Barry Goldwater and Cabeza Prieta

[Jim]

I'm looking for photosets and triplogs for the hike, but also drives, into the Barry Goldwater Range and Cabeza Prieta NWR areas. Pinta BM, Christmas Pass, Tinajas Altas, Mohawk dunes, things like that, and sets and logs with the roads, and access. A lot of these are probably generic, and aren't always easy to find in the inventory.

Thanks.

This was!
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[ Mohawk Mountain ]

[RedRoxx44]

Roads if dry have very sandy stretches. Of course permit required. Christmas Pass has some short rocky sections, can't remember if 4wd needed. I would take something to stuff under tires in case bogged down in sand. And I am not sure if AWD vs 4WD is allowed on the range. Sierra Pinta summit great views, a really long flat hike to get to the good stuff. Peak near Tule Well is impressive looking, I forget the altitude label, but had a register on top. Cabeza Prieta Peak is just a blast to get up, great geology. Tinaja Altas I thought was hard but a great summit also for views. Roads were not labeled very well when I was out there, but a lot of the side roads are closed.
If it has rained significantly then some of the roads again in a trench and can hold water, but the sand can firm up if not too much and make driving easier. The Pinta Sands can be a real mess to get through, the border patrol can usually tell you if it is passable when you are out there. I was out there one time when they got an ATV stuck in there, so we went around ( on closed roads, we didn't ask permission, we just went).

[Hansenaz]

@Jim_H
Planning El Camino del Diablo in your Subaru? I've thought about that but figured it's not a good idea. From the stuff I've read and discussed I concluded that sometimes it might be possible but that you'd certainly want to be with one or more more rugged vehicles.

[Jim]

@Hansenaz
I'm going or planning on visiting and peak bagging, maybe seeing some Sonoran Pronghorn. I'm not interested in merely driving a road.

I'd like to go in the next 2 weeks since I have off, but I may have to go later in the spring. Looks like winter is starting in March, after what would have been ideal conditions to visit in most of December to mid-February.

[azbackpackr]

@Jim_H
Sounds to me like your vehicle may not be up for it.

[Jim]

There are reports of CRVs and other Outbacks making it down there.

[SuperstitionGuy]

There are reports of CRVs and other Outbacks making it down there.

But how many of them made it back?

[Jim]

@SuperstitionGuy
Well, the ones that wrote triplogs did.

[Hansenaz]

@Jim_H
I guess it depends on your personal "required safety margin". I certainly understand the attraction of just doing it. You can bail if you hit an obvious impassable section. Taking a chance of course because it's so remote...that's why going with more than one vehicle is the clearly preferred choice. If I was your age I'd probably give it a try (solo if need be).

[Jim]

@Hansenaz
You're welcome to join me as the time approaches and I decide to actually go, which may end up being April if it is as wet as it could be next weekend. It doesn't always have to be 1 peak or nothing, there can be backups.

[Hansenaz]

The "Two Subaru expedition". Don't think I can commit (I'm over-committed for that time period). Some day....

[Jim]

Don't under estimate the car, especially when compared to most other SUVs out there. We don't lack that much clearance, and we could be better off due to being lighter..The main issue would be the tires, but I'm not planning on going through that lava rock area, not any time soon.

Either way, I think I may have to wait until later than my off stretch from the 19th to the 26th, [ Mindless weather chit chat ] Perhaps I will fall back on my original plan for a trip to Anza Borrego, with or without a stop in the Kofa. The 168 hour forecast is currently calling for more than 1/2 inch in the Mohawk Valley and down towards the Pinta Range, and over other parts.

[Hansenaz]

@Jim_H
I think the Outback is very capable...but yes tires always worry me and deep sand a bit too. I remember driving a joy-ride with my English in-laws through the back roads of Anzo-Borrego a few years ago where I felt lucky to get out without stranding them in the sand. Never did get stuck but nearly high centered for what felt like a couple miles - keep moving!