Salt River Canyon March 9 2013

[LandCruiserPhil]

Run: Salt River From the bottom of Salt River Canyon follow the river West mostly and ?????

Because of the rain today and possible rain tomorrow I dont think you can go all the to Cherry Creek Bridge due to the mandatory water crossings. Chances are drive as far as possible and then back out the same way. In the past I have come out in Cibicue but my guess is too much snow. This is not the area you want to take chances.

The road should be easy with some mud but drivable. Expect to see water , beautiful scenery and lots of water falls

135miles of highway to the bottom of Salt River Canyon and turn off. Plan on all day. Bring food and water.

Early start 7:30-8:00
Meeting place depends on if anyone else goes

This is on the reservation and a FEE AREA. Permit's are available at the bottom.
Because of the area ATVS, quads, golf carts, and side by sides are not allowed. The chances of seeing others has not been in the past

Link from last years trip
https://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-state-cruisers/546720-monday-1-2-2012-wheeling.html

 

[WTFJ80]

Sounds like fun... I would join you if I didn't already have camping plans.

 

[inkpot]

Rained and snowed like crazy in both Superior and Globe yesterday. Came down so had it was hard to find parts at Dave Gore's shop. Scenery should be great if the sun comes out and lights up the snow covered mountain tops. John

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Best trip this year.

Yep still snowing this morning in Superior, top of the World, Globe, and until you drop into SRC.

Once in the bottom the rafters are already going strong but only for a few miles where Cibecue creek comes in. Talked with the rafters and no one was willing to cross Cibecue creek.

Crossed with no problem, didnt even need a snorkel.

Waterfalls were large and plentiful.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Once past Cibecue Creek I was making first tracks and all alone.
A few small landslides to deal with but offset by the solitude and beauty. Crosses Salt Draw and a few other small feeder creeks remembering from last year the challenge would be Canyon Creek.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I see the Canyon Creek crossing and I feel my pulse rise. I get up to it and say to myself NFW. Its 12" - 24" deeper then last year and flowing. I glass the other side looking for tire marks because if someone made I could but no tracks. So I eat lunch and keep looking and thinking...could I.

Like any seasoned wheeler I say to myself if I can walk it I can drive it.

The next part was not pretty and I have no pictures but I can tell you snow run off is extremely cold. I did not make it but I got a mark on the stick almost 1/3 of the way out.
Everything below my waist is num and Im think again NFW. I get dry and warmed up and start thinking again...if someone was to happen I could die trying to winch to nothing on the other side if I didnt get sweep away. . After about a hour I say F-it.

 

[mikeob1]

Awesome! With how fast that water is flowing and your stick measure, It looks like you may have had water over the hood.

Nice Pictures!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Awesome! With how fast that water is flowing and your stick measure, It looks like you may have had water over the hood.

Nice Pictures!

It was flowing hard enough making it difficult to stand. I was only balls deep and was afraid to go in anymore.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I went to leave and said to myself WTF I have a snorkel!

Adrenaline is the best drug I have ever done and I got super high crossing

 

[DSRTRDR]

when in doubt, you gotta scout

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Picture of the same crossing a year ago

 

[Tools R Us]

Looks like good times.

 

[Saddletramp]

Looks beautiful, wish I could have tagged along like last time. The waterfall shots are exactly like we had hoped.

 

[mikeob1]

I went to leave and said to myself WTF I have a snorkel!...

You made it! Did your truck float?

 

[murf]

Awesome trip report Phil

 

[bwesty]

That is one of my favorite drives. Nice work Phil, thanks for sharing.

 

[ScottyDog]

Awesome write up and pics Phil.