re_guderian
SILVER Star
I took a trip last weekend from the bottom of the Salt River Canyon to the Young-Heber Highway just north of Young itself, where FR101 intersects it. Once leaving the Salt River Canyon, it generally follows Canyon Creek, which is one major drainage east of Cherry Creek. Beautiful country, and very remote. It is mostly on the White Mountain Apache reservation. Total mileage on dirt was a little over 60 miles. The first 40 are decent single track. Indian Road (IR) 12 got pretty narrow, unused, rough, covered with deadfall, and is generally in poor condition. Here is the general route.
A little history on why I went here. Almost 20 years ago, while on a sabbatical from work, I attempted a North-South crossing of AZ on only dirt roads and 4WD trails. (A trip inspired by a west-to-east crossing of AZ by Ernie Parks on the old LCML). I didn't make it all the way after 6 days. This was before I had gps, there were no Backroad Discovery Routes, etc. All I had was paper maps, a compass, and a trailer full of food, fuel, parts, and supplies. My avatar picture was taken on this trip. After 4 flat tires, I literally (for the first time in my life) ran out of road and found myself lost in this area near Canyon Creek. So after 20 years, I went back to find out where I went wrong...
This route is mostly on the White Mountain Apache reservation, and you'll need a permit to be on the land. I had to drive north of the canyon to the Sinclair station at the turn-off to White River to purchase one, $20 for the day. There was a reservation police officer checking permits just off the pavement, as Cibecue Falls trailhead is at the beginning of the route, and "the 'gram" has made that a much more popular destination these days.
After passing Cibecue Creek and the trailhead four miles after the start, I didn't see another soul all day. Very little evidence of recent traffic either. This area is really remote.
The route follows IR 29 along the Salt River for approx 16 miles. At the first major (sort of) signed intersection turn north onto IR30 away from the Salt River. After 20+ miles this road will intersect IR12. Strangely, almost every road in this part of the Reservation seems to be "IR 12". No wonder I got lost last time. Back in 2003 I had inadvertently headed due west at the intersection, and the road dead ended. Tired, out of spares, and out of time, I headed back out through Cibecue and the highway. This time, thanks to Gaia GPS maps, I was able to stay on the "correct" version of IR12.
The start of the route at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon between Globe and Show Low.
Some pics of the Salt River along the way.
The Salt Banks - access restricted to Tribal members only.
A little history on why I went here. Almost 20 years ago, while on a sabbatical from work, I attempted a North-South crossing of AZ on only dirt roads and 4WD trails. (A trip inspired by a west-to-east crossing of AZ by Ernie Parks on the old LCML). I didn't make it all the way after 6 days. This was before I had gps, there were no Backroad Discovery Routes, etc. All I had was paper maps, a compass, and a trailer full of food, fuel, parts, and supplies. My avatar picture was taken on this trip. After 4 flat tires, I literally (for the first time in my life) ran out of road and found myself lost in this area near Canyon Creek. So after 20 years, I went back to find out where I went wrong...
This route is mostly on the White Mountain Apache reservation, and you'll need a permit to be on the land. I had to drive north of the canyon to the Sinclair station at the turn-off to White River to purchase one, $20 for the day. There was a reservation police officer checking permits just off the pavement, as Cibecue Falls trailhead is at the beginning of the route, and "the 'gram" has made that a much more popular destination these days.
After passing Cibecue Creek and the trailhead four miles after the start, I didn't see another soul all day. Very little evidence of recent traffic either. This area is really remote.
The route follows IR 29 along the Salt River for approx 16 miles. At the first major (sort of) signed intersection turn north onto IR30 away from the Salt River. After 20+ miles this road will intersect IR12. Strangely, almost every road in this part of the Reservation seems to be "IR 12". No wonder I got lost last time. Back in 2003 I had inadvertently headed due west at the intersection, and the road dead ended. Tired, out of spares, and out of time, I headed back out through Cibecue and the highway. This time, thanks to Gaia GPS maps, I was able to stay on the "correct" version of IR12.
The start of the route at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon between Globe and Show Low.
Some pics of the Salt River along the way.
The Salt Banks - access restricted to Tribal members only.
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