Day run Castle Hot Springs to table Mesa rd

[Mudy mudskipper]

This is the last weekend to go behind Lake Pleasant due to the nesting bald eagles. The area won't be open again until next October. On the way they will be old china dam, Indian Mesa Lookout Post and just a little out of the way Fort Tule homestead. Sunday the 11th

 

[Somebodyelse5]

if my 80 wasn't in pieces in my back yard i'd be there!

 

[Mudy mudskipper]

Well it's possible to drive from Cow Creek road to Table Mesa road out to I17 but, it's not legal.

 

[peacesells63]

Well it's possible to drive from Cow Creek road to Table Mesa road out to I17 but, it's not legal.

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Details?

I ran into more access issues on my last trip out than ever before... that was west of wickenberg a bit, and private land seems to be nowhere but at the end of a public road.

Last I tried, this route was only open during seasons where it was impassible due to lake level.

 

[Mudy mudskipper]

Maricopa County employees stop us at the end of river to Table Mesa Rd. The officials told us this area is closed year round now where the eagles nest. Heading East on table mesa road is vary maintained and is a 0 challeng.

 

[Mudy mudskipper]

There's a free Subaru Forester. The catch is you have to pull it out

 

[LongDuck]

Nice run. Be aware that Table Mesa WEST from I17 has a small section of State Trust Land that you must cross to get to the designated 4×4 staging (*and further shooting areas), but isn't closely monitored. OTOH, Table Mesa EAST from I17 you pass through a State Trust Land gate for several parcels in the area between there and 7-Springs, if you follow it far enough.

Certain times of the year there are a few water crossings to be watchful of, as they're deep pulleys, and any rain in the area would make those impassable. Both good run spots, and I've driven them both East and West many times.

Thanks for the run report, and sounds like you guys had a good time!

 

[tls3601]

Nice run. Be aware that Table Mesa WEST from I17 has a small section of State Trust Land that you must cross to get to the designated 4×4 staging (*and further shooting areas), but isn't closely monitored. OTOH, Table Mesa EAST from I17 you pass through a State Trust Land gate for several parcels in the area between there and 7-Springs, if you follow it far enough.

Certain times of the year there are a few water crossings to be watchful of, as they're deep pulleys, and any rain in the area would make those impassable. Both good run spots, and I've driven them both East and West many times.

Thanks for the run report, and sounds like you guys had a good time!

Thanks for this Thomas

 

[LongDuck]

Made a trip out to Baldy Mountain range today, but the range was closed. Probably because the fog had rolled in and you couldn't see past about 100yds. My neighbor and I then decided to run out to Castle Hot Springs - this is from the West Lake Pleasant park entrance, and with the active rain - heavy at times - the river sections were easily passable, but flowing.

Requisite LC shot of Christian Camp Range, which was open in spite of the rain.

Once past Castle Hot Springs, we decided to make it a round robin onward for the 20mi back to SR74, Carefree Hwy. That section took us about 35min to go 20mi, as it was sloppy mud, with 7-8 mild water crossings, one deep enough for me to stop and contemplate it before choosing my line. It was only 12-14" deep, but the flow rate was what concerned me. Lots of makeshift rock waterfalls in the area that I'd never seen, as every other time I've been out there, it was dry as a bone.

Straight shot across SR74 back to I17, and home. A good (impromptu) run, got to show an Iowan some AZ history and beautiful scenery, complete with fog. Wasn't expecting to get out there today, but making the most of a nice day not at work,