Salt River Canyon & the Shelf Road Adventure

[1leglance]

Well with a bit of time between Christmas & New Years the need to play in the dirt was strongly felt. The real question was where to go? Southeast Arizona has a ton of ghost towns and history (Tombstone, Bisbee and more). Western Arizona held some areas I had recently played and want to see more of. But then the memory of passing by the Salt River Canyon on US 60 came back to me and luckily my buddy Waymon was ok with going somewhere neither of us had been before.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vahl7zTh5cA/Tv02DVIQJdI/AAAAAAAAAgw/GREHrO_a6_M/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-1.jpg

But before we get to the juicy off road bit we all have to admit that there is that nasty bit of highway that has to be covered. Lately I have really been trying to make an effort to find things along the way of interest and in this case we got to spend a bit of time at one of the littlest Arizona State Parks, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/) , this is a very cool place to hike around and spend some time trying to figure out what in the world was the original idea :)

I will admit it is very cool to find out about the thing Arizona & Australia have in common as we are planning to spend some serious time there Summer 2012.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jgLofii6ruY/Tv02StNqXPI/AAAAAAAAAhE/PsotXicWmWw/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-2.jpg


Waymon and Lexi (that is the dog) were also getting a kick out of the pet friendly location.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-20CtCNrMkZk/Tv02VEJUhjI/AAAAAAAAAhM/CMj67SEGrfk/s720/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-3.jpg


Since my wife is from Peru I am always interested in thing from South America...but again it is just odd to have this in Arizona.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wke9Artsll8/Tv02ZedCrHI/AAAAAAAAAhU/y9yyp2pLh_0/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-4.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSpwVDbbexc/Tv02a4tiQMI/AAAAAAAAAhc/pW5B4R3n3xs/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-5.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C8rlNva_Ntw/Tv02cbpK5zI/AAAAAAAAAhk/ndTy3lsEH0g/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-6.jpg

[1leglance]

But alas we did need to get back on the road and see what way ahead. But at least when we go to Miami (Arizona version with no beaches or babes) we got to hop out for a quick stop to put together some old iron, newer iron and BIG iron. Needless to say there is some serious mine operations in Miami & Globe and if you are into that sort of giant hole in the ground thing it is impressive.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y_YtUailvfU/Tv02dwnUMnI/AAAAAAAAAhs/ckT2sXKbF44/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-7.jpg

After a quick lunch stop & fuel for the thirsty Suburbasarus we got into some high desert country. The wind blows cold around here but it holds a beauty of it's own.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vI9LKgltAe0/Tv02e5ShTYI/AAAAAAAAAh0/5vwyLPTsvMk/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-8.jpg

Now for some folks this little bit of snow looks like springtime but for us low desert people this is a rare thing. Waymon & I were all giddy on the radios talking about getting to run some trail through the snow & camp in the pines and of course that was easy talk from the comfort of a heated rig.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hPHEPQ6-qV4/Tv02guihD4I/AAAAAAAAAh8/nxyD9vEfKF8/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-9.jpg

And then came our first view of the Salt River Canyon where we would get off the highway and into the real adventure.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AGkDwiP9bmI/Tv02iBxPOsI/AAAAAAAAAiE/d-qTgesJlpo/s720/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-10.jpg

I thought it would be fun for Waymon to stop at the same overlook that stirred a desire in me to explore the area. You get a great view east & west of the canyon.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6d7D-OYT8DM/Tv02jgeTtCI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Kbhr1eSMKQ0/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-11.jpg

And way down there is a little dirt road that goes off in into the mysterious distance following the river. Oh it just makes a man happy to have a 4x4 :)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u8GRHmqLdUw/Tv02k7Zco3I/AAAAAAAAAiU/ijB6jyo7zc4/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-12.jpg

[1leglance]

There is a very cool bridge and an even cooler rest stop that is sadly closed. The stop itself has a little bridge and I wish I had captured a picture of it. Oh well just a good excuse to go back.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d1qF1sIgZ60/Tv02mLe2gEI/AAAAAAAAAic/exTby7lSrHc/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-13.jpg

There is also an abandoned old gas stop with some real or maybe fake/old buildings. Looks like a tourist trap that didn't have enough tourist. Which is strange as this highway gets plenty of traffic. Then again we we now on the White Mountain Apache Reservation so anything was possible.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VB6e5pi5hro/Tv02nHet3pI/AAAAAAAAAik/fy4gXzrejRE/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-14.jpg

Speaking of being on the Res, there were some signs to read through. Some new, some old and some I couldn't quite understand.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nDjnJmXV1SY/Tv02oc6LXUI/AAAAAAAAAis/aVJ-ta-FK8w/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-15.jpg

But the important thing was we got to the little place to pay our permits...only to find there were no blank permits to be found. But never fear as a Boy Scout I learned to Be Prepared and out came the scratch pad & pen. A quick note with our names, rigs & the date..fold that around our money and into the drop box it went. I know there are people who would have turned around, and there are people who would not have paid, but I figure the money is worth it for the adventure and better to be safe than sorry. Remember the Reservation is a Dependent Sovereignty with it's own police & courts. Do you really want to mess around with them for only $15 per person?
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IarAzF5iHYM/Tv02qPaSXdI/AAAAAAAAAi0/44oR_ZZCibA/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-16.jpg

And with that I will leave the story while I go sort some more photos, clean the rig, sort the gear, kiss the wife, hug the kids and pet the dog. Watch for more of the story though :)

[Lostmanifesto]

Thanks for sharing. When you can please post up some directions from Phoenix. I'm heading to AZ soon and this looks like a fun day trip. Thank you!

[1leglance]

Well I couldn't resist getting a few more pics posted to this report...

After Waymon & I wrote out our own little permit & paid our fees to the drop box we aired down and hit some dirt. Well for a about 100yds or so :)
But that short distance would set the tone for why we called this the Shelf Road Adventure, sure we had some some highway shelf road, but when it is paved and wide you don't really notice. This trip would be 3 days of narrow, dirt & rock roads that almost always had a serious drop off on 1 side. Let the fun begin.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T0IKDyeqU-s/Tv1GWsix1WI/AAAAAAAAAjg/y4BX5dhtU10/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-17.jpg


First Camp it is called, and well that purely speaks to it's relative position, not its likelihood of being your first choice.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iIgySRpIVwk/Tv1GWxY_EJI/AAAAAAAAAjk/c04NGP8c1Z4/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-20.jpg

One thing you notice is all the signs that reference rafting the river. We figured it would be good to let Lexi run a bit while we went and checked out where the rafts hit the water.
Nice calm pool of water to start your trip.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PNR8oCwwuKU/Tv1GWZEdg7I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/oOwe3dqaG-I/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-18.jpg

Right next to a fair indication of what would be in store for the future. The river was not running very deep at this time of year, but we would not water level marks along the way that told a story of serious flash floods and a mess of water when the snows melt.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-epm54eGtWg4/Tv1GWkJZW3I/AAAAAAAAAjU/9Ywg2jkM3rw/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-19.jpg

[1leglance]

Hey Lost...I would be a LONG day trip...as in leave 7-8am and get back that late or worse. Much would depend on time of year and if the water was running higher than we had.
But directions are easy...
Take US 60 east (it connects to I-10, very easy to spot on a map).
Go through Superior, through Miami, through Globe, and turn Left at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon :)

Make sure to post up a bit advance of your trip here so some of us make show you around.

[Lostmanifesto]

Hey Lost...I would be a LONG day trip...as in leave 7-8am and get back that late or worse. Much would depend on time of year and if the water was running higher than we had.
But directions are easy...
Take US 60 east (it connects to I-10, very easy to spot on a map).
Go through Superior, through Miami, through Globe, and turn Left at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon :)

Make sure to post up a bit advance of your trip here so some of us make show you around.

Sounds great. I usually stay with a friend in Queen Creek so I am already out that direction!

[toddz69]

That abandoned gas station/stop at the bottom of the canyon is where you used to pay for your permits before heading out into the dirt. I noticed last summer that it was closed too which I thought was odd - considering the traffic on that road, as you mention.

Looking forward to the rest of the report, Lance.

Todd Z.

[1leglance]

Now I like to joke a bit when off road but sometimes you see something like these crosses that remind you just how dangerous our hobby can be. These things had some little steel hunters and elk on them. I am not sure if that meant the elk won that round, the road beat them or what caused their demise but we figured they sure picked a pretty spot to meet their maker.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6t1Xfwq2ErA/Tv1GXHj0biI/AAAAAAAAAjw/WdaW_Nb9D4E/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-21.jpg

We were only a few minutes into the drive and I was already looking back at how pretty the area was. The one good thing about a narrow road though is that is reminds you to watch where you are going.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5eMNDS06JrQ/Tv1GXXYDkSI/AAAAAAAAAj0/u9PHgZAQYGs/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-22.jpg

Usually I take point on outings as I use a laptop running 2 GPS programs (Delorme Topo & Oziexplorer w/ USGS maps) but since there weren't many options for wrong turns on a shelf road I gave Waymon a chance to not eat Suburban dust :)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wGTK3ajPl5Y/Tv1GXrUuJmI/AAAAAAAAAkA/_71Z-Jtswmo/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-23.jpg

Round and round the corners we went...it was super hard to keep your eye on the trail when there was so much pretty canyon to look at.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BDs4MvmbDos/Tv1GXyRFqPI/AAAAAAAAAkI/DtgSipdQzv0/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-24.jpg

But it only takes seeing how many of these guys were on the trail to realize keeping your eyes on the road is way too important to mess around. Not only could I bust up even my old iron rig but a bounce off the edge of the trail would suck in a grand way.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yDDNXw6I0ls/Tv1GYJTKEZI/AAAAAAAAAkM/xqk1rCv-zAY/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-25.jpg

Like I said there was rocks on the trail even where you wouldn't think there should be. But is was still very cool to run this canyon.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-40Ml5vdbATI/Tv1GYKnKdGI/AAAAAAAAAkY/ytLFYc9z4VI/s720/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-26.jpg

[1leglance]

Now I am a native Texan and we have some hardy forms of life out that way. Even our cattle sport a serious set of attitude adjusters (google Texas Longhorn if you aren't sure what I am referring to), but I will never tire of seeing how desert life will find a way to get by. I noticed this cactus in the middle of the rock outcropping making use of a bit of dirt to survive. Impressive.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s0WrJv4vfls/Tv1GYb89i2I/AAAAAAAAAkc/VmRNtv3Wzws/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-27.jpg

Pretty soon we found ourselves in Second Camp, and I will say that it trumped First Camp as a spot to stay. However the map showed another place up the way and it held the creative name (no not Third Camp...I know I figured that also) of Salt Banks Campground. My thought was anything that actually got a real name out here must be worth a look. Plus that meant more drive time which I am never against.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_f7g_eOU8A/Tv1GYRXAhSI/AAAAAAAAAko/H_2LNBhpLjA/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-28.jpg

And lest you be afraid we did in fact get some more shelf road time on our way forward..
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3po8QE5OHA0/Tv1GY4986mI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ETduyJTQPQA/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-30.jpg

[dirty Bakers]

Thhats cool lance I have always wanted to go down that road. We cross that bridge about 40 times a year and just redently we started swimming below the bridge, the kids love it.

[agavelvr]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3po8QE5OHA0/Tv1GY4986mI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ETduyJTQPQA/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-30.jpg

Cool area. Looking forward to the rest of your trip report.
Did you find PB Cabin over at Sierra Ancha?

[PHXtaco]

Looks like a good day trip!
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a great place. When I was first moved here and was learning about the AZ desert, I would always go there to learn what cacti had stuck me on my last hiking/camping trip… now I know all of their names :p

PS
On Sep 21 , 2003 a single engine plane (a Bonanza) with 2 on board disappeared in that area headed towards Mt Baldy. To this day the plane has not been found.

[1leglance]

Jeff, didn't know about the Cabin...but we did spot another kind of dwelling of which I will write soon :) But at least I have another excuse to go back.

Phx...I agree about the Aboretum and really want to take the family back, easy to support a place like that. Oh and I can believe they have not found the plane as that is some rugged, ravine choked, serious country back there...and how in the world do you always know the cool airplane stuff?

[F5driver]

A few years ago we kyaked the Salt from the bridge to Roosevelt Lake. It's a great trip that took us four days. Before we launched we camped along the river for a few days. I remember seeing a car that plummeted from the dirt road and pancaked along the side of the river. I'd be willing to bet that those road markers were from that accident.

It really is a wonderful place to camp. The river really gets rolling come March.

[1leglance]

And to continue the story...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xZgX1EzsrXI/Tv1GZW0l_rI/AAAAAAAAAlI/PhXDG-jgRCg/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-32.jpg

I had noticed on the map we might get to do some water crossings but had kept that info to myself in case I was wrong or it wasn't much of anything. Well it was cool and Waymon gave a little Woop over the radio when he saw the coolness of it all.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0FCYwuAmyYg/Tv1GZijcnlI/AAAAAAAAAlM/2hlqpSv63D8/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-33.jpg

Now of course for many of you this axle deep little creek isn't worth a pic...but for us desert dwellers these are rare chances to dip a tire and have some fun. But in all seriousness these can be super dangerous for us as a flash flood moves brutally fast in these canyons.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z82hpyuDTFw/Tv1GZvfNmsI/AAAAAAAAAlY/ypGeglHCefg/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-34.jpg

Now I have seen some strange things when out in the wilds...and some indicate how the human mind works. I would say that at some point there was concern about washouts on this shelf road. But either the money or the interest ran out as this patch of concrete was less than 100yds long...interesting.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EoTRHQrxlA/Tv1GZ0NWbJI/AAAAAAAAAlc/aTBj9b01ruE/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-35.jpg

And on and upward we went. There was just more and more of this to enjoy, and we were having a blast.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--hFzFgvyyQs/Tv1GaOmofGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Q757AMTGr3A/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-36.jpg

Well almost another water crossing, but again if you look at the rocks you can see that when the floods happen it is major force in action.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UtxHPhYfr4k/Tv1GalqEvFI/AAAAAAAAAl0/bOrkB2qczf8/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-37.jpg

[1leglance]

And then we got to the Salt Banks Campground...well it had the best name and the saddest condition. We should have known when we started down some rough and rarely used 2 track but as always ya just gotta take a look.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7HKl5InKdnc/Tv1GakEBHMI/AAAAAAAAAmA/fmpwVoF7BGo/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-39.jpg

It was very pretty here and well named for the vertical white banks (they could be salt, who knows) but Waymon has spotted a nice bit of Second Camp that called to us and this place just wasn't worth hanging out. And of course nothing bad about running back through those water crossings :)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bp63I51TBJk/Tv1GbPWku6I/AAAAAAAAAmM/TXy8i3tvko8/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-40.jpg

This was are little bit of Second Camp and it was perfect. Well perfect in the sense of a great location, as long as you didn't touch the structure. If you look close you will see that each pole leans in a different direction. I figured with a bit of wind it would spiral it's way right to the ground :)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wzIJOn1ewac/Tv1GbJuKSUI/AAAAAAAAAmI/isXB52oKtcI/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-41.jpg

Ya gotta love little details like this. I am not sure what the value is to having this info, but it is cool that someone put it here.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hpp1y_c2gjE/Tv1GciqNK-I/AAAAAAAAAng/2SC4Q_T5v8s/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-42.jpg

Waymon got to work putting together his Kodiak Canvas Palace, and I of course tried not to make fun of his since I have a simple sleep inside the rig setup.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D9Y5v8dxi6I/Tv1GbhNA40I/AAAAAAAAAmY/i-jWyKW0yAg/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-43.jpg

And as I explored our campsite I once again noticed that no matter where you go in the southwest it seems Bud Light has been there before. Please don't think I am anti-beer or anti-Bud but ask around and you will find that Bud Light is the beer that gets left as trash in the desert more than any other.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IbKlo1gTqLc/Tv1GbwJ7I6I/AAAAAAAAAmg/K0Hz9_3h1fQ/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-44.jpg

[1leglance]

I took a little walk down to the water and looked back at camp...I liked it.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4TCyu6Sre3U/Tv1GcKtkjqI/AAAAAAAAAmo/U94GcpK4Ni0/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-45.jpg

Of course the river view was nice also and if the temps weren't so cold it would be fun to jump in and splash around a bit. Or dip a line and catch some dinner, then again I don't like fish so I would be catching someone else's dinner!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h2gYVpkVjes/Tv1Gca_97eI/AAAAAAAAAm8/DfRtw-qSPQo/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-46.jpg

Now this isn't just a cool pic of a tree that managed to grow around a rock. That is very nifty all by itself, but as an added bonus I got to use this stump as my camp chair for the evening. You see I like to keep my rig fully packed and ready to roll all the time. That is a great plan unless you clean out your rig like I did a few days before. Then you get to forget things like camp chairs :) Oh well the good Lord provides!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CARGcuFkko4/Tv1GcqTLV8I/AAAAAAAAAnA/0Ho2pnViV6Q/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-47.jpg

And since you had a chance to laugh at my folly's I thought it would be good to post a pic of how Waymon dresses his dog :) In all honesty the temps were expected to be cold and Waymon cares about his Lexi lady dog. But PINK, it was funny in a good way.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IaqEQ3UwNts/Tv1GdpkVbtI/AAAAAAAAAnI/N8f0sI--ApA/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-48.jpg

And that Kodiak Canvas Condo of his, well it was just as posh on the inside as out. Nothing like a Man Cave in the woods.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FCOPFBzJ0Zg/Tv1Gdr6SVEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/i2ueXwYFPSY/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-49.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IJ2Q_2w804Q/Tv1GeE42avI/AAAAAAAAAnc/tHcJ9OOFFtc/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-50.jpg

[TexGX]

So I think this story has been a little one sided. Let me see if I can add something to it. This is one of those trips were you have passed by a road that look interesting and thougth, I would going to have to try that road. This is that trip. I had noticed the dirt road following along side the river the last time I crossed the Salt River. I never would have guessed what a great trip it would be.

79850
Just to prove we did Pay(cell phone Pic)

79851
This is a pic of the view starting out.

79852
The funny thing about this Photo was just a few minutes before, I told Lance that the only thing that could make this better would be a river crossing. I know this is not much, but it was water. (The GX's manual says that I can cross water over 28 inches stock)

79853
Another amazing view

79854
This is Lexi, I am currently fostering her. I will say she is the best camp dog I have ever had. (I do not know if she will be leaving) She is a girl, freezing temps and the pink jacket was on sale. Enough said.

I will add more tomorrow.

TexGX

[1leglance]

Ohhhhh don't my rig look ghetto beautiful cruising across the water like that :)
Nice pics and great to have you as another voice in the story Waymon.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=79852&d=1325306450&thumb=1

[1leglance]

Day 2 begins....
Yeah I know, all that and we only covered day 1, and really that was just a partial day as we didn't roll out of Phoenix until about 11am and then there was lunch in Globe, so you can imagine how happy we were to have enjoyed our little adventure up to this point. And it only got better.
Here is a map of Day 2, notice all those wiggles in the track, well if you zoomed in they really scribble a tale of shelf road madness. According to my Oziexplorer track log we rolled out of camp at 8:10am, went 107.5 miles (with all of it on dirt except a touch of pavement going into Young & a bit at the end going into camp) and we stopped for the day at 17:12. And we felt worn out after all the stress of keeping the tires on the trail. As you will soon see.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yXp_qPcyXQ0/Tv6e_KTkzRI/AAAAAAAAAq0/oGeuiGh5At0/s750/salt%252520river%252520to%252520roosevelt.jpg

I know I gave Waymon some ribbing in this thread about his tent of joy but I admit to a touch of glamping myself as my recent purchase of a Little Buddy tent heater was very welcome in the morning.
The day started just like the previous one ended, on a shelf road!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TuPFDIXHuWw/Tv6IlFOA82I/AAAAAAAAApA/Ad8BSzZKqGI/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-51.jpg

With plenty more to go. I honestly knew we would be tracking a chunk of the river from looking over Google Earth but that isn't the same as driving it.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0BPkB1ud5vg/Tv6IlSDgNAI/AAAAAAAAAqY/yUw5403hH6M/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-52.jpg

I give the Tribe credit for having good signs out here that let you know how far to go before you get to anything other than wide open spaces.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E3dfu6MvZ_Y/Tv6Ilp6xgRI/AAAAAAAAApQ/VOXDkuDupJI/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-54.jpg

At last I figured we were heading up and out of the canyon so with a quick glance down at the Salt River & Salt Banks we gave the rigs some throttle and began our climb.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4bLNyup-94s/Tv6Ilml4AwI/AAAAAAAAApM/28D-fnglhy8/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-55.jpg

Yep up we went and the promise of more cool stuff to see was looking good in the distance.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xl7yp_PUjbA/Tv6ImDsR1yI/AAAAAAAAApc/y1AZyCnCilg/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-56.jpg

There is a river back there somewhere, and lots of peaks all around. This is rugged country and I always wonder what it was like for the early folks to cross the area on horse or with wagons. Those were tough folks.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--gI84damTFQ/Tv6ImzcXMPI/AAAAAAAAAps/nAJfF7WVRts/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-59.jpg

[1leglance]

But guess what? The shelf road is back, now we laughed a bit at this point in the morning but by the end of the day we were just plain beat up from driving on the edge.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0sshMMUYX-M/Tv6InJYyh7I/AAAAAAAAAp8/hdsh9w7TywE/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-60.jpg

Of course there are always rewards to match the hazards and one of them was Rock Springs which is where water comes out of the Rocks (imagine that!) and collects right on the trail. These are the kinds of things that allowed those tough Native Americans to survive along with the early travelers who were smart enough to find such desert treasures.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zH-aRSlvCsg/Tv6InQmEegI/AAAAAAAAAqA/Ara1f1qHRiA/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-61.jpg

[shortbus4x4]

Nice write up and pictures.

Glad to see I am not the only one to wonder how people got around before the interstate system. Every time I drive over Donner on I80 I think the same thing about how did people get over this on horse and wagon with no roads, and here I sit crusing along at 65 with my A/C on.

[loren85022]

Sounds like a good outing. The pink dog jacket on a hunting dog just seems like abuse :-)

Lance, as you prolly know, driving shelfs with hand controls adds to the pucker factor. Never do you wish for 2 hands on the wheel more than when there's a plunge off your side.

[TexGX]

Here is the rest of my pictures:

79886
The view as we make the turn away from the river.

79887
This was an amazing spot. It would have been the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. I wished I had brought my kayak as the area up stream look interesting.

79888
Lance crossing at the spot above

79889
Dead Cow

79890
Lance on the ridge line

79891
Leaving the Reservation

Lance is much more a picture taker then I am. It seemed that he stopped every mile to take a picture. I am guessing we could have shaved two hours off the trip if I had stolen the camera. He can finish up the trip pictures. I will say that this was an amazing trip. We traveled over some amazing country. I would break up the long day two with a lunch break. The road was mostly self road so there is not a lot of places to get out and walk around. Camp on day two overlooking the lake did not suck. This would be a trip that I would do again.

[Papa]

My morning coffee read was so good. Had to go back to our journal to remember driving hwy 60 in our motorhome in December '09 crossing the Salt River and eyeing the dirt road that ran alongside it. Next time we are in Arizona we'll have our Explorer and that road will be on our list. A fun report!

[1leglance]

And Day 2 continues...

Again the signage was great for letting you know where you were and where to go play...and if it was up to me I would add a little bit about how Canyon Creek is super cool and Gleason Flat is an excellent group campsite..as you will soon see!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBwDiNiEFKo/Tv-3VuSFrII/AAAAAAAAArE/NHmAc5t5JiI/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-63.jpg

But for the moment it was good to get out of the rigs and have a place to stretch our legs that didn't have an ugly drop off.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o0C1M_6qJc8/Tv-3Vj1tPWI/AAAAAAAAArI/qaRxBjnX39I/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-64.jpg

Even as old and sad as this coral was it still looked to be in use. Matter of fact we saw quite a bit of hints that cattle ranching was still happening in the area.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r129r8tGrJQ/Tv-3WOozrNI/AAAAAAAAArY/LyErMHKlMYY/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-65.jpg

But hey what is this...more shelf road...and a bit of water down there. Ok this could be good!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WtPZDIkvjWM/Tv-3WIH0yJI/AAAAAAAAArU/7ajCCB8IHLQ/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-66.jpg

A little twist to the right, a bit of twist to the left and you will get to a most excellent swimming hole. When the temps are warmer than we had that is.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjKOk1GbneQ/Tv-3WvPVj2I/AAAAAAAAAro/e5tCc3FqBdk/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-68.jpg

This section of Canyon Creek was super cool and we could have easily spent an hour or two hiking around. If you have any kids with you this is a must play place.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WLuia8LzEYU/Tv-3Wpa5acI/AAAAAAAAArk/XGeukJC7iJQ/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-69.jpg

[1leglance]

Waymon and Lexi had a good time getting up into the rocks. We really thought we heard a waterfall back in there but without jumping into the water for a swim it was tough to see far enough back into the canyon.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1Gw3_56Rbc/Tv-3XIS_A4I/AAAAAAAAAr0/ljlHEHqT0Ec/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-70.jpg

The water seemed plenty deep at this point but the crossing was shallow enough to see the bottom.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7pd4urfCJQ4/Tv-3XN1k39I/AAAAAAAAAr4/PKMWSe5fq8s/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-71.jpg

Would make a cool and refreshing place to play in the summer heat.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wo5LEy1A0Gs/Tv-3XjeNJ8I/AAAAAAAAAsE/ncXbCuNopkU/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-72.jpg

Waymon in his Lexus/Prado made quick work of the water crossing and I motored across in the big bad Suburban shortly after. Yeah I know it ain't nothing to many of you but for us desert folks this is way cool.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SzlweHD-VmM/Tv-3XyFA7JI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/h6mWQod7Noo/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-73.jpg

The only signs of others folks out here was a ranch we passed that required us to open/close a couple of gates. Always remember to leave a gate like you found it unless there is a sign telling you otherwise.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s_2UU1QvOoU/Tv-3YGhZN8I/AAAAAAAAAs4/Q3Bd5lS0Bu0/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-75.jpg

What do you know we found the Salt River again, I thought for sure we were done with it.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D98HF_kd1ZU/Tv-3YqGPM5I/AAAAAAAAAso/vvFGN6_64lU/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-76.jpg

As we made our way down to check out Gleason Flat we came across a bumper & a bed frame...ok you make up the joke that goes with those 2 bits of history :)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tHJUoJtaFpc/Tv-3Yqz4KhI/AAAAAAAAAsk/U7miYL5ml_c/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-77.jpg

And there was some newer than old mine equipment just off the road. I often wonder with the rising prices of metals if folks won't fire these operations back up.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZJwdYkxz2NE/Tv-3ZYMz1DI/AAAAAAAAAs0/Rhqwvtj4MYA/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-78.jpg

[1leglance]

Gleason Flat offers a nice place to get yourself wet and take a break.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i5Xn1-_KaMg/Tv-3Zq-CLWI/AAAAAAAAAtk/AmeBYN3U0qY/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-79.jpg

And plenty of room for a group camp. Matter of fact I think this is where I might camp if I was doing this as a weekend trip where I had left Phoenix at 8am instead of the 11am we happened to roll out.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sAGbZJtnTuU/Tv-3Z_7DwgI/AAAAAAAAAtE/IwvvOqq5cvU/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-80.jpg

This is an overlook of Gleason Flat and according to the map you can get across the water to a road on the other side. I am not sure if that is the San Carlos Apache land or National Forest...so make sure you do your research before trying it out.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZN9_KuY5xz8/Tv-3aCpn2uI/AAAAAAAAAtI/UunWWcikaKg/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-81.jpg

But away we went as there was more trail calling us...and it was nice to get some wide space going on either side of the rigs.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7tJQ0Khi51I/Tv-3auBjukI/AAAAAAAAAtU/mqUr1OKPgXs/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-82.jpg

Soon we were off the Res and onto Tonto National Forest land. Cherry Creek is the canyon/creek/route we took north and it held some great sites of it's own.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1rQ-xNgRsYA/Tv-3aoa6GmI/AAAAAAAAAtY/LBfELJiBNB8/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-83.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYW0wDWPK78/Tv-3bPY7zZI/AAAAAAAAAto/-Sn8F0Mm03M/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-84.jpg

[1leglance]

So after we finally had the pleasure of NOT driving on shelf roads as we motored north along Cherry Creek, Waymon lets out another Whoop on the radio to let me know there was water crossing with a twist.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VhRZwkVZEN0/Tv_UoxtMlPI/AAAAAAAAAu8/Z9ZnlTyNUq4/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-91.jpg

We could run this one side by side as there were two routes across. I tried to get a pic to show our little duel but this was the best I could do with 1 arm out the window.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D1acOAk9Gec/Tv_UrOO6SiI/AAAAAAAAAwc/olT1tBFqpm4/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-92.jpg

Before long we were back on the Shelf Road Adventure...hey if you are getting tired of hearing about it imagine the never ending drive :)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kc_mlh3bwuE/Tv_UppKcKoI/AAAAAAAAAvM/M_qA_Av4v70/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-94.jpg

And we came to some hunters who were parked by this sign. At first I thought they were checking out the cliff dwellings but it turned out one of this had got a buck and was hiking across the canyon to skin/quarter/retrieve it. They were out in a very cool vintage Bronco that I wanted a pic of but thought it would look strange to have a 1 legged guy hop out of 1 chunk of old iron to snap a pic of another old iron...but then again maybe not.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SkyNDJJykTQ/Tv_UqMX8uGI/AAAAAAAAAvc/4uafZMREI6Q/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-95.jpg

And guess what we got to do another mini water crossing. This one was the only one I was concerned about not due to depth but steepness as my Suburbasarus has a bit of a looooong hindend hanging out there. But all was well with no tail dragging.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dqwLeWuJCS8/Tv_UqIH2inI/AAAAAAAAAvY/A1qT7Ve3ji0/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-96.jpg

Of course there were plenty of these guys to remind you to enjoy the views but keep an eye on the trail. You could have a very bad day hitting one of these puppy's.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l7N05jDLeVQ/Tv_UqrPTEtI/AAAAAAAAAvo/J-mlm58iwNk/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-97.jpg

I am always amazing in Arizona how we can mix up our vegetation from zone to zone as you transition from desert to mountains. Here was a patch of snow with pines around us and a cactus growing along the road.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_mEOc6sITio/Tv_UrJ0qkhI/AAAAAAAAAv8/UoWaceerNbo/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-100.jpg

[1leglance]

Waymon spotted this metal sign just off the trail and of course we had to stop and check it out.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qjk4nRKQg-o/Tv_UrsotRdI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Y2NuiWa1icY/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-101.jpg

It speaks of the Cliff Dwellings in the area but doesn't really tell you WHERE they are. But Waymon had some binoc's and was able to spy out a couple of examples. I wish we had stopped to hike and check them out after I saw this pic on gemland.com
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wici6ZSzeAk/Tv_UroywQ_I/AAAAAAAAAwM/uZHi0fmepKE/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-102.jpg
http://www.gemland.com/superstitions/images/ruins.jpg

But instead we had more Shelf Road to travel....way too much more to travel believe me!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zwg5Peo2zH0/Tv_UtFs5WRI/AAAAAAAAAwo/FaJcC2rjJ7g/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-105.jpg

However I will say that the places the road cut back into ravines was filled with a variety of microclimates and each was a bit different. From wide, flat areas of trees like a park, to tight rock filled enclosures and even this Lord of the Rings Fantasy Forest with creeping vines and white barked trees.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aOfRuqCU5_M/Tv_UteDJ9oI/AAAAAAAAAws/QwIQhkndAXs/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-106.jpg

And then there was this little pucker producer. Waymon scooted right over the little snow covered hill. But since my track is wider and I have quite a few more pounds in my rig I had to stop and think a bit. I figure a man needs a plan in case things don't go well and I didn't want to chance the many hundreds of feet drop down to the canyon floor. So I had Waymon watch me in the mirrors to make sure I was narrow enough and then I rolled across at a steady pace, ready to punch it if I felt any sort of slip.
And why oh, why is the off camber section never leaning TOWARDS the nice safe mountain?
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5jeWNLCoeWE/Tv_Ut-baKTI/AAAAAAAAAw8/kU5Y8srYXkM/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-107.jpg

[Firetacoma]

Great report and looks like a great trip!

What year is the burb? I learned to drive in a '70. Three door, just like yours. 2 rows of bench seats and Caddy seats up front. I used to haul all sorts of friends to lunch in high school. Good times!

[1leglance]

An interesting thing that happened to us as we traveled our Shelf Road Adventure was how the trail would shift from bone dry dirt to snow packed mud & slush...it all depends on the sun.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rutXg_cWLSA/Tv_iqulXRGI/AAAAAAAAAyM/QA3AGX_XU3c/s720/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-108.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zYY9BiZFPq8/Tv_iqmGb1wI/AAAAAAAAAyI/wcNMvVwUMWs/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-109.jpg

But finally we climbed out of the valley and jumped on SR 188 and headed off North to Young, Az in search of fuel for my thirsty rig. Alas this was not to be, there was an Exxon sign at a liquor store but no fuel to be found.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7_QWc92oB7g/Tv_iq0grIdI/AAAAAAAAAzY/YjpjD8dOGoA/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-110.jpg

We did get to play in the snow a bit which is about all I need as I am not a cold loving guy.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JItlinWSoW4/Tv_irKU7fcI/AAAAAAAAAyc/hAlqIYT4Usc/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-111.jpg

And lest we get too relaxed on our drive there is always something new and interesting around the corner. In this case it was a big white bull with some serious attitude.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HaWqg8UtAA4/Tv_irFt1sNI/AAAAAAAAAyY/OhaKohBffMI/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-112.jpg

I never regret stopping and reading the roadside boards as the history you learn often gives a new and fresh perspective to an area you would otherwise just motor on through.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wESS1LSOApE/Tv_irjVHlLI/AAAAAAAAAyo/SJsmk_StXQU/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-113.jpg

We headed back into the mountains looking for a campsite, Waymon had heard of a place called Workman Falls Campground..this sounded very cool as a hike to a water fall is always worth checked out. In the back of my mind I kept thinking, oh boy this could be a very chilly night around the fire.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jdX0pkSQEBI/Tv_isR9kvRI/AAAAAAAAAy4/hV9I0T6xFVM/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-115.jpg

[1leglance]

However when we turned to Workmans Campground we found the Gila Country Search & Rescue out for a scouting trip. They informed us that the campground was buried under 2ft of snow and we should just turn around. Of course that meant we had to go forward and check it out for ourselves. But is was only a short way in and I realized it was smart to turn around before we got stuck with no winch and only basic recovery gear.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R3CijljhH6I/Tv_isQ2mE7I/AAAAAAAAAy8/NjIQaJMgs8s/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-116.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r55JZZZBKgw/Tv_is1_-95I/AAAAAAAAAzI/PWijsRJ-J9I/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-117.jpg

At this point we were getting really cold and the thought of camping in the snow & mud just didn't fly with this 1 legged fellow. So south we went and while that meant getting on some asphalt I was getting low on fuel so camping on the way back to Globe was ok with both of us. As we searched out possible sites we were treated so more amazing rock canyons and desert views.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2CrTsRJWPb0/Tv_itIWooUI/AAAAAAAAAzM/xlnN3G4L590/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-118.jpg

We did find a great spot looking over Roosevelt Lake with enough time to get camp setup and dinner going.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ThFCdBdeOQ/Tv_itV_-UQI/AAAAAAAAAzc/CSJDv8x3E6w/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-119.jpg

Waymon & Lexi got busy working on the Kodiak Canvas palace and I tossed my sleep pad & bag out into the cavernous back of the Burb.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vI4Ap8o3_Q4/Tv_itkIjBjI/AAAAAAAAAz4/0i_vGUL_yTI/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-120.jpg

Now you might remember that on the previous night I made use of a tree stump as my camp chair. But this night I was looking at a big sharp edged rock when I realized my Pelican cases would make an excellent seat. Not bad at all in a pinch.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2M2Zr_U_9L0/Tv_iuEXGPwI/AAAAAAAAAzo/YXjBRvj_aGA/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-121.jpg

Waymon is a great cook and a man who likes to eat well when he camps..not a problem for me as I get to enjoy all the yummy stuff he comes up with.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K1y5-L9F83k/Tv_iuB26-HI/AAAAAAAAAzs/qcK_LAN5C6U/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-122.jpg

[1leglance]

Day 3 getting home...
This was our view from camp the next morning and even for a slow am mover like me it was worth stirring from the sleeping bag. We all gather on the web because we share a love of the outdoors and it is times like this that the builds, tech and gear pays for itself.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FxfvfJLqnjc/Tv_zYpl897I/AAAAAAAAA00/IFzR8KFatgI/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-124.jpg

The canyon off to the side of our camp had a scary, rugged look that would make for many a scary story. But being short on fuel and long on a desire to get moving we held off on trying to hike down. Hey just another reason to come back and explore some more.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xWBN11k5mlk/Tv_zZflMDMI/AAAAAAAAA1U/fZJKkUbtPQs/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-125.jpg

Lest you fear that our Shelf Road Adventure was over there was plenty more of it even with the appearance of the blacktop. The road was wider but the views were just as great as the trails yesterday.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqd9iJR5IGk/Tv_zY-a4qXI/AAAAAAAAA04/yfXAxcJtqlY/s640/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-126.jpg


We got another last view of the Salt River before it becomes a lake and over the radio we were talking up the idea of coming back for a rafting/camping trip when the water & weather got much warmer. I am looking forward to something like that as it would be a completely new thing for me which is fun when it works out, and interesting even when it doesn't.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PYbr2IvHwjM/Tv_zY6nT0DI/AAAAAAAAA1E/V4WPZYa6HZg/s750/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-127.jpg

After a late breakfast in Globe we agreed that home duties were calling, I wanted to fire up my son's new knife making forge and Waymon has fun things planned around his place but at least we got to enjoy this cool tunnel north of Superior.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mBHkbeusPVo/Tv_zZA4xSOI/AAAAAAAAA1I/0SdDEhu-u7g/s512/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-128.jpg

And with that the story ends...
But let me add some final thoughts. You will notice I did this trip in an old chuck on iron, running 4 drum brakes, a 350cu V8, and just some basic gear. Even though I have grand plans for this rig I also want to make sure to enjoy it along the way instead of getting stuck on the driveway queen endless build that often happens. So many people are web-wheelers who wait until they have all the gear and planets in alignment before venturing out. Why not just go enjoy the outdoors and figure out your mods as you go?

I look forward to getting back into this part of Arizona again and exploring everything we missed....who wants to join me?

[Mc Taco]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HaWqg8UtAA4/Tv_irFt1sNI/AAAAAAAAAyY/OhaKohBffMI/s576/salt%252520river%252520self%252520road%252520adven ture-112.jpg

Great shot.

Curious, how did the bull react as you guys drove by. The shot looks like he wasn't too concerned.

[1leglance]

That bull had no fear or concern towards us at all, matter of fact it was more about us driving around HIM than him moving out of our way :)

[Lostmanifesto]

You're killing me with these photos. Which is a good thing. Wish I was there!

[toddz69]

Great trip report, Lance! Our Bronco club does an annual trip along the shelf road portion adjoining Cherry Creek nearly every year in October. I've never done the complete route to the Salt River, but I'd like to. It's fun to take the Cherry Creek road the whole way north and come into Young from the east. Someone else mentioned PB Cabin - I believe you drove past it on your route but unless you know it's there - you'll miss it (I did the first time I was there). At least one of our club members has told some interesting stories of lost folks/rescues in that area.

And I like your quote:

"But let me add some final thoughts. You will notice I did this trip in an old chuck on iron, running 4 drum brakes, a 350cu V8, and just some basic gear. Even though I have grand plans for this rig I also want to make sure to enjoy it along the way instead of getting stuck on the driveway queen endless build that often happens. So many people are web-wheelers who wait until they have all the gear and planets in alignment before venturing out. Why not just go enjoy the outdoors and figure out your mods as you go?

I look forward to getting back into this part of Arizona again and exploring everything we missed....who wants to join me?"

Not sure when I'll get into this area again, but I'd love you to join you! A mini-relic run :-).

Todd Z.

[1leglance]

Todd is would be super cool to roll with your rig, like I mentioned in the report there were some old timer hunters running a very nice red & white square body bronco.

Another Expo fellow up by Kingman want to put together an Arizona old iron run so we really need to make that happen.

[haulindave]

Thanks for the write up Lance :coffee:, nice pics . :elkgrin:

Looks like you and Waymon had a good time , nice area to explore .:smiley_drive:

:truck::camping:

[1leglance]

It was a great time and just another reason I like being out west with all our public lands.
Now to start planning the next outing :)

[LandCruiserPhil]

Just did this run over the past Holiday weekend aside it from being very scenic and remote, I like the signage at the start the best.

"ATVS 3 & 4 wheelers and golf cart prohibited"
Also note no holes in the signage:sombrero:

[BorregoWrangler]

Awesome photos and write up! I love the old Suburban too.

I wonder how the fishing is along that river? Also, your "final thoughts" are spot on! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[Saiyan66]

Great write up Lance, looks like a great little trip. I would like to see if my wife and I can tag along with you if you decide to do this one again. My wife is a great cook (so we are all covered on the food front) and I have family that I would like to see in Phoenix. Send me a PM or email next time you are thinking about heading that way.

Tim

[pskhaat]

Great stuff. Care to post a GPX | KML file?

[SulVento]

Great pics and write-up! Thanks for sharing!

[1leglance]

Ok let's see if I can post up the kml files...this will be a first for me :)

[1leglance]

Tim, it would be great to go out with your family..
More than likely we will do this trip again in April or May otherwise it would be Aug/Sept to escape the fall heat.
The only downside to Aug/Sept is the monsoon season could make things scary if there is rain.
Feel free to pm your contact into
thanks


Great write up Lance, looks like a great little trip. I would like to see if my wife and I can tag along with you if you decide to do this one again. My wife is a great cook (so we are all covered on the food front) and I have family that I would like to see in Phoenix. Send me a PM or email next time you are thinking about heading that way.

Tim