas to explore all around there though.

 

[GeoRoss]

Tons of forest roads around Big Lake. Don't fully trust Gaia, but there are lots of interesting links off of FS116 and FS68

 

[Dimples]

I own property an hour North of that area. I should go exploring some time.

 

[splitshot]

The White Mountain Apache reservation is just east of there. Several lakes and streams with excellent fishing and the further one goes the less people.
Tribal regulations and fees are involved, but if you want to get away from it all, this would be my choice.

 

[Dimples]

The White Mountain Apache reservation is just east of there. Several lakes and streams with excellent fishing and the further one goes the less people.
Tribal regulations and fees are involved, but if you want to get away from it all, this would be my choice.

I know the Zuni reservation and several others are not letting anyone on Tribal Land except for conducting official business. This may not be an option for a while.

 

[splitshot]

Blue River south of Alpine is also a great venture.

 

[splitshot]

I know the Zuni reservation and several others are not letting anyone on Tribal Land except for conducting official business. This may not be an option for a while.

Bet a dollar Casinos are official biz. But fishing? Camping? In the great outdoors?

 

[bwesty]

Bet a dollar Casinos are official biz. But fishing? Camping? In the great outdoors?

Yes the San Carlos and WMAT are closed to non tribal member recreation. Lots of good forest roads all over up in the Whites and western NM to explore. Best way is to grab a good natl forest map(s) and go driving. Not many 4x4 roads but there's some if you know where to look and willing to spend time to explore and drive further

 

[Pitch]

Pretty sure AZ residents are not allowed in NM currently, either (or must isolate themselves... Like camping?).

For these reasons, eastern AZ is somewhat limited currently. This is why I just got back from a few days in southern UT (Markagunt and Paunsaugunt Plateaus). I never camped below 10k feet, and social distancing was super-easy

 

[Clunky]

Pretty sure AZ residents are not allowed in NM currently, either (or must isolate themselves... Like camping?).

Hmmmm, sure seems like an American citizen can travel to any state. I’ll have to dig deeper, but that sounds like yet another overreach.

 

[bwesty]

The NM travel advisory issued is not specific to any certain state residents on the official page. Camping and traveling through the state is not a problem. I spent a couple days traveling through NM. They definitely have stricter guidelines to follow than other areas though.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

The NM travel advisory issued is not specific to any certain state residents on the official page. Camping and traveling through the state is not a problem. I spent a couple days traveling through NM. They definitely have stricter guidelines to follow than other areas though.

x2. We had no issues being in NM this past weekend. But they are 100x stricter about masks than anywhere I’ve been in AZ. Their official position is:

If visitors or part-time residents plan to stay in New Mexico longer than two weeks for any reason, you must self-quarantine for the first 14 days when coming in from another state.

If you are staying in New Mexico for fewer than two weeks, you also must self-quarantine for the duration of your stay or up to 14 days, whichever is shorter. (For example, if you plan to stay at a hotel for two nights before leaving the state, you must self-quarantine for the duration of your stay.)“

See here: COVID-19 FAQs

 

[Living in the Past]

Pretty sure AZ residents are not allowed in NM currently, either (or must isolate themselves... Like camping?).

For these reasons, eastern AZ is somewhat limited currently. This is why I just got back from a few days in southern UT (Markagunt and Paunsaugunt Plateaus). I never camped below 10k feet, and social distancing was super-easy

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Did you decide to go with a lighter camper setup? A lot different than last fall on the rim. Don't think you need to bring any Taco this year, as it doesn't look like Casner Mountain isn't happening.

 

[MrMikeyG]

I vaguely remember an article in Outside magazine from probably 16-20 years ago regarding Greer, AZ. I found it neat because it happens to be my surname. I've yet to visit Arizona at all. I have a cousin down there now though for an extra shot of motivation. Do Greers get a discount in Greer?

 

[TWILLY]

Pretty sure AZ residents are not allowed in NM currently, either (or must isolate themselves... Like camping?).

For these reasons, eastern AZ is somewhat limited currently. This is why I just got back from a few days in southern UT (Markagunt and Paunsaugunt Plateaus). I never camped below 10k feet, and social distancing was super-easy

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Awesome. Find any Ray Ban aviators? I lost mine in this ^ exact spot a month ago. I agree - the high country of south-central Utah sure is excellent camping this time of year.

Someone mentioned getting permits to camp on the White Mountain Apache land. I looked into this in June, but permits weren't available owing to COVID, and the roads entering were posted as closed as well (I wasn't trying to enter, just driving by).

 

[Cactuscrzr]

I grew up in the White Mountains. You really can’t go wrong up there. Big Lake is 9000’ so don’t expect to hop out and go for a bike ride without giving yourself some time to acclimate. I like to setup camp and chill on day one. The aspen trees are my favorite and the sound through the leaves can’t be beat. I’d suggest just driving the FS roads until you see something you like, set up camp, and drive some more. Take a map or GPS. You are in the trees a lot so may be easy for some to get turned around. Evening is the best time to see game when you are driving around. Have fun. I’ll be up there this weekend.

 

[Cactuscrzr]

One more thing, I hiked Baldy in the monsoon one year. Being near the top in a thunder storm was not fun. One of my scariest nature moments. Made for a good story, unless you ask my wife about it.

 

[Jackal301]

The White Mountain Apache reservation is just east of there. Several lakes and streams with excellent fishing and the further one goes the less people.
Tribal regulations and fees are involved, but if you want to get away from it all, this would be my choice.

I am unfamiliar with the Tribal regulations regarding camping and stuff. How do I go about getting permits and whatnot? I know almost everything with Navajo is closed right now due to COVID.