A TRAIL RIDE FOR THOES WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT THE SUPER BOWL

CMax26az · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:48 pm

CMax26az wrote:

I dont think we are going to camp after all, and It looks like for saturday We may not be able to go due to a schedule issue and how far away from us the proposed location is. before we decide on the Montana Mountain location i thought i would suggest this possibility:

http://www.go-arizona.com/backway-to-crown-king/

The Backway to Crown King trail is quite challenging, but rewarding with the history that can be seen along the way. It is recommended to take a vehicle with adequate ground clearance and capable of decent articulation. Most stock jeeps and 4x4 trucks can make the trip. Though it is advisable to bring a tow strap.

This is a popular weekend trip so if keep a watchful eye for others on the trail.

The Basics
Surface: Rocky, exposure.
Difficulty: Difficult/Intermediate

Directions
From Phoenix go north on I-17, then get on westbound 74. Take that all the way to Castle Hot Springs road.

I have never been up this trail before, has anyone else? its basicly right behind lake pleasant, but the inforamtion does not say how long of a trial, although is says "weekend trip". A glance at the map and looking at the distance from the entry point to Crown King is about 30 miles (assuming i have guessed the trail route correctly). That translates to about a 4-5 hour trip ONE WAY depending on trail difficulty. We either have to backtrack to get out, OR, go another 17 miles to the nearest pavement of Crown King rd. which is off the "bumble bee" exit off the I-17 just north of Black Canyon City. According to the ToPo map this is mostly moutainous area.

UPDATE:

just found this along with a video of The Backway to Crown King trail on www.AZBC.org :

most of the trail is easy to moderate, however there several difficult places that will challenge stock vehicles. The has gotten worse over the past few years, especially the steepest last 4 miles. Erosion has exposed rough rocks and deep ruts have formed. Aggessive stock vehicles with good articulation can get up this trail but they may need to stack rocks and use a tow strap in some

34.4 miles, takes 4-5 hours but plan for more time on the weekends.

I DEFENETLY WANT to run this trail sometime but i think it will be a bit much for a stocker KJ, would prob be alright for a stock Wrangler though.....

the search continues...

oldhockeyvb · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:00 pm

Crown King is doable in a stock vehicle but you'll need some experienced spotters and route finders to help you along. The trail can be quite confusing. We just did it a few months ago for our trick-or-jeep event. Check out the link:
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=25680
Crown King is an ALL DAY trail. Plan on 8-9 hours as once you finish the trail you have to drive all the way back down the mountain.
Also crown king will be a snow run now and could be difficult at the top (slippery). Recommend wait until spring and summer. We will definitely do it again, it's a favorite.

CMax26az · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:29 pm

excellent advice....

how about The Table Mesa rd, east trail instead

Directions:Exit 236 off the I-17 (just north of new river) - Go east through the farmers gate on NF-41(be sure to close it if its open). Towards the end of the trail there's a fork, go south on FR24. The trail ends at Seven Springs, just above Cave Creek.

Description:Very scenic drive, considered moderate terrain. high clearance vehicles recommended. Lockers are not needed. Trail is very rocky and bumpy. there are some optional 3.0 roads to take. I recommend stopping at the old cabin for lunch, after that the trail calms down and becomes a 2.0 at best. There is a fun hill to climb towards the end.

Note:Arizona State Land Recreational Permit required on first mile or so of this trail.

as of 05/01/2005 This trail has been graded and some of the harder bypasses blocked. Downgraded its rating to just 2.5

GPS CORDS
01 N33 58' 05.5" W112 07' 34.3"
02 N33 58' 20.0" W112 03' 45.1" (Right)
03 N34 00' 34.1" W111 57' 14.0" (Right)
04 N34 00' 32.5" W111 52' 45.0" (Right)
05 N33 52' 42.2" W111 48' 54.0" (straight)
06 N33 47' 57.7" W111 57' 46.7" (Right)

After ths weekends rain I would expect the washes to be more challenging along with new mud. We were in this area on Sunday playing in the rain and the big washes where REALLY going wild. After the run we could stop in Cave creek and get dinner at Harold's Corral. Should be a nice day run, good for stockers (sorry to you guys looking for the bigger challenges). From trail head to Cave Creek is about 40 miles.

Thoughts?

corwyyn · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:54 pm

That looks good, were you planning on this one for Sunday? If so I may just do both, Montana Mtn. on Sat. and this one Sunday. One other option I was looking at out that way was Tip Top Mine, but with the rains this weekend (and more expected next weekend) that one could wait since you have to cross the Agua Fria to get out there.

CMax26az · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:59 pm

corwyyn wrote:

That looks good, were you planning on this one for Sunday? If so I may just do both, Montana Mtn. on Sat. and this one Sunday. One other option I was looking at out that way was Tip Top Mine, but with the rains this weekend (and more expected next weekend) that one could wait since you have to cross the Agua Fria to get out there.

Thats a neat idea....

do Montana Mtn. on Saturday and then do Table Mesa Rd. on Sunday, thats cool with me but Elizabeth and I will not be doing Montana Mt. on Saturday, you all free to make that run, we will join you all for Sunday on Table Mesa Rd.

If thats agreeable with thoes interested in going, we can start another thread with official details and for a roll-call...

AZKJ · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:05 pm

Boy has this thread gone off in a bunch of different directions and nothing has been decided. I've lost track on what's going on. When you guys decide what you're doing, let me know. Depending what trail is being run and on what day, Beth and I may tag along....

jeep108 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:26 pm

I just know I want to do a nice easy run sometime this weekend. My wife would not be very happy if I beat the heck out of her new kk

The kids wouldnt mind going to see a little bit of snow but I dont know where that is. Just about anything like that is good for me.

rkeegstra · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:32 pm

I'm up for either or both Saturday or Sunday. I've done Montana Mountain. I've never done Table Mesa (that's Wells New River Canyon, right?), and I don't know anything about Corwyyn's suggestion of Tip Top Mine, like even where it is.

Russ

CMax26az · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:55 pm

rkeegstra wrote:

I'm up for either or both Saturday or Sunday. I've done Montana Mountain. I've never done Table Mesa (that's Wells New River Canyon, right?), and I don't know anything about Corwyyn's suggestion of Tip Top Mine, like even where it is.

Russ

Another guy from one of the other groups told me about tip-top mine, it sounds awesome, but not for this weekend(for us anyways).

OK ....as for me and Elizabeth:
We cannot make the Saturday run.... everyone is of course welcome to go on the Montana Mountain run on Saturday if people want to go and someone wants to lead it.

For Sunday, we are going to put together the run on the The Table Mesa rd, east trail . From the descriptions and information I have been able to locate it will will be a relaxing run and good for stockers (like us). I have started a new thread for the SUNDAY RUN ONLY to get an idea of how many people we will have. please respond to that thread for roll-call.......

AZKJ · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:25 pm

rkeegstra wrote:

I'm up for either or both Saturday or Sunday. I've done Montana Mountain. I've never done Table Mesa (that's Wells New River Canyon, right?), and I don't know anything about Corwyyn's suggestion of Tip Top Mine, like even where it is.

Russ

Yes, it's Wells #39 New River Canyon, rated moderate suitable for aggressive stock SUV's. It is also listed in Massey and Wilson #29 Table Mesa Trail, also rated moderate.

Caution... there are two crossings of New River which is usually dry. With all the rain we've had many rivers and washes are running. A call to the Ranger Station might be in order before you set out on this trail.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:03 pm

So, is there still any interest in doing the Montana Mtn. run on Saturday? I've not been up there yet and could use some quality dirt time. Also AJ I think you mentioned that this run would not be an all day? If that is correct then maybe we can do a later start time (allows me to get my 'tolerable around other humans' sleep in :wink:

).

jeep108 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:23 pm

I would like to go but definetly wouldnt be able to lead as I no nothing about it. I am wondering if the weather will be a problem also.

AZKJ · **Posted:** Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:39 pm

corwyyn wrote:

So, is there still any interest in doing the Montana Mtn. run on Saturday? I've not been up there yet and could use some quality dirt time. Also AJ I think you mentioned that this run would not be an all day? If that is correct then maybe we can do a later start time (allows me to get my 'tolerable around other humans' sleep in :wink:

).

If anyone still wants to run Montana Mountain I'll lead.

It's a 30 mile loop trail. You go in off of Queen Valley and come out near the Boyce Thompson Arbortrarium. Depending how much we goof off it's a good 6 hour run, not counting dinner after... Mexican in Superior or Chinese in Gold Canyon. Our vote is for Chinese, but we're flexible.

Let's get this thing rolling and set a realistic show time. I would suggest a depature of NLT 1000 at the Shell Station in Gold Canyon if you can't make it at 0900. We're running out of time for people to make plans to attend, so let's finalize everthing or reschedule and put this thread to rest.

jeep108 wrote:

I would like to go but definetly wouldnt be able to lead as I no nothing about it. I am wondering if the weather will be a problem also.

The weather for Saturday is supposed to be P/C with a high of 65... Perfect!!!

jeep108 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:07 pm

Im in. The earlier the better for start time is good for me but it doesnt matter. I have no cb but I think I can borrow some frs radios or maybe buy some. Would any one mind if I invited my father in law and his tj?

corwyyn · **Posted:** Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:34 am

I'm in, and the 9am start time is good. Barring any problems on the freeway I can get to the station in about 35 minutes so no problem there. I'll have extra FRS radios if anyone needs to borrow one. On a side note I got a couple of e-mails this evening on the VJC site inviting me to a run up this same trail on Saturday - several of the ham radio operators are doing a 'ham radio only' run to test out some equipment. I declined since I had already committed to this run but we may see them on the trail and I'll be monitoring my V/UHF radio to see if they give a shout.

A TRAIL RIDE FOR THOES WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT THE SUPER BOWL

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