trip report
Trip report......Our group was myself, Nick (my bro-inlaw), goschbrandon and GF, and CodyRx7.
We went east on the Dugas turnoff, thru Dugas (which is a small ranching community) and out to FS road 68G which took us east towards the Verde Rim. 68G is a rough ass road which did not require me to shift my t-case, but which did reward us with a great veiw of the Verde River wilderness about 8 miles southeast of Squaw Peak. We continued on to the very northern edge of the Pine Mountain Wilderness, where the road dead-ended. On the Prescott Forest map, it shows trails all over this area, but we didn't find them or see any trailhead markers. It is a pretty neat area, with pockets of pine, and oak, whith huge aligator junipers everywhere. But as far as wheeling is concerned, it's very mild.
However, there was one section of road we decided not to tread, and this was the 6 mile trek from the top of the rim to the north side of the Verde Hot Springs. Snow, ice, a layer of mud and a slope to the cliff-side of the road helped us to decide to forego this extra leg.
Personally, I may be interested in going back to do some hiking/camping in the Pine Mountain area sometime in the future. Or when its dry, and someone has an irresistable urge to take that last leg to the Verde, I'd be interested in going. Other than that, not too much excitement.
Brandon and Cody should have some pics to post.
