Arizona Fall VX Gathering II...Trip report

[VXcaver]

First off... I didn't get lost on the way to Pizza! I just missunderremembered the route for a moment!

Great trip! A real character builder! I think we (stock vxs) were in a little over our heads in a few spots, but overall the trail was doable and very exciting. And the camping spot was peaceful and full of evidence of Native American habitation.

I won't add to Billy's trip report, except those who love the backcountry should get involved in helping protect this area, as TJ04 has brought to our attention the proposed copper mine. For those who haven't seen what copper mining does to a region, I'll see if I can dig up some photos from my archives. Arizonans are fortunate to have a state full of beautiful, largely unspoiled lands, and copper mining is just about the worst imaginable outcome for a place like this.

A few more pics:

Impalerv centered on a rock...


Jeff TucsonVX climbing the crumbly rock ledge, not seeing his vehicle slipping over the edge, until now...!


Victor rock climbing, no rope needed.


Impalerv negotiating the rocks -


Our campsite in an incredible valley.


Me, Victor borrowed my camera, thanks Victor!


And this strange one I found on my camera of Billy taking a picture at sunset. Hmmm?

[Triathlete]

TJ04...nice seeing you guys out there. I know you know my statements are all in good jest! I have many jeep friends! We appreciated your help out on the trail. Your expierienced minds were thinking a little better than ours. Val made the whole trip with us. Didn't take the side trip. Pretty much took the Az Backroads route. And yeah, you got a little close to that rattler before he decided to give warning. Did all of you guys go up and over the section of trail that goes up near the powerlines? That looked pretty whicked! Also thanks for the info on the impending mine intrusion. They were already drilling near the Superior entrance where we entered/exited. It would be a real shame to see that trail turned into a huge pit. Again thanks.

[TJ04]

Likewise Triathelete! We should do a run together sometime. I'm planning a run to the Coke Ovens/Box Canyon trail when it cools off a little? It's a great trail that stock 4X4 vehicles can do fine. You and your group are welcome to tag along. I'll let you know when it will be later on. It will probably be more towards the end of October to early November.

Only me and another guy went up that nasty section. The others took the bypass. I have made it up that one obstacle several times in the past but have not been able to the last two times I've been up there. It's amazing how water can move huge boulders around. I had to winch myself and the other guy up that obstacle before proceeding up the Boulder garden. We had a blast!

I give you guys a lot of credit for taking those VX's where you did! Great pics!

Hopefully I'll see you guys on the trail again!

Until next time, Wheel On VX'ers!!

TJ04

[Triathlete]

So, which of these best describes this trail?

3.5 Challenging 4WD trail: Challenging trails on which low range 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, and large rocks) on these trails. Not recommended with stock 4WD vehicle. Traction device (limited slip) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure highly recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage

OR

4.0 Difficult trail: These trails traverse very rugged terrain; low-range 4WD is required. Higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Traction Devices (Lockers or limited-slip) in the differentials (front and rear), lift, and larger tires are highly recommended. These trails require above average Off-Road driving skills. High-Lift jacks and winches would also be helpful. There will likely be paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage

OR

4.5 Extreme trail: These trails cross extremely rugged terrain with very steep inclines, large boulders, and potentially dangerous situations. These trails require modified vehicles, including lift, lockers, and over-sized tires. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. There will likely be paint damage, possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. There are possibilities of rollovers. Winches are recommended.

[Triathlete]

TJ04, I'll keep that trip in mind. We ran that trail about a year ago and at that time it wasn't bad at all. Heck, e even had a jeep with us! J/K! If its the last weekend of Oct I'll be missing it though since I'll be in your backyard racing (Tempe actually).
Do you guys have a website that you generally hang out on?

[TJ04]

I would rate the trail a 3.5 to 3.5+, the obstacle and boulder garden after it is a good 4.

We hang out on http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/

You'll find out that we are a friendly group and have several non jeepers. Just be prepared for some friendly razzing. We do it all the time after a run, it's all part of the fun!

[Triathlete]

That was one of the first web sites I found when I started wheeling! And as you can tell we do our share of razzing also! Other places I can be found are Pirate, wheeling Arizona and the 4x4wire all under the same name.

[TucsonVX]

Larger tires do not make your vehical stock

[VCAMILO]

Thank you all for all the pictures...(my camera battery was dead)

[LeDonovan]

Billy (TriAthlete),

The first step is admitting there is a problem....Bob (VXCaver) and I have Tuscon Memorial working on a straight jacket mod that wouldn't be 100% restrictive and we sincerely pray that you'll give it a shot....recovery can be painful!

You guys are crazy and need to check Webster's for the definition of "trail"! I would have probably been in a straight jacket before Sunday afternoon, although my mom said it looked like a cake walk!!

Will see you guys in Tuscon for the "easy" 17 mile trail before the year end!!

LeDonovan

[Triathlete]

I will be up in Tempe the weekend of the 29/30 to race. If any of you guys would like maybe we can get together for dinner. I'll post something up in a few days.

[VCAMILO]

I should be around... We should go do my Canyon Lake trail. Is about 35 mins from Tempe. Technical stuff w/no rocks and a huge rock wall to climb at the end.

[impalerv]

Sorry for the late reply. It's been a very busy week. Anyway, I want to thank you folks for showing a city slicker how it's done in the west. I'll try to get those pictures posted ASAP. Looking forward to the next outing. :grinr: :coolg:

Drop me an email if you're planning to hang out in Phoenix.