Completed: Socal to Colorado

[teebes]

So late Oct I'm taking roughly 10 days to hit a few trails on my way to Durango, Co to visit my folks. I'm tentatively scoping the below trails with the clear understanding that I wont make all of them, but will be eager for as much off pavement as possible:

Note the AZ legs are all from Expo's site and their goal of creating an expedition across the states. Thoughts, suggestions?

EDIT: The below has been revised now that I'm back home (10/26/09).

EDIT: Locked and started a new completed thread, here: forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=400

[bgwolfpack]

That's why you're the real deal. That's the kind of trip I dream about and fully intend to do, someday. I did the Silverton to Durango tourist train ride once. Would love to spend a week off roading that area.

[The Roadie]

I poked around Crown King and north to Prescott one time. Very scenic and doable with the trailer. Many side spurs like Otay Mt. are more difficult. I would steer way clear of Smiley Rock trail unless it was the two of us and no trailer.

And if you never went through Sedona yet, don't go offroad after Jerome, but go straight from Jerome to Sedona and hit 2-3 trails there I can advise you on. Or I'll come with you that far maybe.

[teebes]

That's why you're the real deal. That's the kind of trip I dream about and fully intend to do, someday. I did the Silverton to Durango tourist train ride once. Would love to spend a week off roading that area.

I haven't been roped into the Silverton - Durango train ride yet, but my folks seemed to enjoy it. Scenary!!

I poked around Crown King and north to Prescott one time. Very scenic and doable with the trailer. Many side spurs like Otay Mt. are more difficult. I would steer way clear of Smiley Rock trail unless it was the two of us and no trailer.

And if you never went through Sedona yet, don't go offroad after Jerome, but go straight from Jerome to Sedona and hit 2-3 trails there I can advise you on. Or I'll come with you that far maybe.

Have been reading up on their trail report and there are a couple sticky spots, it'll be an adventure one way or another.

Or I'll come with you that far maybe.

Sure thing, more than welcome!

[KE7WOX]

Let me know once you have more plans and dates and see if we can meet.

What are your plans for Crown King - Prescott? there's 2 ways of traveling, one is the Senator Hwy (the most direct road I think) and the other is the old "Murphy's Impossible Railroad" bed, which involves driving down from Crown King to Cleator, then to Cordes and Mayer, then you hit either Hwy 69 to Prescott or 69 then 89A/89 to Chino Valley.

You can also hit Perkinsville Rd from Chino Valley to Jerome (I already made a post about it).

[teebes]

Will do! However, I'm really considering spending most of the trip in Utah with all the craziness around H.R. 1925 now. I absolutely want to see that region which seems in trouble now more than ever.

Bunch of threads over on Expo and Pirate. A good read for everyone interested in stopping this ridiculous legislation.

[teebes]

Finally arrived in Colorado last night, a good half way point in the trip. The past few days have been a blur of awesome scenery with mostly good weather. I've only missed out on one day of trail riding due to spotty rain in Utah (silty mud you don't want to get stuck in). So far counting more than 300 miles offroad

Here's a few pics while I curse my slow connection...

Mohave preserve/road:

After fording the Mohave river:


A random truck entering the crossing behind me. He struggled a little, almost stalled out half way through but managed across under his own power.


First camp site - yea free dead wood. I camped a mere 10 miles in, gearing up for a long next day ~130miles till the end.


Exiting Afton canyon, beginning the journey:


Guest book.


Representing our new home

[HARDTRAILZ]

Sweet. I am jealous. I need to start planning now for a western adventure next year.

[The Roadie]

Been watching the SPOT progress. Enjoy!

[teebes]

Couple articulation shots of the truck 'n trailer on the Mohave Rd. Was quite happy I didn't pop a rear air bag on this

[HARDTRAILZ]

Great pics. Looks like the trailer is working nicely.

[irishboy02]

An offroad trailer too!! Thats cool! Good luck on your trip drive safe

[KE7WOX]

So did you skip Arizona?

[teebes]

Had quite an adventure today in CanyonLand. Ended up performing 3 self recoveries and am now hotel'ing it before I limp around arches tomorrow and then head towards home. Long story short, the truck performed astonishing well on a trail that started out moderate and rather suddenly changed to something I would only tackle on my dirt bike. The trailer on the other hand...

Pics will never do this justice, but here's a teaser of the first recovery and stuck situation. The high side couldn't get traction on some brush to really do anything. The front driver side tire was very near breaking the bead trying to avoid a huge hole and the other rear was buried in sily stuff. Tires were already aired down as I missed my 'line' by about a tire width Shortly after the recovery I decided to return back and abandon the rest of the 'trail'. I was able to make it back through this section when I hit by hitting my 'line' correctly. Still was a little nerve racking, tho




At least I don't have to worry about the swine flu out here There's always an upside, right

[teebes]

Oh and Neil... The extra frontal protection was used repeatedly today I'll have to get some pics in the morning before the rust starts up. A bit of rain started to hit shortly after I made it back to pavement.

[Trail X]

...before I limp around arches tomorrow...

Is your truck limping? Did you pull a Roadie?

I can't wait to hear all about your adventures!

[NeilageInc]

I knew it would work out great. Rust is just a way to prove that you use it. And I don't mind if you paint those so they blend with your bumper. Also it would show how the front end is sliding over the obstacles. Glad to hear you are having fun and let me know when you are back.

[teebes]

Somehow both vehicles are still drivable. Guess it's more my pride (and wallet) that's feeling a bit blue



Still managed to conqueror Arches today - quite the fun/technical trail, regardless of yesterday's events. Ran it S -> N as it was a more challenging in this direction
Rocks, dunes/sand, steep inclines and oh the scenery! Full write up upon my return...promise.

Oh, did I mention this happened yesterday My 'third' recovery, err, maybe just half of a recovery

[MrSmithsTB]

Somehow both vehicles are still drivable. Guess it's more my pride (and wallet) that's feeling a bit blue



Still managed to conqueror Arches today - quite the fun/technical trail, regardless of yesterday's events. Ran it S -> N as it was a more challenging in this direction
Rocks, dunes/sand, steep inclines and oh the scenery! Full write up upon my return...promise.

Oh, did I mention this happened yesterday My 'third' recovery, err, maybe just half of a recovery

Ouch. Glad you, your trailer, and your vehicle are still in one piece. I wish there were places like that around here. Maybe I should move out there.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Oh No!!

Glad you are safe and it appears that the damage isnt too bad. Just think...you made it out and no blood was spilled. Hope your journey isnt so rough from now on.