o.k. let's try to firm this up: we are all talking 12/26, right?
Last time I called the Forest Service (Thanksgiving), FR41 was open; I haven't seen any info they closed it again.
Can you please vote for either FR41 or Tip Top Mine Road? Difficulty and scenic rating are about the same, I think. Meeting place will be off exit 236 off I-17, either side, depending which trail we take. Let's say 9am sharp, filled up, gassed, watered, sandwiched and what not (there is no station out there AFAIK).
FR41: starts from I-17 to the east, several stream crossings (new River Valley) with boulders, but nothing major unless there is heavy water. This trail has varying terrain that should be doable with a lift or larger tires. Side trip could be FR37 (haven't done that but looked scenic) or up FR17 which used to be a rocky shelf road (could be washed out by now) up Black Mesa with a nice view at the end off the Rim of the Mesa down over the Valley of the Sun. Also possible would be a trip up Humboldt Mountain, excellent 360 degree view, FAA installation and firelookout (COLD when windy). FR41 goes into FR24 (Seven Springs Road, was open when I called) that goes by an old Mine (curio shop today) and an Indian Ruin and ends in Carefree/CaveCreek. We could turn into a western joint there. Overall, a longer drive than Tip Top Mine Trail and more populated. Permit is required only for a short part on the western end, and we got two.
Tip Top Mine Trail: Starts from I-17 to the west, at least one major stream crossing (Agua Fria River; the one time we went to the north of Lake Pleasant, it was completely dry, but last winter there was no crossing it). I haven't taken this trail but pictures are on cruiserland.com and rating on AZvirtualjeepclub is 2.5. This trail leads to an old mine with some artifacts to explore and eventually retuns the same way out. Unless there is indeed a cross-over into Horse Thief Basin, which I don't know but would be willing to try (I'll bring USGS topomaps). If so, we would come out at Crown King Road/Bumble Bee and could turn into the Cleator Bar or either way we could drink/eat somewhere else (does that Squaw Steak House or whatever came after it in the middle of I-17 still exist?). Should be doable in a good condition stock 4x4. Less driving, more exploring, equally scenic, presumably fewer people.
Please post which one you prefer, I'll post confirmation and send phone numbers etc.
For the real hard-core oriented: AFAIK there will a Chevy K5 (and others?) party out in the Table Mesa area, I can post contact info if desired.