3rd Annual Fall Az VX and Friends Wheeling and Camping Trip Recap with Photo's

[Triathlete]

Just back from the trip and what a great time we had. Those who missed it MISSED IT! Day 1 started in Mammoth Az. We met up around 8 and were heading down the trail by 8:30. The crew included me (the only VX representing....Boooooo!), Vincent (SAS'd Troop), Ben (Toy TRD), Jeff (lifted toy), Patrick (jeep) and Brian (ATV).
After heading down Copper Creek road we took the "scenic" way so we could see the Copper Creek mine ruins...

[Triathlete]

After backtracking we found the correct route and down (and up, and down, and up, and...) the trail we went






More mining left overs...


Sombrero Butte in the background...


The old mining trails zig-zag through the mountains making it quite easy to make a wrong turn (we took a couple of "scenic" routes)...

[tomdietrying]

Looks like a blast! Wish I was there.
Peace.
Tom
012009

[Triathlete]

Vincent showing us where the geocache was hidden...




We are going there...


On top of a hill...


We covered a lot of slow miles on "carpet hill" (about 20 miles) which is strewn with rocks ranging from bowling ball size to very large with a lot of ruts thrown in just for kicks. The trail got its name from the ranchers putting down scrap carpet to keep the "road" from eroading so they could drive the ranch trucks through...it didn't work!


A cool tree along the way...


Looking back to where we started...

[Triathlete]

Exploring more mining ruins. These mines were so remote it was cheaper to leave the equipment behind than to pay to have it moved...
The safe left behind in one of the mine offices...




Boilers and ore crushers...

[Triathlete]

Yes, I have a thing for taking pics of strange trees...








Back on the trail...


yep, we got some fall colors in the desert too...

[Triathlete]

An old ranch house near a natural spring...






Exploring the house...


The bed was still intact...sort of!


The kitchen sink...

[Triathlete]

View out the porch window...


we crossed path's with these 2 mt. bikers several times during the day...


The spring...




The bikers filtering some spring water...


Deer on the hill side. Can you see them (hint, there are 6)

[Triathlete]

We arrive at our camp site along the Turkey Creek deep down in the canyon...

[Triathlete]

Mandatory campfire...




After breaking camp it was back to the trail to head back to civilization...

[Triathlete]

Turning around to see the Indian cliff dwellings...


Cliff dwellings from 1300A.D.


Ben enjoying a Monster inside the dwelling...






The 'Zu shot...

[Triathlete]

We crossed Aravipai creek several times on the way out...




Surfs up!...










Theres an ATV in there!...

[Triathlete]

My view through the dust...








We skirted the edge of the wilderness area...






The "car parts" dino...

[Triathlete]

We finally arrived at "civilization"...the massive city of Klondike, Az.
The general store...


And its for sale ($375,000)...


The gang relaxing before the final stretch to pavement...



Unfortunately I didn't get any shots of some of the more challenging parts of the trail, but lets just say there was some fun stuff! Lots of BIG rocks, ruts, and ledges!

[VCAMILO]

Hey Billy! Arizona always has some interesting trails to offer. Im sorry I was not able to make it at the last minute. The pictures are great. HELLO REGINA!!! -V-