Box Canyon of the Hassayampa Trail

[LostAfrican]

We took our new-to-us LX ('01) for its maiden (off road) adventure a few weeks ago on the Hassayampa Trail. There were 6 of us in the wagon, 2 adults, 2 teens, and 2 shorter people (almost 3 and almost 1).
We had a fantastic time and "Lex" performed famously.
Even had its first swimming lesson.

We drove up to the "puddle" and I inched forward but stopped and backed out when I saw the nose diving. Then I waded across and the water was just above my knee (I am 6'2") and I deemed it passable - so I sent my princess across to video (like any self-respecting MUDder would, right!? - she's 6'1" for good measure) and then proceeded to cross. Kept the speed up a little to make full use of the bow wave.

Since that adventure I have changed both diffs, transaxle and ATF - all were fine. Really are amazing vehicles. Rig is completely stock except for the removal of the running boards and the addition of my DIY front mud flaps. AHC was in "pink flamingo" / HIGH mode.

Trail
Its a great trail with the water, a sand bank to climb (required center diff. lock) with the current street tyres and rock beds. Awesome box canyon and pic-nic spots.

 

[medtro]

Thanks for posting. video.

 

[sxwatson]

I did this in late January and it was almost dry, just a few puddles here and there. I ended up exiting the canyon a ways back in and taking dirt roads all the way to Yarnell came out on the Mina road. Crossed through a big gold mine and tons of small mining setups all along the road all the way to Yarnell. It was good fun and a nice short cut bypassing Congress, although not actually shorter time wise but definitely more scenic... There were lots of side trails in the canyon that I'd like to go back and explore.

 

[murf]

looks like a great time - thanks for posting up your adventure

 

[inkpot]

I did this in late January and it was almost dry, just a few puddles here and there. I ended up exiting the canyon a ways back in and taking dirt roads all the way to Yarnell came out on the Mina road. Crossed through a big gold mine and tons of small mining setups all along the road all the way to Yarnell. It was good fun and a nice short cut bypassing Congress, although not actually shorter time wise but definitely more scenic... There were lots of side trails in the canyon that I'd like to go back and explore.

Great area for exploring. I have made dozens of trips out in that area over the years. The area around the Stanton ghost town is called Rich Hill, one of the highest yielding prospecting areas in the state. There are a few private claims, but most of the area is owned/claimed by the LDMA (Lost Dutchman Mining Association) and the GPAA (Gold Prospectors Association of America). Yes, I am a member of one of these groups. John