Features: Climbs from the desert floor to just over 5,000 feet with great panoramic views of the desert to the west and mountain views to the east. Saguaros at lower levels eventually give way to Junipers and Manzanitas at the top. Distance is thirty miles and plan for about 4hrs or more, if like me, you make frequent stops. Care should be taken as there are many narrow sections with blind corners and the occasional hot shoe in a side by side bent on maximum speed at the apex... with that said, most users display good trail etiquette.
Saturday had dumped much rain across the state and had even spawned a tornado in Mesa. Granted it was very small with very little damage and dispersed just as it touched down. None the less trail conditions showed many sections of washed out and rutted areas with at least three sections that still had shallow running water in the creek beds and running water crossing that proved to be deeper than I thought, sorry no pics of that one. Was expecting it to be maybe a foot deep but was closer to 2 feet. No problems making it through but could tell there was more resistance than expected. So with my son, our dog, along with some mud and water and mixed sunshine, I'd say it was a great AZ day! How bout some pictures.
I had my son thinking we were going to drive right up the light colored ribbon.
Poser from the rear.
And the front
Superstitions in the background and a jeep in the lower right corner.
You can see by this point we have lost the cactus and desert landscape and topped out.
Now we start the drop back down and the switchbacks. I was able to make all but one that required a three point turn.
A Jeep we let by.
Cheers.
