Thank you all for your comments and advice on FR342.

I have a 4Runner 4x4, which is more capable of 4wd than the driver.

Are there any practice drives I could/should do first? I have driven 650 to the (second) Arizona Trail sign.

Mike

Anyone know - what is the condition of this road, runs from FR650 to Top of the World.

Many thanks

Mike

Taken another look at the Xterra spec = ground clearance 8.3 inches. Is that good enough? I rented a Pathfinder last trip = 8.8 inches. Neither look very good on gas. SUVs previously rented are a 4Runner - good but very pricey, and a Trailbalzer - did not like the ride. I'm planning on the winter se...

Reads like the Nissan Xterra 4x4 is being recommended. So the critical question: if I buy one of these, will I be able to make it to all of the Trailheads in the Supes driving sensibly in dry weather? Any Trailheads in the Supes that it won't make? Any better choice? Thanks in advance for the advice...

In response to al1inaz's reply:

Any chance of someone clever posting a grid so we can see 'at a glance' which maps relate to the Supes?

I'd personally find that really useful.

Thanks, Mike.

Anyone know why the road to the TH has been closed?

Adds 1.2m to the West Boulder Saddle hike [0.6m each way],
(obviously) makes no difference to the Dacite Mesa loop.

Is it now shorter to use the Lost Goldmine trailhead?

Most important advice is to watch out for unthinking people dislodging rocks above you. A few years ago Picacho came within a fraction of an inch of being my final hike. If it's hot, hike the Hunter trail, which keeps you in the shade for longer. In December I usually hike the sunset trail, it is wa...

Thank you all for your help and advice. I've now got a great hike itinerary and I'm really looking forward to being back with you in the Supes.

Many thanks

Mike

In response to AZBrad123's reply: Think whether to swerve depends what you are driving... My only experience is on vacation in Utah, driving back to Moab from hiking Natural Bridges. I was driving a passenger car, doing 50 [55 limit] at night. Appeared 'from nowhere' [presumably from bushes on pass...

Hi. I'm a vacation visitor to AZ, and will be making my annual pilgrimage in December.

Has passenger [rental] car access been sorted out to any of the trailheads apart from First Water & Peralta? [Seems to have been expected for years]

Many thanks, will help with my hike planning.

Mike