Phoenix area 3/12-16

[Bear80]

Hey guys I'm headed out that way from TX for spring break. It's been almost 6 years since the last time I was there and would love some input on trails to run. Last time we just winged it and ran some but I'm really curious to run some of the crown king trails. Also any input on maybe heading to Moab instead of staying in Phoenix. I've never been to Moab and have no real idea what to expect. If I do head to Moab I would like to have 2 days to run some trials, how is lodging...I won't have room in the 80 for camping gear(people)

Thanks for any input on the Phoenix area or Moab!

Ben

 

[-Spike-]

DeSoto Mine is one of my favorite trails by Crown King, there's also the run from Lake Pleasant (close to PHX) to CK, often called the 'back road to CK'. There are probably hundreds of trails in that area, what difficulty/type are you looking for and are there any places you'd like to see?

SWANKy (SouthWest Area Nissan Klub (yota)) is having their annual AZ Run 3-12 through the 18th. 15-20 trucks running some nice trails in the Florence Junction area. http://nissan4wheelers.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/93610538321 for info on that. Don't let the 'Nissan' scare you away, there's always some Yota's in the group, some of them LC's.

-Spike

 

[Bear80]

Thanks! exactly what I was looking for. Well I'll be taking my 97 with the 2.5" lift and 33's, no sliders or bumpers. I really don't want to bang it up and I'm sure there are plenty of trails I can run without damage. I really want to climb some hills, not much around here other than rocks and mud.

 

[Bear80]

I just checked out the nissan guys. Do I need a state permit to be out there on the trails? around Crown king?

 

[-Spike-]

Not around CK, but that's not where the Nissans are going. If you planned on spending the nights with them, you'd need the permit. CK is north of PHX, Florence is southeast.

-Spike

 

[Tools R Us]

Your a couple of days early, a bunch of us will be cruising the Florence area March 17-19 for Azrocks. The Florence area requires the permit, without one you can be ticketed. CSC has a club permit, so our activitys are covered.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=80502

 

[Bear80]

Well the Florence area sound fun, but alot of talk about sliders, bumpers. Would most of these trails be out of my league then? Is the CK area enough to keep me busy for 3 days? Any other areas I might want to check out? I think I will send off for a permit just encase I want to check out the Florence area. Thanks again for the input guys!

 

[DBAX]

Lake pleasant to CK, (camp there), Desoto North to Sedona, run Oak creek homestead (camp there), Broken Arrow, Soldier pass road, and Teacup trail. Then up Shnebly Hill to I-17 again (camp somewhere near Flagstaff) and off to MOAB..
Nice 3 day tour of central AZ, good luck

 

[RHINO]

Desoto North to Sedona,

DBAX has a great plan but he neglected to add,,,, desoto to sedona through prescott and jerome. thats worth the drive right there. and since yer goin by jerome might as well throw in smiley rock trail on the way.

 

[Bear80]

Is there any place I can get some maps of the location of these trails. I would love to camp but I think due to the passangers I won't have room for a bunch of camping gear. My 'wheeling will have to be close enough to leave phoenix in the am and be back each night. Though I think I can wing some sleeping bags and food and just sleep in the 80.

 

[-Spike-]

There are 4x4 map books showing most of the runs for certain regions/states, although I disremember the title at the moment.

Googled, here it is: http://www.4x4books.com/ab.htm Shows most if not all the trails we've mentioned. I've persoanlly seen stock LC's on Smiley Rock, so don't be afraid of the 'D' for 'difficult' rating. I've been on all the trails mentioned, and don't think you'd have a problem. If you could swing DeSoto on a weekend, I'd be happy to tag along. Post up your plans if you'd like company.

-Spike

 

[Bear80]

Well looks like I'll be 'wheeling out there Monday thru Wednesday (next week 13-15) I'll actually be in town sunday thru thursday. I think we'll be camping monday night at one of the locations that DBAX pointed out. Then head back into town late tuesday evening. Wednesday it'll be where ever else we want to check out. It'd be great if anyone else could come out and joint. Thanks again guys for the help picking trails.

 

[Bear80]

Well so far, Monday we took Senator Highway. Started in Mayer took the split at Turkey Creek towards Prescott. Would have done Desoto Mine but there was so much snow, and it was fun being the first up Senator Highway!

Today we tried to take some trails along the Beeline (87) but they were all closed. We did find one that ran down Sycamore Creek. Got tight and had some killer bolders.....I'd say guys even on 38's wouldn't make it past where we had to turn around.

Tomorrow is still up in the air.......I'm sure we'll find somewhere fun to hit. Snow, rocks now I need some steep hill climbs.