Gunsite Pass, Tucson (8/26/06)

[Scott Brady]

A fun run at elevation in the Coronado National Forest SE of Tucson.

Moderately challenging trail for all high clearance stock SUV's and trucks.

We will make a fun day of it and even have a BBQ later in the evening with the option of camping Sat. night. This is a beautiful area and will have cooler temps in the evening.

http://www.2az.us/images/ohv-gunsite-map.gif

Meet at the junction with HWY 83 and FR231 at 10:00 am
TOPO! GPS Data Format DegMinSec NAD83 ElevFeet Local-Time
31 51' 02' -110 41' 52" 4507 08/07/2006,20:51:15

Com:
CB, channel 4

No vehicle limit::camping:

[seth_js]

Sweet. I'm more than likely in and will be camping.

[flyingwil]

count me in!

[goodtimes]

Hey-ho! It is even one my weekend off! Count me in amigo! :jump:

[articulate]

If all you cool dudes are going, then I'm going, too. :jumping:

[seth_js]

If all you cool dudes are going, then I'm going, too. :jumping:

oh.... ummm... something just came up. I can't make it any more. :p

[erin]

:coffee:
I think this might work with my schedule, count me in!

[jeffryscott]

me too.

jeff

[DaktariEd]

Dang! I was all set to join in...but I have a "Lion King" date...
:(

[Jonathan Hanson]

I'll be there.

[ShottsCruisers]

Scott: I know what's on your mind. With all the rain down here....this area is SO GREEN! What a weekend to visit Gunsight! We hope to join you in the UZJ.

Man, the area got hammered again last night!

[Brian McVickers]

Baby sitter has been reserved for the weekend! :bowdown:

Count Amy and I in for this one :wings:

We will camp out Saturday night :camping:

[Scott Brady]

Great group so far! This is going to be fun :camping:

[DaktariEd]

Scott,

Would you forsee any problem for the FJ40 with the Adventure trailer?
I do believe I will be able to make it!

:victory:
Ed

[Scott Brady]

Scott,

Would you forsee any problem for the FJ40 with the Adventure trailer?
I do believe I will be able to make it!


No problem Ed. Pretty moderate trail.

[Jonathan Hanson]

At least, it was moderate before the area got like 87 inches of rain . . .

[seth_js]

Alright... so cool names usually come with some cool history. What's the story?

[CAPTAIN COORS]

any room left? we would like to tag along

[Scott Brady]

You bet Randy :) Come on :smiley_drive:

[FourByLand]

This does sound like a really great group!

Count us in!

[ShottsCruisers]

Wow....I think my son Tyler will be coming too in his 80 (my old '93). :o

[flyingwil]

Alright... so cool names usually come with some cool history. What's the story?


I would to know the info too! ANy one know the history of this trail other that it is an old mining road?

[DaktariEd]

A quick search turned up some info on Helvetia:

Helvetia - Ghost town (http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/helvetia.html)

I'll pass on anything else I find...there are a lot of old mines in the area...lots to see/read...

:1888fbbd:

Edit:

Cool "Then & Now" images: Then & Now (http://pages.prodigy.net/pam.orman/joeghosts/Ghosts_03.html)

[datrupr]

Seth, believe it is called Gunsight because there is a crack in the mountians that looks like a gunsight from an old rifle. I remember reading about it somewhere, and I too have always wanted to go. There are a few ghost towns in that area.

[ShottsCruisers]

Hey Scott...what's the plan on this trip? Are we taking off and hitting trail/pass? If so, where will you-all camp? I ask because my son Tyler needs to be back home by 4PM. In other words we might have to bail early. We don't want to be a hinderance on this trip so we're askin'. Thanks!

[BajaTaco]

Seth, believe it is called Gunsight because there is a crack in the mountians that looks like a gunsight from an old rifle.

You are correct ;)

There is also a very cool mine in the vicinity... :peepwall:

And old graves... :orngartis

...and a small cave that is very cozy for two very friendly people on a rainy afternoon :costumed-smiley-007

... and there was even a very heavy meteorite recovered from the area (about 1400 lbs), which was hauled to Tucson by wagon in the mid 1800's, and used for some time as an anvil at a blacksmith's shop. It ended up being sent to the smithsonian.

http://www.meteoritestudies.com/protected_TUCSON.HTM

[seth_js]

Is the 231 clearly marked at the 83? Any one from the valley want to caravan?

[Brian McVickers]

Sure Seth
We could try to caravan with you.
We will be starting from Surprise and probably take the 101 down and around and down again to Tucson.

[Scott Brady]

Cool! I am available to caravan too. That would be fun!

Here is an idea:

Breakfast-
Time: 6:30 am
Cracker Barrel: 5022 E. Chandler Blvd (480) 961-9443

Group Departure-
Time: 7:30 am from the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot

7:30 means gassed up and ready to roll :D It takes about 2 hours to get to the trail head.

CB: Channel 4

Please post your intentions so we know to expect you.

[Scott Brady]

I am looking for a recent trail report. Has anyone driven the trail recently?

[Scott Brady]

I just want to remind everyone that I DO NOT has a specific camping location in mind, so it will be a fun adventure finding something to accomodate the group. Just want everyone to know it will not be tightly structured.

:tent:

[BajaTaco]

Scott, I would recommend running the trail from west to east if you intend to camp on the evening of the trail run. This will put you on the eastern flanks of the mountain with higher campsite elev's and more shade (high desert chaparral, and riparian areas) vs. the sonoran desert (alluvial plains) you will find on the west side.

[seth_js]

Cool! I am available to caravan too. That would be fun!

Here is an idea:

Breakfast-
Time: 6:30 am
Cracker Barrel: 5022 E. Chandler Blvd (480) 961-9443

Group Departure-
Time: 7:30 am from the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot

7:30 means gassed up and ready to roll :D It takes about 2 hours to get to the trail head.

CB: Channel 4

Please post your intentions so we know to expect you.

Sweet! I'll be there. Brian, you in?

[seth_js]

Scott, I would recommend running the trail from west to east if you intend to camp on the evening of the trail run. This will put you on the eastern flanks of the mountain with higher campsite elev's and more shade (high desert chaparral, and riparian areas) vs. the sonoran desert (alluvial plains) you will find on the west side.

You coming?

[Scott Brady]

Patagonia Weather Forecast: Be prepared for showers, though it looks minimal.

Saturday...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Highs 87 to 92. Lows 62 to 67. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

Saturday Night...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Highs 87 to 92. Lows 62 to 67. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

Sunday...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 90 to 95. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

[ShottsCruisers]

Hi Scott. Plans on a camping/ending spot for the day? We might have to bail early. I'm just wondering. Thanks!

[Brian McVickers]

Count Amy and I in for breakfast :chowtime: and convoy!:smiley_drive:


Cool! I am available to caravan too. That would be fun!

Here is an idea:

Breakfast-
Time: 6:30 am
Cracker Barrel: 5022 E. Chandler Blvd (480) 961-9443

Group Departure-
Time: 7:30 am from the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot

7:30 means gassed up and ready to roll :D It takes about 2 hours to get to the trail head.

CB: Channel 4

Please post your intentions so we know to expect you.

[goodtimes]

Scott, for planning purposes.....

I'll be there for the trail run, but not camping, and likely not BBQ. I have a auction to preview saturday morning, and if there is anything I want, I have to be back in Tucson by 6:00pm.

If anyone is up for breakfast early (in Tucson), I'd be up for it. I just need to have about 1/2 hour to preview the auction (basically at Palo Verde and Ajo) before heading to the trailhead.

[jeffryscott]

I'd be up for breakfast Brian. What's the auction anyway?

Lookin forward to seeing everyone,

Jeff

[goodtimes]

It is the monthly Junque for Jesus auction. Generally I don't go because too many people show up (which drives the prices up too far). But I have seen a few good deals come out of there (like my $500 79 F-350 4x4). Hopefully the heat and used vehicle market being so crappy (for sellers) right now will reduce the crowds a bit. Of course this is assuming they have something I want. It is free to preview the auction....if anyone wants to join me for that, they are welcome to....

I'm thinking breakfast, hit the preview about 8:45, register if needed, then to the trailhead.

[jeffryscott]

sounds good, be fun to see what kind of junque is offered ... what time you want to meet for breakfast? and where?

[erin]

:jumping:
I will see you guys at the trailhead.

[BajaTaco]

You coming?

No, I will be helping flywgn at the Vegas-to-Reno race.

You guys have an awesome time and don't get 'et up' by them skeeters! :wavey:

[goodtimes]

what time you want to meet for breakfast? and where?

I dunno.....what is over that direction for breakfast? I don't get over that way much in the mornings, except when I go to work, in which case I don't stop for breakfast.

[jeffryscott]

Hey Brian, There is the Ajo Way cafe at Country Club and Ajo or thereabouts, don't know anything about it, but it is probably a good greasy spoon type place. Otherwise, not much in the immediate vicinity that I can think of except aWaffle House at Irvington and Palo Verde, as well as Denny's across the street from it. I'm fine with any of those places.

Pick a time and I'll meet you wherever.

[goodtimes]

Lets do the Ajo Cafe. I generally like the greasy spoon/hole in the wall places better than the big chains. I've passed it a time or two and wondered how the food is....time to find out I guess.

How about 7:45? That will give us an hour to find a seat, eat, and make it over to the auction.

[MaddBaggins]

Damnit, I need to check in here more often Scott! You have something cool going on within spittin distance of my house and I'm gonna be out of town this weekend :( POOP!

[datrupr]

Is there room for one more? I think I may want to tag along if thereis room. If so, Brian do you want to caravan down to the meeting spot?

[goodtimes]

Is there room for one more?

I'll quote Mr. Brady for ya':



No vehicle limit::camping:


See you Saturday!

[articulate]

Convoy 7:30 am! I'm in. We're in. Maybe breakfast, too.

:smiley_drive:

Mark

[datrupr]

Mark and Brian, lets set up a place to meet on Sat. am, somewhere in the vicinity of I-10 and Chandler? And what time? And is everyone planning on camping? Anyone opposed to me bringing the the Big Blonde Idiot?

[flyingwil]

I am in on a caravan down too!

[datrupr]

No Wil, we don't want you to caravan with us:p


Just kidding! :shakin:



Since you are going, I am going to have to bring some extra beer, as I still have to pay you for the tires.:rolleyes:

[jeffryscott]

Lets do the Ajo Cafe. I generally like the greasy spoon/hole in the wall places better than the big chains. I've passed it a time or two and wondered how the food is....time to find out I guess.

How about 7:45? That will give us an hour to find a seat, eat, and make it over to the auction.

sounds good. 7:45 it is.

[Brian McVickers]

I am looking for a recent trail report. Has anyone driven the trail recently?

Looks like a group from Tucson Offroad went out at the beginning of August
Here are pictures, not much of a trail condition report so the pics will have to serve as messenger. Looks like a bit water hole to cross but not sure if it was a necessary crossing or a play thing.

http://tucsonoffroad.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=1154827980

[Brian McVickers]

Aaron and Mark!
This trip just got crazy before it has even started!:rockon:

Glad you guys can make it and Aaron - Big Woohoo! on the new JOB:clapsmile. Beers are on you Mr. "I've got a paycheck":beer:

[Brian McVickers]

Aaron - Mark - Wil - Anyone else in PHX

Here is the plan for meeting and caravan on Saturday AM





Cool! I am available to caravan too. That would be fun!

Here is an idea:

Breakfast-
Time: 6:30 am
Cracker Barrel: 5022 E. Chandler Blvd (480) 961-9443

Group Departure-
Time: 7:30 am from the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot

7:30 means gassed up and ready to roll :D It takes about 2 hours to get to the trail head.

CB: Channel 4

Please post your intentions so we know to expect you.

[Scott Brady]

Looks like a group from Tucson Offroad went out at the beginning of August


Good post. I just signed up on their forum and posted a question on the trail conditions. Looks like the water was in a pond and not part of the main trail.

[jeffryscott]

sure doesn't look like they believe in treading lightly ...

[datrupr]

I am an active member there, and there are a lot of newbies to off roading and a lot of very built trail/crawling rig. If you look in the posts somewhere in there there is a very long posting about treading lightly. That actually came about after I saw some pictures to the contrary and made a comment about treading lightly. I do refer a lot of people from over there to this site knowing that the good ones from there that share the same interests will join up here. A few of the guys over there have commented on the Expeditions West Taco and how cool it is, and how cool Expeditions West web site is. It must give Scott a very big Warm Fuzzy feeling. And I just think........Yeah, I know that guy and he is very cool, you should send him an email and talk to him. But, I know if I said it out loud Scott would be getting inundated with emails and wouldn't have time to spend here with us.:D


And thanks Brian on the congrats, but shouldn't it be you guys buying me beer in a congratulatory sense?:ylsmoke:

[flyingwil]

No Wil, we don't want you to caravan with us:p


Just kidding! :shakin:



Since you are going, I am going to have to bring some extra beer, as I still have to pay you for the tires.:rolleyes:


I think we are going to make it a day trip, and might not spend the night. It will all depend on how my wife's foot feels at the end of it. Don't worry about the beers Bro! I know the tires were put to good use.:luxhello:

[flyingwil]

Aaron - Mark - Wil - Anyone else in PHX

Here is the plan for meeting and caravan on Saturday AM


Cool! I am available to caravan too. That would be fun!

Here is an idea:

Breakfast-
Time: 6:30 am
Cracker Barrel: 5022 E. Chandler Blvd (480) 961-9443

Group Departure-
Time: 7:30 am from the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot

7:30 means gassed up and ready to roll :D It takes about 2 hours to get to the trail head.

CB: Channel 4

Please post your intentions so we know to expect you.

Sounds like a plan to me!

[Scott Brady]

Does anyone in the group read French, somewhat fluently?

Would anyone camping be interested in a quick Outback Challenge slide show?

[Brian McVickers]

Slide show would be very cool!:lurk:

and

I have french dictionary!:coffee:

[datrupr]

I think a slide show would be cool, I am down.

[seth_js]

Slide show would be cool.

[goodtimes]

Scott, maybe I missed it, but has there been any consideration about Baja's suggestion of running the trail west to east, to provide better (cooler) camping for those staying overnight? It doesn't matter to me which way we run it, I just want to show up at the right end of the trail tomorrow morning.:smiley_drive:

[Scott Brady]

Scott, maybe I missed it, but has there been any consideration about Baja's suggestion of running the trail west to east, to provide better (cooler) camping for those staying overnight? It doesn't matter to me which way we run it, I just want to show up at the right end of the trail tomorrow morning.:smiley_drive:

We are sticking with the plan. I have a route in mind for the camping group that will get us into the mountains.

Thanks for the reminder compadre :beer:

[ShottsCruisers]

We are sticking with the plan. I have a route in mind for the camping group that will get us into the mountains.

Thanks for the reminder compadre :beer:

I think I know what Scott has in mind. That'll be NICE!

[BlueFly]

Great group so far! This is going to be fun :camping:

Hi folks, this does look like more than enough fun to draw a couple of lurkers out of the woodwork! We're looking forward to the trip and meeting all of you.

Will be at Cracker Barrel by 7:30. See you then.

Donna

[Brian McVickers]

Welcome Donna!
Look forward to meeting you.

:wavey:

[seth_js]

:wavey:

[Scott Brady]

Donna is very cool, and does fly fishing instruction. They have a Tacoma with a 4wheel pop-up.



I am really looking forward to the adventure :rappel:

[datrupr]

Welcome Donna, and we will see you in the morning.

Man, I still have a lot to do this evening to get ready to leave at first light.

[datrupr]

Also, what is the status on firewood? Do I need to bring any?

[goodtimes]

sounds good. 7:45 it is.

Slight change Jeff. The auction preview isn't tomorrow morning, like it usually is during the summer. It was today (they didn't have anything *that* interesting). So, we can move the time back a bit if you want. I'm good with whatever. It looks to be about 1/2 hour from here to the trailhead. So as long as we are moving down the freeway at a quarter past 9, we're good.