Events/Trails Northern AZ CSC July 20 Run (1 Viewer)

[TWILLY]

We will decide time and location soon. It will be off Lake Mary road for the start, and probably 8-9am I’m thinking but we will get dialed in instructions soon.

Kelly and I ran the route today. It’s a good one.

Please reply below (1) if you plan to join, and, if so, (2) if you also plan to camp, so that we can get a head count.

Here’s the deal for July 20th:

8:00 - 8:30: Meet at the north overlook at Mormon Lake here: 34°57'47.2"N 111°26'17.0"W - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ie8aMeWmbgfqy2pz6?g_st=ic

8:30: Roll out.

5:00: Return to Flagstaff or camp on the San Francisco Peaks. Maybe those returning to Flag can coordinate dinner somewhere.

Description:

• From the overlook we’ll turn south onto Lake Mary road, then turning east onto FS 125 across Anderson Mesa, dropping off the Mogollon Plateau, and continuing across the bench country where 125 turns into 126 — and out to Twin Arrows.
• From Twin Arrows we’ll jump on the I-40 to Winona, and then take a convoluted series of forest roads north through turkey tanks and the volcanic field to Leupp Road.
• From Leupp Road we’ll take 244a north and west through the volcanic field to Sunset Crater road. From Sunset Crater road we’ll take FS 546 north and west, continuing through the volcanic field to Hwy 89.
• We’ll go south on 89 to get on FS 418, ascending and traversing around the northern flanks of the San Francisco Peaks to camp or, for those not camping, to Hwy 180 and back to Flag.

Plan for all day. From Flag to Flag, I used exactly one half tank of fuel in my FZJ80. It’s a mix of maintained and unmaintained dirt and cinder; all designated routes. A bit of axle flexing and off camber in places, but nothing too challenging; stocker friendly.

Overall, it’s a lot of very interesting and big scenic country.

Permits: The Arizona State Land Department requires "recreational permits" for entering your state land, available here.

Weather: This route spans hot desert to cool forest, a rich diversity of ecosystems and climates. Plan for intense sun and heat and cold rain on the San Francisco Peaks; today saw both, with ~100* F heat in the low country and a ~50*F downpour with hail on the mountain.

Camping: There are several larger dispersed sites below Hart Prairie that can hold a half dozen or so vehicles. Most were open today, so hopefully that’s the case next week too, but you never know. It’s monsoon, so be prepared for cold rain. Standard stuff: Leave no trace, and let’s keep the vibe family friendly overall. Stage 1 fire restrictions; no campfires. Edit: I see there are temporary route closures on the peaks, including Hart Prairie and FS 151 with the Stage 1 fire restriction. The route description above has been adjusted accordingly.

@kelly saad - anything else I’m missing?

Some photos from today:

 

[kelly saad]

Kelly and I ran the route today. It’s a good one.

Please reply below (1) if you plan to join, and, if so, (2) if you also plan to camp, so that we can get a head count.

Here’s the deal for the July 20th:

8:00 - 8:30: Meet at the north overlook at Mormon Lake here: 34°57'47.2"N 111°26'17.0"W - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ie8aMeWmbgfqy2pz6?g_st=ic

8:30: Roll out.

5:00: Return to Flagstaff or camp on the San Francisco Peaks. Maybe those returning to Flag can coordinate dinner somewhere.

Description:

• From the overlook we’ll turn south onto Lake Mary road, then turning east onto FS 125 across Anderson Mesa, dropping off the Mogollon Plateau, and continuing across the bench country where 125 turns into 126 — and out to Twin Arrows.
• From Twin Arrows we’ll jump on the I-40 to Winona, and then take a convoluted series of forest roads north through turkey tanks and the volcanic field to Leupp Road.
• From Leupp Road we’ll take 244a north and east through the volcanic field to Sunset Crater road. From Sunset Crater road we’ll take FS 546 north and west, continuing through the volcanic field to Hwy 89.
• We’ll go south on 89 to get on FS 418, ascending and traversing around the northern flanks of the San Francisco Peaks, turning south onto FS 151 across Hart Prairie. Campers can camp in this zone, off of FS 794; others can continue to Hwy 180 and back to Flag.

Plan for all day. From Flag to Flag, I used exactly one half tank of fuel in my FZJ80. It’s a mix of maintained and unmaintained dirt and cinder; all designated routes. A bit of axle flexing and off camber in places, but nothing too challenging; stocker friendly.

Overall, it’s a lot of very interesting and big scenic country.

Weather: This route spans hot desert to cool forest, a rich diversity of ecosystems and climates. Plan for intense sun and heat and cold rain on the San Francisco Peaks; today saw both, with ~100* F heat in the low country and a ~50*F downpour with hail on the mountain.

Camping: There are several larger dispersed sites below Hart Prairie that can hold a half dozen or so vehicles. Most were open today, so hopefully that’s the case next week too, but you never know. It’s monsoon, so be prepared for cold rain. Standard stuff: Leave no trace, and let’s keep the vibe family friendly overall. Stage 1 fire restrictions; no campfires.

@kelly saad - anything else I’m missing?

Some photos from today:

View attachment 3677167View attachment 3677168View attachment 3677169View attachment 3677170

You covered everything. Good job. Today was fun, and I am excited to do this again.

 

[RHD100Hurley]

I am in for some wheeling and camping!

 

[lxraider75]

Kelly and I ran the route today. It’s a good one.

Please reply below (1) if you plan to join, and, if so, (2) if you also plan to camp, so that we can get a head count.

Here’s the deal for July 20th:

8:00 - 8:30: Meet at the north overlook at Mormon Lake here: 34°57'47.2"N 111°26'17.0"W - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ie8aMeWmbgfqy2pz6?g_st=ic

8:30: Roll out.

5:00: Return to Flagstaff or camp on the San Francisco Peaks. Maybe those returning to Flag can coordinate dinner somewhere.

Description:

• From the overlook we’ll turn south onto Lake Mary road, then turning east onto FS 125 across Anderson Mesa, dropping off the Mogollon Plateau, and continuing across the bench country where 125 turns into 126 — and out to Twin Arrows.
• From Twin Arrows we’ll jump on the I-40 to Winona, and then take a convoluted series of forest roads north through turkey tanks and the volcanic field to Leupp Road.
• From Leupp Road we’ll take 244a north and west through the volcanic field to Sunset Crater road. From Sunset Crater road we’ll take FS 546 north and west, continuing through the volcanic field to Hwy 89.
• We’ll go south on 89 to get on FS 418, ascending and traversing around the northern flanks of the San Francisco Peaks, turning south onto FS 151 across Hart Prairie. Campers can camp in this zone, off of FS 794; others can continue to Hwy 180 and back to Flag.

Plan for all day. From Flag to Flag, I used exactly one half tank of fuel in my FZJ80. It’s a mix of maintained and unmaintained dirt and cinder; all designated routes. A bit of axle flexing and off camber in places, but nothing too challenging; stocker friendly.

Overall, it’s a lot of very interesting and big scenic country.

Weather: This route spans hot desert to cool forest, a rich diversity of ecosystems and climates. Plan for intense sun and heat and cold rain on the San Francisco Peaks; today saw both, with ~100* F heat in the low country and a ~50*F downpour with hail on the mountain.

Camping: There are several larger dispersed sites below Hart Prairie that can hold a half dozen or so vehicles. Most were open today, so hopefully that’s the case next week too, but you never know. It’s monsoon, so be prepared for cold rain. Standard stuff: Leave no trace, and let’s keep the vibe family friendly overall. Stage 1 fire restrictions; no campfires. Edit: I see there are some temporary route closures on the peaks, including Hart Prairie, with the Stage 1 fire restriction. I will call the Forest Service tomorrow to clarify; we may, in that case, instead camp north of the peaks. I'll report back.

@kelly saad - anything else I’m missing?

Some photos from today:

View attachment 3677167View attachment 3677168View attachment 3677169View attachment 3677170

I am in.

 

[lxraider75]

I am in for some wheeling and camping!

I will be camping

 

[oldmxdog61u]

Darn, still recuperating from surgery. Next time! This looks incredibly scenic. Thank you!!!

 

[bi0m3trics]

I'm planning to go, and if the wife comes along we may have to drop out early. If she decides she doesn't want to go, I'll stick with you all for the whole thing. Either way, won't be camping.

 

[cruzzer76]

We're coming up from Tucson. Not camping, we're staying in Flag, leaving the camper behind this trip.

 

[peacesells63]

I'll be there. Camping, but probably somewhere remote.

 

[toyota guy]

I’m planning on going and camping somewhere remote also.

 

[lxraider75]

Will we need any communication devices. If so ham or some other type?

 

[TWILLY]

Will we need any communication devices. If so ham or some other type?

We haven't discussed; I don't think so.

 

[Stepmurr]

Will we need any communication devices. If so ham or some other type?

You can always honk yer horn, flash yer lights, and yell oot the winder

 

[Living in the Past]

You can always honk yer horn, flash yer lights, and yell oot the winder

You going to show to show how it's done. Morse Code?

 

[TWILLY]

Will we need any communication devices. If so ham or some other type?

We’ll bring a few walkie talkies and CBs for first and last truck.

Horn Morse Code is fine until people get chatty.

 

[peacesells63]

Day 0 camp on Anderson mesa. First picture was the sunset, 2nd is the moon rise at the same time 180 degrees opposite.

 

[bi0m3trics]

Kelly and Taylor from putting it together and thanks to everyone who showed up. A lot of fun and I look forward to our next outing... Now in no particular order... some pics form the morning.

 

[bi0m3trics]

and a few more

 

[cruzzer76]

Thank you Kelly and Taylor! Fun day!

 

[TWILLY]

Today proved yet again that Land Cruisers attract great humans. Thanks everyone for showing up and for a fantastic day!