Black Mountain Trek, CA (3/31-4/2) Planning Thread

[Scott Brady]

Located in California, just West of Yuma, our trail starts along the Colorado River and passes through the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation and North to the Chocolate Mountains. This gets us into the Picacho State Park for remote camping and some exploration along the Colorado River. From there it is West into the Black Mountain Range.

Friday: Make camp along the Colorado River in the Picacho State Recreation Area. Group members can show up at any point throughout the day at camp. The road in is easy. The first choice camp ground is Outpost camp (thanks for the suggestion Al), which is the furthest camp north in the area. Maps to the camp grounds are available at the park entrance. $7 per car for camping. If the Outpost camp is taken, then the next camp further south will be the option (4S Beach Camp). If these two campsites are occupied, than instructions will be left in 4S Beach Camp.

Directions to Picacho State Recreation Area: Exit interstate 8 at exit #171 onto Winterheaven Drive. Turn North and proceed .3 miles to the paved route S24 and turn East (there should be signs for the Picacho State Park). Bear left onto Picacho Road (still S24) and travel north. Cross over All American Canal at 4.5 miles (N32 47.83 W114 36.74, WGS84). Turn NW on A 481 (N32 50.17 W114 38.40). From here the road deteriorates, crossing several washes as you proceed N. Fee area is at approximately 18 miles (N33 00.49 W114 37.15). Turn West towards Taylor Lake. After Taylor Lake area, it is 8 miles to the outpost on an uninproved track. Outpost Camp is at approximately (N33 04.171 W114 41.244).

group members can arrive anytime at camp on Friday. I am going to shoot for 2:00-3:00.

We will be monitoring the following comm.

CB 4
2M 146.460

Saturday:
Leave camp at 8:00 to take advantage of the good light. Proceed to Indian Pass Road and climb Indian Pass (moderate). Intersect Black Mountain Road before hitting S34 (Ogilby Road). We will make camp at the foot of Black Mountain. We will make camp early in the day, and allow for some exploration and hiking.

Sunday:
A later start today, leaving camp around 9:00. From camp, we make the steep and challenging climb up Black Mountain, where we should get some great images. After making the summit with beautiful views, we drop down the other side and onto Hwy 78. From there, a drive north to Cibola NWR and onto Blyth (those in SD can go south).

Group Size Limit: 10 Vehicles
1. Expeditions West: Toyota Tacoma
2. BajaTaco: Tacoma
3. FlyingWil: Tacoma
4. WhiteThaiger: Gen-two 4Runner
5. ElCoyote: Commanche and Adventure Trailer
6:
7:
8:
9:
10:

Tentative:
1. Ron

[BajaTaco]

Sign me up. Sounds great :ylsmoke:

[Brian McVickers]

Scott,
I would also like to attend.
Those dates look good for me
so please sign me up! :victory:

Sounds like a great trip and some fun driving, I can only imagine the scenery! :arabia:

[awalter]

Scott,

Please add my name to the list. It's been a few years since I've been in that area.

[whitethaiger]

Please sign us up also.
I've been to the State park a couple of times and always wondered about those mountains...

[goodtimes]

How "good" of a 4wd challenge? Would it be "dodge friendly"?

[flyingwil]

can get place on the tentative list?

[Scott Brady]

How "good" of a 4wd challenge? Would it be "dodge friendly"?

A three on difficulty. Within the ability of all stock, high clearance SUV's and truck's.

It would be a great trail for the Dodge!

[goodtimes]

Pencil me in for this one. I should be unemployed by then......

[awalter]

Black Mountain Trail going in from the south is a bit more demanding, steep & very loose. A piece of cake going in from the north.

[datrupr]

Scott, put me on the tentative list for this one too. I might be able to make this trip schedule permitting.

[+ d]

hey scott,
sign me up, i'd really like to go on a run with you guys and i think the timing/location is good.

:campfire:
david

[Scott Brady]

Very cool David and Aaron! :elkgrin:

[DaktariEd]

Scott,

Put me down as a strong tentative...definite maybe...most likely, yes!

I'll have to check my schedule and adjust...

Ed

[DaktariEd]

Shoot! Just make that a YES!
Heck...I'm the BOSS!
I'm in...

Ed

[Ron B]

I'd love to go, but it's a bit far in advance for me to know my work schedule. I'll keep checking, but looks like it will fill up fast (if it's not already).

Ron B

[calamaridog]

If you have a space, I'm a definite in.

[Scott Brady]

You are in! It will be great to finally meet you :jumping:

[VikingVince]

I'm a definite...sign me up.!!!!!

[Scott Brady]

Ooooh, you slide in right under the wire VincentSan. Wise.... http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/happy/karate.gif

[calamaridog]

I'm currently looking forward to this trip:wavey:

Hopefully, my San Diego homies will want to carravan!

[CAPTAIN COORS]

scott--i have a big golf Tournament that weekend, been planned for a year. our truck is too clean, it needs to find some dirt roads!!!

[flyingwil]

I can make it to this one... Just need someone to cancel out!

Wil

[awalter]

I can make it to this one... Just need someone to cancel out!

Wil
Your wish is granted. I'll have to pass on this one:o, have been requested to spend that weekend & the following week in Baja.:jump:

[flyingwil]

Your wish is granted. I'll have to pass on this one:o, have been requested to spend that weekend & the following week in Baja.:jump:

I lucked out on that one... Scott could you please put me down as attending this one?

Al- I wish you the best in Baja.

[goodtimes]

Scott, it looks like I will have to bow out of this one too. I was hoping to be unemployed by now, but things just aren't working out on that front. There have been several developements that are putting some very large kinks in the plans of quitting work and going to school, so I may end up keeping the house, and staying on my current schedule for the forseeable future (which means basically no weekends off for the next few years).

So, you can open up a spot for some lucky SOB who actually has a life outside of work and school. I'll make it one of these days...

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Scott, it looks like I will have to bow out of this one too. I was hoping to be unemployed by now, but things just aren't working out on that front. There have been several developements that are putting some very large kinks in the plans of quitting work and going to school, so I may end up keeping the house, and staying on my current schedule for the forseeable future (which means basically no weekends off for the next few years).

So, you can open up a spot for some lucky SOB who actually has a life outside of work and school. I'll make it one of these days...


OK!.............

Sorry to hear that GoodTimes!...... (would like to meet you one day!)

I am interested in doing this trip (especially since you guys will be so close to San Diego!) if I can get my dang engine fixed!!!!!!!!! Dang it!:smilies27

So if nobody can take Goodtimes slot......I'm open for it as long as I get my truck back by then......and if I don't ....I might as well ..............um.....well.....maybe I better calm down!.......LOL

Scott......I can keep you posted on my engine probs. But I would sure like to join you all.

Aloha!...............Mark

[whitethaiger]

Scott, it looks like I will have to bow out of this one too. I was hoping to be unemployed by now, but things just aren't working out on that front. There have been several developements that are putting some very large kinks in the plans of quitting work and going to school, so I may end up keeping the house, and staying on my current schedule for the forseeable future (which means basically no weekends off for the next few years).

So, you can open up a spot for some lucky SOB who actually has a life outside of work and school. I'll make it one of these days...

If it wouldn't be such a drive I'd say let's load up some good food and drink and drive by GT's place and cheer him up! The way things are I'll have to do it the virtual way: :beer::campfire::eatchicke

Hope to see you out there sometime soon!

[elcoyote]

Scott, I had such a good time with y'all on El Camino del Diablo that I've got to hook up with you again. Any chance to fit a wacky Comanche and an AT trailer into the line up for this trip? I'll bring more straps:xxrotflma

[ErrinV]

Can I be an alternate too? I'd like to check this out. My truck is still stock height, but it seems that it should be fine right?

Errin

[Brian McVickers]

I'll bring more straps:xxrotflma

Speaking of...

If anyone who donated straps, I have one orange and one yellow, would like me to send them their straps back I would be happy to do so. If not I will place them, along with the wood block, into my trail repair kit!:xxrotflma :exclaim:

[awalter]

Speaking of...

If anyone who donated straps, I have one orange and one yellow, would like me to send them their straps back I would be happy to do so. If not I will place them, along with the wood block, into my trail repair kit!:xxrotflma :exclaim:

Brian,

Mine is the yellow strap, just hang onto it until we cross paths again.

Al

[BajaTaco]

Brian,

Mine is the yellow strap, just hang onto it until we cross paths again.

Al

Quite possibly the Secret Pass trip :campfire:

[DaktariEd]

Quite possibly the Secret Pass trip :campfire:

Secret Pass trip?
What Secret Pass trip?
:confused:
Ed

[whitethaiger]

Secret Pass trip?
What Secret Pass trip?
:confused:
Ed

Keyword here is Secret:elkgrin:

[DaktariEd]

Keyword here is Secret:elkgrin:

Dang! I missed it!

[BajaTaco]

Secret Pass trip?
What Secret Pass trip?
:confused:
Ed

I don't think there are any restrictions on your account that would prevent you from seeing the trip thread. :D It's even in the same section of the forum as this trip... :sunflower it's not such a secret really...

[datrupr]

I don't think there are any restrictions on your account that would prevent you from seeing the trip thread. :D It's even in the same section of the forum as this trip... :sunflower it's not such a secret really...

LOL:xxrotflma

[datrupr]

Scott, pull me off of the tentative list for this trip, I will not be able to attend.:(

[DaktariEd]

I don't think there are any restrictions on your account that would prevent you from seeing the trip thread. :D It's even in the same section of the forum as this trip... :sunflower it's not such a secret really...

Actually, I found it shortly after the post above.
I couldn't go anyway!
So there! :p

[flyingwil]

In preperation for this adventure do we need to obtain any permits prior to this trip?

I am looking forward to hearing about the details of this adventure. Where are we going to meet?

[Scott Brady]

Look for more details towards the middle of next week. The most important thing is that you should plan on being in the Yuma area mid to late afternoon on Friday.

I will have a detailed schedule posted, which will answer all of your ????'s :)

[flyingwil]

Look for more details towards the middle of next week. The most important thing is that you should plan on being in the Yuma area mid to late afternoon on Friday.

I will have a detailed schedule posted, which will answer all of your ????'s :)


Sorry I am just impatient! No, Wait... Excited.

[Scott Brady]

First post updated with details :)

[Brian McVickers]

I will be unable to attend.:(

But the good reason is that we will be moving into our new-to-us, and first! house!:clapsmile :jumping: :jump:


Best of luck to all going
Have fun and be safe!

:beer:

[Scott Brady]

Ok, we have two open slots for the trip now :)

Who wants to play?

[ErrinV]

Congrats! We just bought our first house in August and we're still unpacking. Great feeling though.

Scott, I thought I could make this, but it looks like I'll be doing a motocycle trip to the Otay Mtn area that weekend.

Errin




I will be unable to attend.:(

But the good reason is that we will be moving into our new-to-us, and first! house!:clapsmile :jumping: :jump:


Best of luck to all going
Have fun and be safe!

:beer:

[calamaridog]

Sorry San Diego guys, no carravan here...

I PM'd Scott to let him know I couldn't make it for family reasons.

:mad:

[+ d]

Bummer, sorry you won't be able to make it bryan...

we'll have to plan for another local trail run soon.

[DaktariEd]

Well, I am afraid I too will have to back out of this one. :(
Hopefully someone else will jump in...it looks like it should be a fun one!

Best of luck all! :wavey:

Ed

[flyingwil]

Well, I am afraid I too will have to back out of this one. :(
Hopefully someone else will jump in...it looks like it should be a fun one!

Best of luck all! :wavey:

Ed

Dang... I was looking forward to seeing your new trailer... there's always next time!





On a side note: My wife is going to be coming along on this one, and it is our anniversary on 4/3 and would like to do something special for her while on this trip. Being the typical guy I have no clue what to do to make a long lasting memory.

Any good idea's? Post them HERE (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=14578#post14578)to not Hi-Jack this thread

[awalter]

Scott,

Let me suggest a more appropriate route for this group into the Picacho State Recreation Area, instead of the graded, washboard Picacho Rd. Exit I-8 4.9 miles further west at Ogelby Rd. (S34) & head north approximately 11.7 miles to Hyduke Mine Rd. & take a right. This is a 2 track, 4wd road which intersects Picacho Rd. 2.1 miles before the State Rec Area. It used to be signed at Ogelby Rd. & is marked on the AAA Imperial County map. It is marked as A278 on the BLM "Yuma" map. If I remember right you may even have to use low range in a couple of spots.

FYI. If I'm not mistaken, the 4S Beach Camp is for boat camping only.

Depending on my departure time for Baja, I may come spend Saturday with you all.

Al

[Scenic WonderRunner]

As I said in my Post #27............

I would like to join you all!

As I type.....my truck is STILL in the shop (since Feb. 21st!).

I'm being honest about it.....and don't want to reserve a spot if I can't get my truck out by then. That would mess someone else up.

Unfortunately....I'm dealing with a lying shop owner who continues to make poor choices due to his lack of reason! Ultimately he is going to spend a $1.00 for every nickel he tries to save!

Anyway!

I still would like to join you all!

Hey!...........Here is an idea! If my truck is not ready by then....I could rent a Hummer H3........!!!!!!!!!!

We could do a write up on it!

Now will you have me>?!!!!:ylsmoke:




(oh great!.....now I read Avis won't have their H3's until May 23!.....has anyone seen that guy Murphy following me around!!!)







Kewl Link to CO. River Kayak Trip with area Maps. (http://www.surfcitydelux.com/ColoradoRiverTrip/KayakTrip.html)

.....found a kewl pic of the P. Park

http://www.southwestbirders.com/ca_20031224/picacho_031224_03s.jpg

[+ d]

....I could rent a Hummer H3........!!!!!!!!!!


i have seen wranglers sitting in the lots at a few of the rental car companies down here around the airport...:D

come to think of it i know there is one on PCH that has H3's...

lemme know i'll scout some out for you mark

[Scenic WonderRunner]

i have seen wranglers sitting in the lots at a few of the rental car companies down here around the airport...:D

come to think of it i know there is one on PCH that has H3's...

lemme know i'll scout some out for you mark

Hey David.......Thanks!

Lemme Know!

I'm serious!

I don't mind renting! ......and I would enjoy trying out the H3.

I saw that Avis was advertizing H3's on TV......but then after I posted.....I checked their website and it says H3's due late May. I have a local Avis shop and thought how easy to just pick one up! In fact....they have even picked me up before!

[CAPTAIN COORS]

hey scott:
we would love to go, need to get out of town but a big golf event that weekend will keep us home for another week!!

[flyingwil]

Found this neat bit of info on the Park's Websites (http://www.picacho.statepark.org/aboutthepark.html) I thought I would share:


Archeological evidence indicates that Indians have lived along the Colorado river and throughout the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert for thousands of years. In historic times it was the Quechan people who lived along this part of the river. Picacho Peak played an important part in their myths and legends. They crossed the river on logs and rafts. The Quechan also planted and harvested maize, beans, squash, gourds and other crops in the moist silt of the river bottoms. Legend, general mythology and certain kinds of moral instruction were passed along from generation to generation by means of narrative song-cycles. The historical record notes that the Quechan gave great importance to dream experience, were generally outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic, and capable of great feats of endurance.

Spanish explorers, under the command of Coronado, penetrated this part of the Colorado River Basin in 1540. However, the first attempt to establish a permanent settlement and mission, La Purisma Concepcion at Yuma, met with disaster when Indians rose up in 1781, destroyed the mission, and killed all of the Spaniards including Father Garces.

Gold is said to have been discovered along the Colorado River as early as 1862. In 1890 a large stamp mill was built close beside the river at Picacho. Shortly afterward, the Picacho Mine was opened in the Picacho Basin area and a narrow gauge railroad began hauling ore from the mine to the mill. In 1904, the town of Picacho boasted a population of 2,500 people. Throughout this time the river itself was the major transportation route into and out of this desert country. A number of large, steam-powered, paddlewheeled ferryboats continually worked their way up and down the river. Today little evidence of this epic, early-day activity is visible. However, just east of the campground and park headquarters the ruins of the Picacho Mill building can still be seen. A one-mile trail takes visitors on a self-guided hike to this historic site.

That might be a cool hike depending on how close it is to camp :camping:

Wil

[+ d]

regrettably i won't be able to make this trip...:(

i was seriously looking forward to it. even spent last weekend in the cold and rain installing my new aussie locker at my dad's place (that whole thing ain't working out either but that's a story for another post).

hopefully there will be another opportunity to meet up with you guys in the near future.

:campfire:

[BajaTaco]

Oh man, David - I'm bummin!! Dang. :(

[BajaTaco]

Calamari and Ed too... dangit. I was hoping to see you guys.

[awalter]

Sorry, I screwed up the directions on the alternate route into Pichacho State Rec area. I corrected it on post #52.

[Scott Brady]

Scott,

Let me suggest a more appropriate route for this group into the Picacho State Recreation Area, instead of the graded, washboard Picacho Rd. Exit I-8 4.9 miles further west at Ogelby Rd. (S34) & head north approximately 11.7 miles to Hyduke Mine Rd. & take a right. This is a 2 track, 4wd road which intersects Picacho Rd. 2.1 miles before the State Rec Area. It used to be signed at Ogelby Rd. & is marked on the AAA Imperial County map. It is marked as A278 on the BLM "Yuma" map. If I remember right you may even have to use low range in a couple of spots.

FYI. If I'm not mistaken, the 4S Beach Camp is for boat camping only.

Depending on my departure time for Baja, I may come spend Saturday with you all.

Al

Great suggestion!

Regarding 4S Beach camp, it (and Outpost Camp) are indicated as cars or boaters ok.

It would be great if you could make camp Saturday night. We will keep 146.460 on for you :)

[Scott Brady]

I don't mind renting! ......and I would enjoy trying out the H3.

I saw that Avis was advertizing H3's on TV......but then after I posted.....I checked their website and it says H3's due late May. I have a local Avis shop and thought how easy to just pick one up! In fact....they have even picked me up before!

Come along, we would love to have you. H3, Wrangler or whatever you can find :)

[VikingVince]

Fellow Adventurers:

I apologize but I have to cancel out on this at the last minute. What could make me do this other than...a woman!:shakin: Tis true...I'm rendezvousing in Vegas with an old friend I haven't seen in 14 years!!! I hope y'll all have a good one! ('cause I will!!):gunt:

[BajaTaco]

Vince, you dog!!!

:shakin:

Man, I missed you at the beach last weekend, and now this!

[flyingwil]

Fellow Adventurers:

I apologize but I have to cancel out on this at the last minute. What could make me do this other than...a woman!:shakin: Tis true...I'm rendezvousing in Vegas with an old friend I haven't seen in 14 years!!! I hope y'll all have a good one! ('cause I will!!):gunt:


Sorry to hear that you won't be joining us! I was hopping you would find another big log. LOL.

Have a great time in the city of sins, with your long lost friend.

It's kind of a shame that we started of with a waiting list and now down to 5... But things change, and hope everyone that was not able to attend has a safe and wonderful weekend!

[awalter]

Don't look for me on Saturday either, I've got to pick up a rental van Saturday morning & load some gear for a 7 am Sunday departure for Laguna San Ignacio.

[flyingwil]

Weather is looking good, should make for a great weekend adventure.

According to Weather.com:
Yuma:
Friday: More clouds than sun. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 50s.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.

Blythe:
Friday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 50s.
Saturday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 50s.
Sunday: Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 50s.


According to NOAA:
Yuma:
Friday: Partly sunny. Highs near 78. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.
Friday night: Partly cloudy. Lows 53 to 57. Northwest wind 10 to 20 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny with a 10 percent chance of showers in the morning...then mostly cloudy in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower to mid 50s.
Sunday: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.
Sunday night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower to mid 50s.

Blythe:
Friday: Partly cloudy. South wind 10 mph. High 79.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Southwest wind 9 mph. Low 51.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers in the morning. Probability of measurable precipitation 10 percent. High 79.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 50.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 80.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 50.

[BajaTaco]

Thanks for the reports Wil. Should make for some good photos :sunflower

[Scenic WonderRunner]

"Scenic WonderRunner" Update.....

My truck is still at the sucky engine rebuilder shop!

Engine out and in a million pieces.....including my oil pan being used as a "bird bath" with our recent rain!

All my important parts are laying outside.....planum...intake.....all new belt's hose's, timing belt! water pump!, valve covers.

OH!.....But they have my broken engine block safely away inside their sucky rebuild shop!

Oh.....and the wrapped foil thingy in the front of the pic!.......That's somebody's wrapped Burrito Lunch!

Pics at 11....!

The only Hummer H3 I have found is in Vista which is over 30+ miles away and they want $150 per day or $900 per week!

I don't want to buy it....I just want to borrow it for a couple of days! geeeez!

So I am still up in the air. My weekend is still free because I have wanted to attend all along.....and you guys will be so close.

Hey....can we just give my Dad's old Buick Le Sabre a 6" lift real quick! The front wheel drive rocks!....LOL

[VikingVince]

Thanks guys...if I win a HUGE jackpot...like a million or so...I'll take y'll on an expedition to some exotic locale!!!!:jump: :Wow1:

[BajaTaco]

Thanks guys...if I win a HUGE jackpot...like a million or so...I'll take y'll on an expedition to some exotic locale!!!!:jump: :Wow1:

Sweet!

But, take my share and give it to SWR to help cover court fees to sue the evil engine rebuilder :orngartis

Good luck to both you and SWR.

Vince, we expect some pics! LOL

[+ d]

have a great time guys..i'm seriously bummin' that i can't go


but as a consolation prize to myself i am having a locker installed tomorrow! (i feel better already)

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6791/ected14wq.jpg

the aussie locker we installed just was not working out, this weekend between study sessions i plan to do a write up on the experience.

anyway have fun guys...i'll make it on one of these trips if it's the last thing i do!

[flyingwil]

...anyway have fun guys...i'll make it on one of these trips if it's the last thing i do!


David-

We'll have fun, and we'll drink some :beer: while we are :camping: for you.:victory:

Hope to meet you out there one day!

[datrupr]

Have a good time guys and be safe. Can't wait for the report and pics to come through.

[BajaTaco]

David - okay, I guess that's an acceptable excuse. :)

Wil and Uwe, I will be calling you guys shortly.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

As much as I would like to join you all.....

The wind is just outta my sails right now!

Have a blast!:camping:

:gunt: ..........and watch out for mine shafts!:rappel:

Baja......thanks for the offer regarding your unproven winnings! .....hehe:shakin:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

So Wil............!

Is that you towing an Adventure Trailer>?!!!

Where the heck did you get that>?!!!

...and HEY!.......why no pics of the river.....you holder outter ...you!........ hehe:ylsmoke:

I love your sunset shot!..........how beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK......I'm going there when the "Scenic WonderRunner" gets healed!!!!!!!!