Secret Pass adventure (NW AZ) Apr. 14-16 2006

[BajaTaco]

This area is located in northwestern Arizona, south of Hwy 68 and southwest of Kingman. Located in the Black Mountains, parts of the Secret Canyon area belong to the Mt. Nutt wilderness. The goal with this trip will be to get into some of the most striking topography of the Black Mtns. and explore the area including springs, hanging gardens, and a natural arch. There appears to be many small openings and caves in these rocks as well. This will actually be the first of two trips to this area. This first trip will be to get acquainted with the landscapes and natural features. We will camp with our vehicles in the Black mountains for 2 nights and make some day hikes into the wilderness area to explore the rocks and springs, and take lots of photos. This is bighorn sheep habitat, and apparently over 100 sheep have been counted here. I picked this weekend because it is close to a full moon (4-13) and it will be fun to see the rocks and canyons illuminated in the moonlight. Depending on where we camp, I might lead a 1-2 hour night hike (no lamps - by moonlight). This first trip will be open to stock high clearance SUV's as we expect only moderate challenges. The second trip will be much more rigorous and have specific vehicle requirements (but we'll save that for later).

(Note: This is trip is on Easter weekend)

Itinerary:

Friday - The Arizona group will meet in Kingman, AZ at 4:00 pm (AZ and CA are on same time now) in the parking lot at the Power House Visitor's Center at 120 E. Andy Devine Ave. (Route 66) (928)753-6156 *MapQuest Map* (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=120%20E%20Andy%20Devine%20Ave&city=Kingman&state=AZ&zipcode=86401&country=US&geodiff=1) If you care to get there early, this building houses the Route 66 museum and has a 50's diner. We will depart at 4:15 pm sharp, in order to meet up with the California group at a reasonable time. The AZ group will meet the California Group on the south side of Hwy 68, at Estrella Road at 4:30 pm (CA & AZ time). I am not familiar with this intersection, so just look for the best place to pull off the road and park. From here, we will proceed into the Black Mountains for our first nights camp. I intend to follow the route described below into the area, so if you cannot meet with the group you can find us in the vicinity of Secret Pass on BLM land (not within the Mt. Nutt Wilderness). At this point, I am not sure where we will find a suitable location to camp. We should arrive approx. 1 1/2 hrs before dark to find a good spot. HERE (http://www.blm.gov/az/rec/maps/Mt_Nutt.pdf) is the BLM map of the area. HERE (http://www.blm.gov/az/rec/mtnutt.htm) is the BLM page for the Mt. Nutt wilderness.

"From Highway 93 north of Kingman, turn west onto Highway 68. Follow Highway 68 to Estrella Road. Follow Estrella Road south for 2.7 miles to Bolsa Drive. Turn right onto Bolsa Drive and proceed 2.8 miles to Gisela Road. Turn left on Gisela Road, proceed 0.5 miles to Chuar Drive, and turn right. Go about 0.2 miles and turn right again on Ganado Road, adjacent to a range fence. Follow the fence 0.2 miles to a cattleguard. Go through the cattleguard and follow the jeep trail south and west for 1 mile. At this point bear left, leaving the wash and crossing under the powerline, and follow this jeep trail south 2.8 miles to the end of the road in Secret Pass Wash. Bear left when you encounter intersections on this jeep trail. A large stone arch is hidden in the rock outcrop located on top of the hill on your left as you near the end of the jeep trail."

Saturday - Today will be a relaxed pace with some hiking into the Mt. Nutt Wilderness areas and the Secret Pass canyon. I will have a route map and info for exploring some of the area roads if anyone cares to do that instead.

Sunday - We will depart camp by 9:00 am and head northwest out to 68 via an old slurry road. Depending on time and what mood we are in, we will have some other options to extend the day, or get out to the hwy for an early start back home.

CB - Channel 7
2M - 146.460 (4WD2)

The biggest thing we need to keep in mind on this trip is to TREAD LIGHTLY! (PLEASE!!) both with the vehicles and on our feet. We will be traveling on foot primarily in wash bottoms and water-courses for the main routes during our hiking sessions. We need to pay attention so as to minimize our impact. Thanks :)

Gear: Be prepared for cool evenings and pretty warm (even hot) daytime temps. If hiking, be sure to bring some really sturdy boots/shoes as there are no established trails and the terrain is very rugged. I would recommend bringing some binoculars, as I am really hoping we will get to see some bighorn sheep. Be sure to bring sunscreen if you use it, because we will get hammered with sun on this trip. Also, definitely bring plenty of WATER both for your vehicle, and for hiking. If you have a hydro-pack, it wouldn't hurt to add some ice to it before we depart on Saturday morning. I think we will probably do a morning hike and return to camp for a nice lunch, and then do an afternoon hike (so no need to pack lunch on the walk - just snacks if you want).

I will try to get some GPS coords posted as well.



Group size limit: 8 vehicles

1. Bajataco & Sharon - Tacoma
2. WhiteThaiGer & Salsita - 4Runner
3. mcvick - Discovery
4. datrupr - Trooper
5.
6.
7.
8.

[Brian McVickers]

This sounds like a great trip, especially with caves to possibly explore.
I would like to attend.
I'd say I'm 90% confirmed but just need to run the Easter weekend part by the family!

:rappel: :camping: :clapsmile

[whitethaiger]

This is my kind of trip. Please sign me up.

[pskhaat]

When's your next trip? I'd love to go but April'll be too early for me with new baby (due soon here :) ) Considering summer or later on?

[Ursidae69]

Your subject line said NE AZ! Got me all excited, thought it was closer. :shakin:

[datrupr]

Chris, sounds cool, pencil me in as a go, but I have to run the whole Easter thing by the fam and CEO first. But, then again, I might get the whole group together to go on this one.:o If I do convince the CEO to go with the whole brood we will be bringing 2 cars as the Trooper does not have enough room for 5 people and gear for three days. It would be fun to bring the Zuk anyway, so pencil me in for the Trooper and Zuk.

[BajaTaco]

Chuck, I did that just to tease you! Seriously though - I apologize. I corrected the title. Thanks for catching that :)

OK, I revised the list. As of now, the "tenatives" are penciled in as applying toward the group total, but just let me know if/when you get the go-ahead and I will revise.

I haven't set a date yet for the 2nd trip, but it will be either very shortly after this one, or more likely in the fall, maybe October.

This is going to be a fun trip!

[goodtimes]

Another tempting trip......but I just don't know if I can get the time off to do it. Until I get my house sold and my time at work cut back, I'm going to have to stay anti-social.

[BajaTaco]

GT, that's a bummer. But I totally understand. No worries, there will be no shortage of trips when you have the time for them.

[BajaXplorer]

Hey chris,
Put Amy and I down for this little adventure, please. She would love to do the hiking, and I will make a good camp guard.
BX

[BajaTaco]

Hey chris,
Put Amy and I down for this little adventure, please. She would love to do the hiking, and I will make a good camp guard.
BX

Very cool, I added you to the list. :ylsmoke:

[goodtimes]

Hey Baja, aren't you supposed to be in Tucson @ the gem show?

[BajaTaco]

Hey Baja, aren't you supposed to be in Tucson @ the gem show?

Just got back last night.

[awalter]

Chris,

Please add my name to the list.:clapsmile

Al

[BajaTaco]

Chris,

Please add my name to the list.:clapsmile

Al

DONE!


Btw, any word from Aaron or Brian on the "tenative" list?

[Brian McVickers]

We are good to go
Amy and I will be attending:wavey:

[BajaTaco]

We are good to go
Amy and I will be attending:wavey:

Excellent!

[datrupr]

Chris, I am 90% sure Colette and I will be there. Just need to get the other 10% approval from the rest of my family to be gone over Easter. Should not be a problem though.

[BajaTaco]

OK, just let me know when you can ;)

[datrupr]

Chris, Datrupr & Family are a go. Kids are welcome yes? If not let me know, I am looking for a reason to get rid of them for a while.:p

[BajaTaco]

OK pal, that locks in our group for this trip.

It is going to be a good one! :victory:

I will post more details for pre-trip prep at least a couple of weeks prior to the trip. As of now, we are about 5 weeks away.

[BajaTaco]

Scott Brady will not be attending this trip after all, so that opens up one slot (unless Datrupr still plans on two vehicles?)

Stay tuned for more trip details which will be updated in the first post shortly.

[datrupr]

Chris, my axle trouble sucked up all of my mod $$ so we are still planning 2 trucks. If this changes I will post up as soon as I know something.

[BajaTaco]

OK, got it

[Brian McVickers]

Hi All, Very much looking forward to next weekend and Secret Pass!

Chris,
Can you provide some more detailed information?
Any coordinates you may have for routes or camps?
Any names of trails, roads that will be involved and especially the ones to get into the first nights camp?

Also are we going by an itinerary of any kind or just going with the flow of the weekend?

Any group meals we can prepare for?

Any special equipment that may be needed?

Many thanks
Brian:sunflower

[Brian McVickers]

Here is what seems to be some relevant info on the are but I have not read it all yet:

http://bitofhistory.com/WebPages/AZWeb/SecretPass.html

http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2002CD/finalprogram/abstract_35086.htm

http://www.blm.gov/az/rec/mtnutt.htm

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/AZ-Treasures11.html

http://www.naturalarches.org/span-9604-cover-Hualapai.htm

http://www.gf.state.az.us/h_f/hunting_units_15d.shtml

http://www.hometownlocator.com/DisplayCountyFeatures.cfm?FeatureType=gap&SCFIPS=04015

:archaeolo

[BajaTaco]

Thanks for posting the links Brian :)



Chris,
Can you provide some more detailed information?


I updated the first post with itinerary and details. It will be a pretty relaxed weekend (except for the hiking :p ). I posted directions to the area for the first nights camp. There really isn't any special equipment needed, but the usual gear for desert hiking will be required for those who care to go on the hikes.




Any group meals we can prepare for?
I will leave that up to the group. You are all welcome to collaborate on some meals if you would like, but I will not have time to organize anything myself.

One more thing, if a few of us could bring a little bit of firewood, that would be great. Since I am unfamiliar with the area, I don't want to rely on native woods for our camp. I can bring some for the first night.

This is going to be SWEET!!!

:campfire: :luxhello:

[BajaTaco]

OK, I just got word this morning that there may possibly be a cancellation for one vehicle, so if someone else cares to attend this trip, please send reply here, send a PM, or email to me.

[whitethaiger]

Okay, after another nice weekend in the Mojave exploring some lesser visited corners it's time to plan for this one. Will have to read through all the links or maybe just go and get surprised, that's always fun too.

We won't have time to organize a group meal, but if someone comes up with a plan we can contribute a dish or two.

[awalter]

I'm going to have to bow out on this trip. Just back from a week in Baja & won't be able to get it together for this one.

Have a great time & I hope someone can fill my slot.

Al

[BajaTaco]

Sorry to hear that Al. I'll revise the first post.

I hope Baja was good to you!

[whitethaiger]

I'm going to have to bow out on this trip. Just back from a week in Baja & won't be able to get it together for this one.

Have a great time & I hope someone can fill my slot.

Al

Oh man, won't be the same now...

And then I see that BX is listed as tentative, just when Srisuda asked me to ask you whether you can bring some of those sausages you had when you met us up in the mountains in Baja last year. You probably forgot already what they were, but Srisuda remembers trips by the food she had :eatchickeHope you can make it!

[datrupr]

Chris, scratch Colette for this trip, I think last weekend took it out of her, and she is not up to two trips in a row. I have to really work on that, and toughen the girl up. But I am still going to be there, probably just me and my big dumb dog. He and BX still need some more time to bond anyway, they became great buddies ove rthe weekend:hehe:

[BajaTaco]

Chris, scratch Colette for this trip, I think last weekend took it out of her, and she is not up to two trips in a row. I have to really work on that, and toughen the girl up. But I am still going to be there, probably just me and my big dumb dog. He and BX still need some more time to bond anyway, they became great buddies ove rthe weekend:hehe:

Dang, that's a bummer. I was hoping to finally meet her. I wouldn't try to toughen her up if I were you. :p Regarding the dog... unless he is very well trained and quiet, I don't think this is a good trip for a dog - especially the way you described him on the other trip :p Don't get me wrong though, I do love dogs.

[datrupr]

Chris, he was surprisingly well behaved on the last trip, he raomed around camp and layed down for the most part. He slept in the Trooper and nary a peep from him. He only barked at BX and Mark when they would come back to the main part of the camp after changing clothes. But I can leave him home if you feel it is not a good trip for him to attend.

[BajaTaco]

Chris, he was surprisingly well behaved on the last trip, he raomed around camp and layed down for the most part. He slept in the Trooper and nary a peep from him. He only barked at BX and Mark when they would come back to the main part of the camp after changing clothes. But I can leave him home if you feel it is not a good trip for him to attend.

Aaron, I'm not opposed to having a dog along on the trip. As I said, "well trained (i.e. well-behaved) and quiet" is all that I ask. It's totally up to you to make the call. ;)

[datrupr]

OK, I will play the dog by ear, and make a decision by Friday morning. I am a little bummed that Colette is bowing out of this one too, I know she was looking forward to meeting you as well. I think she will be along for Climb & Crawl though.

[whitethaiger]

Since we plan on quite some hiking it might be a good idea to bring whatever handheld communication devices everyone has (FRS, 2m HH, whistle, mirror, etc.)

Chris, correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like we won't drive far from gas stations so I won't bring any extra gas.

[BajaXplorer]

Sorry fellas, but Amy and I are not going to make it. Amy came back from an Atlanta trip pretty sick. Yesterday the doctor diagnosed her with a case of walking pneumonia. She needs to rest up and get well for our upcoming three week vacation, so this trip is a no go. I, of course, will stay home to make sure she does rest. Hope we will be able to attend "Part II" in the fall.
BX

[datrupr]

BX, sorry you are not going to be able to make. We will catch you next time. I hope Amy rests up and I wish her a speedy recovery.

[BajaTaco]

OK, I will play the dog by ear, and make a decision by Friday morning. I am a little bummed that Colette is bowing out of this one too, I know she was looking forward to meeting you as well. I think she will be along for Climb & Crawl though.

OK, sounds good. We'll keep our fingers crossed for Climb n' Crawl. Just an FYI - if interaction with other dogs is a consideration, Brian will be bringing Oliver along.


Since we plan on quite some hiking it might be a good idea to bring whatever handheld communication devices everyone has (FRS, 2m HH, whistle, mirror, etc.)

Chris, correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like we won't drive far from gas stations so I won't bring any extra gas.

Good call on the comms. gear. As far as fuel goes, there is no need to bring extra fuel. You can fill up in Laughlin, Needles, or Bullhead City depending on which way you choose to arrive. AZ folks can fuel up in Kingman.


Sorry fellas, but Amy and I are not going to make it. Amy came back from an Atlanta trip pretty sick. Yesterday the doctor diagnosed her with a case of walking pneumonia. She needs to rest up and get well for our upcoming three week vacation, so this trip is a no go. I, of course, will stay home to make sure she does rest. Hope we will be able to attend "Part II" in the fall.
BX

I'm really sorry to hear that BX. Please tell Amy I hope she kicks it in the butt real soon. "Part II" in the fall should be very fun :)

[whitethaiger]

BX, we were looking forward to seeing you guys again. Now tell Amy all the best from us!

[datrupr]

Chris, that is cool, Monty should get along fine with Oliver. I think I am going to bring him, I do have a long cable that I can tie him up to if need be. Last weekend, we let him just roam around and he did not go very far so I think he will be fine.

[BajaTaco]

Ok Aaron, sounds good.

Weather outlook:

The forecast as of Wed morning anticipates a 30% chance of rain on Friday, and cooler temps over the weekend with daytime highs in the mid 70's and overnight temps dipping into the high 40's. Partly cloudy on Sat. and Sun. which sounds just about perfect!

[datrupr]

Brian, and anyone else coming from the valley, do want to caravan up to Kingman? I was planning on leaving my house at around 12:00 and cruising through Wickenburg, up the 93 into Kingman. I was just going to take it easy and enjoy the scenery on 93, and we should get there right at about 4:00. And if it looks like we are going to be late then we can pick up the pace a bit. Any takers?

[BajaTaco]

Well, this is kind of shaping up like the Black Mtn trek as far as attendance goes. :p Our buddy Jack will not make it, so the crew is down to 4 vehicles, with a total of 6 people and 2 dogs. Now I bet our chances of seeing some bighorns are really good.

If anyone else cares to join us, there are now 4 slots available :)

[Brian McVickers]

Aaron
Sounds good on the caravan!
I will try hard for 12 but it may be tight.
My directions show it as 3 hours to kingman from my place.

Chris,
My Brother in Law, Scott, had to bail so it's just me and Oliver.
So that means I have extra seats available if anyone wants to join.
I may be staying out longer than the group so if you ride in with me you may have to ride back with someone else.

[datrupr]

That is kinda funny Brian, it was showing 3.5 hours from my house, and it is closer than yours. Stupid internet maps. If you want to meet up at say I-17 and Happy Valley at around 12-12:30ish is cool with me. If we are on the road by 12:30 we should be fine. If anyone hitches a ride up with Brian and can not stay I will have an extra seat and a little room for gear on the way back. I will probably leave shortly after breakfast on Sunday though so as to not get home too late on Easter Sunday.

Brian, give me a call tomorrow or Friday morning and see if we can arrange a caravan up.

[datrupr]

It is also a bummer that Jack is not coming.

[whitethaiger]

Well, this is kind of shaping up like the Black Mtn trek as far as attendance goes. :p Our buddy Jack will not make it, so the crew is down to 4 vehicles, with a total of 6 people and 2 dogs. Now I bet our chances of seeing some bighorns are really good.

If anyone else cares to join us, there are now 4 slots available :)

Yes, what is it with these trips that they are first fully booked and then nobody makes it.

That would be cool if we could see some bighorn!

Otherwise preps are going forward here: Got a bundle of wood, tested the shower.

I'm not sure yet on our approach, but likely we will come from the Bullhead City side. I'll study some maps tonight.

[BajaTaco]

Sounds great! Thanks for bringing some wood Uwe. Dang, I can't wait... this place is going to be beautiful.

[datrupr]

Chris, I'll bring a bag or two of wood also. And I am with you buddy, I am very much looking forward to this.

[Brian McVickers]

Hey Chris,
Any GPS coordinates?

One of the maps I am using shows the trails we are getting onto splitting and going every witch way through the mountains and desert with no names!

But, I still have to consult my other maps and books.

[BajaTaco]

Aaron, if you already have the wood, then go ahead and bring a little. If you have to buy it, don't bother. Between Uwe and I we can bring enough for 2 nights.

Brian, I haven't had time to hunt down any coords yet, but I do have some from the Wells book, and I am going to try and actually make a track file from sat photos. But that will depend on if I have time so I wouldn't count on it. I will at least post the coords from the Wells book at lunch time.

[Brian McVickers]

Cool, No worries.
I still have not consulted all my ref materials either

[datrupr]

Cool Chris, I will not buy any then. Due to the warm winter we had this year we did not stock up on any firewood for the house, so I would have to buy it. But, if you do feel like we may need it I am happy to pick some up.

[BajaTaco]

Nope - between Uwe and I we should have plenty.

:campfire:

[whitethaiger]

I don't have any paper maps for hiking, but I also wanted to go over some DOQ's to look for potential routes. How long should we make these hikes? Well, maybe I'll leave that to Chris after the KOFA training experience.... :Wow1:

We'll bring our hiking sticks, they make downhill and hiking on uneven terrain much easier. Even short hikes in the desert are serious business: Make sure everyone brings what they need on the hikes (water, comfortable boots, sun protection (hat, long sleeve shirt/pants), water, radio, mirror, whistle, energy bars, band aid, compass & GPS). What else? If you have any special medical conditions/allergies let the group know. I bring this up because I got stung in my foot by a bee last weekend out in the Mojave and we were probably 4h from any medical help.

As for getting there. I saw all those little roads, but I think you guys come as a group and we should have no problem picking up Chris on the 2m.

[BajaTaco]

Uwe, I am looking at some info right now regarding your route in from the west. I'll give you a call on the phone shortly.

Length of hike - whatever we feel like. I too am looking at the topos for some more ideas, but my primary goal is to hike in Secret pass canyon first, then maybe do some more of the stuff to the southeast of our camp.

[BajaTaco]

I just sent an email to you guys.

:coffee:

[datrupr]

Got it Chris, thank you. Are we still meeting in Kingman at 4:00?

[BajaTaco]

I think it would be a good idea, since none of us have ever been there before. If you guys prefer to head into the area earlier or later though, that's fine. Just let me know. Sharon and I may actually be able to get there earlier if you guys care to do that.

[datrupr]

We can do that, I am actually going into work in the morning for a couple of hours, but I can get on the road as early as about 10-10:30. I'll PM you my cell and we can touch base in the morning. I would like to meet up though as I have no idea where I am going, but with the maps and GPS cords. I am sure I can find you well enough.

[BajaTaco]

OK, we'll plan on meeting up. I just talked to mcvick on the phone and his sched. is a bit tenative too. Let's just plan on the three of us keeping in touch by phone in the morning before 10:30 or so, and we'll hammer out the details once we all know when we can actually leave.

[datrupr]

Sounds good. I'll probably touch base with Brian in the morning.

[BajaTaco]

Allright, the mattress has been converted to deluxe-mode and is ready for some seriously tired hikers.

:p

http://www.bajataco.com/camper/deluxemode.jpg

IS IT TIME TO LEAVE YET??

[flywgn]

BT, I've heard of wall-to-wall mattress, but.....

[articulate]

Allright, the mattress has been converted to deluxe-mode and is ready for some seriously tired hikers.

:p

http://www.bajataco.com/camper/deluxemode.jpg

IS IT TIME TO LEAVE YET??
Which pillow is yours? just for he sake of funny, I'd have made a trip to get some Winnie the Pooh sheets and then taken that pic.

Sure wish i could go with you....

!Que lo pases bien!

[datrupr]

Chris, I'll trade you and Sharon your digs for my luxurious, spacious tent with queen size air mattress with memory foam:rolleyes:


Oh, wait, those aren't flowers on that pillow case, they are leaves. Never mind:p

[flywgn]

...Oh, wait, those aren't flowers on that pillow case, they are leaves...

Yeah, BT hasn't cleaned out his truck since last fall.

[datrupr]

Yeah, BT hasn't cleaned out his truck since last fall.


:xxrotflma :jump: :xxrotflma

[Scenic WonderRunner]

OH Dang IT!

Everytime I look at that list IT gets shorter!

Checked with my engine shop today.

I now have a Brand Spanking New Shiny Engine in my truck and should be ready to pick up on Tuesday!:shakin:

YES!:elkgrin:

Sorry I can't join you all! Sounds like a fun trip.

[datrupr]

Next time Mark. I hope they got it right this time and you will not have to go back to them. And if they did not get it right, just go with the 3.4 swap.



OK, I can not wait to get outta here, I am ready for this trip:D

[BajaTaco]

:xxrotflma LOL! You guys are crackin' me up! :victory:

[flywgn]

Friday and the wind's howlin' here in the foothills above Prescott. Hope Chris and crew are hunkered down over there in the desert. Wind advisories are in effect for all that area...with chance of rain. Ugggghhh! This might turn into a genuine 'adventure'.

They're probably all anchored to each other laager-style.
Allen

[Scott Brady]

Yeah, it is nasty here right now. Brian just came by to pick up the Adventure Trailer and he is on the way to camp.

[flywgn]

Yeah, it is nasty here right now. Brian just came by to pick up the Adventure Trailer and he is on the way to camp.

Ohhhhhhh, that would have been a test for the tent!!! It'll be interesting to hear the descriptions.

Bet they didn't have much of a :campfire: last night.

Allen