Salt River Canyon Saturday April 14, 2012 (1 Viewer)

[LandCruiserPhil]

Rain is predicted for Saturday April 14 and I'm looking at Salt River Canyon. I did this run several months ago and with all the potential waterfalls I vowed to go again during the rain. Plan is to go in less then 20 miles and possible exit out of Cibecue via Canyon Creek. You cross a couple creeks that feed the Salt River that could be hazardous depending on the flow and could alter plan. Plan on low traction conditions aka mud and some water crossing. This will be a all day event leaving early Saturday morning and expect to return in the dark. There is ~125miles of pavement just to get to the dirt.

This is a fee area ($15 per person not per vehicle). Fee can be paid at the base of Salt River Canyon. This is incredibly scenic area and is worth cost of admission.

Previous trip to Salt River Canyon <LINK

Right now this is planned a solo trip. Depend on the response will determine a start and meeting time and location.

 

[Manuelsv]

I'm working on convincing the but I am tentatively in..
Last time I was out there was 10 years ago one of the water crossings was pretty high and my buddy hidrolocked his 2 year old 4runner! we pulled a sparkplug and it popped right out under pressure!!!
Had to drive back in my truck to the nearest Uhaul, get a dolly, and tow my bud back thru those narrow ledge trails.. took us the better part of 2 days for the recovery... Missed a day of work.. etc.. etc....
I've had a snorkel on all my trucks after that! I can't be that guy!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I'm working on convincing the but I am tentatively in..
Last time I was out there was 10 years ago one of the water crossings was pretty high and my buddy hidrolocked his 2 year old 4runner!
Had to drive back in my truck to the nearest Uhaul, get a dolly, and tow my bud back thru those narrow ledge trails.. I've had a snorkel on all my trucks after that! I can't be that guy!

There will be no Hydro locking going on! If I cant walk it, I'm not crossing with a snorkel or not.

 

[murf]

Dang, I really want to go on this run but will be unavailable. Maybe next time you go Ill jump in.

have fun guys

put the snorkel to use Phil

 

[Manuelsv]

In our defence

We where Seniors in college and thought we knew everything!!
Apparently some things in life are only learned tru experience!
I crossed before him in my 4runner SLOWLY!!! then he thought faster better.. Built up a wave, and that was that! I had to cross back going around his stuck runner in the middle!!! Both trucks completely stock and same height!
He's never lived it down! Always get's pissed when I say it's not the truck it's the driver! When we talk about offroad capabilities!

There will be no Hydro locking going on! If I cant walk it, I'm not crossing with a snorkel or not.

 

[Tools R Us]

... Always get's pissed when I say it's not the truck it's the driver! ...

It's also about knowing the rig and it's capability. Most 4Runners have the air intake in a very poor location for fording. Fortunately, the '80 series does not share this weakness.

 

[Manuelsv]

YeeeePeee!!!

Both me and are in for tomorrow!!! I'm excited to go back the Canyon!! It's truly and amazing scenery there!
I'm in Tempe if this helps with the meeting location?

 

[a.mus.ed]

I'm guessing those 125 miles aren't in this direction...

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I'm guessing those 125 miles aren't in this direction...

About 40 miles north of Globe

 

[bwesty]

So how was the trip? How were the creek crossings? I imagine the inclement weather made a great opportunity to see some waterfalls, washes moving and snow in the lower elevations.

 

[Manuelsv]

Trip report

It was an awesome Saturday, In the end it was Phil and us for the 2 vehicle expedition! We left Apache junction arround 9 from the usual meeting spot.and headed out at 9AM.. Fueled up in Miamy and headed for the SR Canyon!
Once at the bottom of the switchbacks, aired down and headed down the trail.We started going down the min trail for a good 5 miles or so before we found a small and unused trail that we began to explore.. I am sure Phil has a more technical and informed map explanation of the trail, but we departed the canyon trail and headed up the mountains to some amazing scenery that put is in the snow! We had sideways snow for a while, and it was just amazing! Trail seemed unused for at least a year, but passable. Had to go around a few fallen trees, and navigate some places where the trail was barely visible! Lots and Lots of sticky slippery clay mud that got everywhere! Lots of sliding and fun on the trail! Phil was nice enough to bring an extra CB for us so we had fun talking and navigating the trail.. (I've got to get a CB! ) All I have to say is my kept saying "It's soooooooo beautiful!!!! " Anyhow.. Enjoy the pictures!!!

 

[Manuelsv]

More pics

More pics

 

[Manuelsv]

more pics

We had a good photographer with us! Thanks Gorge!

 

[Manuelsv]

Our lunch spot

Enjoy!

 

[Manuelsv]

After Lunch!

That's when the trail got more interesting and very very muddy!! Had to spend 25 at the coin wash to get most of the mud last night!

 

[Manuelsv]

Going arroud fallen tree

Really looked like no-one used the trail for a looong time!! Lots of trees blocking the path!

 

[Manuelsv]

looks like th last crew thu here 11-12-11

looks like th last crew thu here 11-12-11 Someone with a chainsaw cleared a huge tree blocking the path!

 

[Manuelsv]

Some more! Fun in the mud

Fun in the mud and some wild horses!

 

[Manuelsv]

Coming out t the RES!

Great trip! Great Trail! Great Company!

 

[Manuelsv]

Heading Home!

Had dinner at a great place Phil recomended Good Mexican food after a long day on the trail!