Dispersed camping in snow

[rustyshackleford135]

Hi!

I'm looking to go do some car camping in the snow that's coming down. Hopefully it isn't melted by the 16th. My dog loves it especially. I understand rim road and some of the main forest service roads are closed. That seems to be the biggest problem right now. I'm looking in the mogollon rim area, or north of flagstaff on the other side of humphrey's. I have a good 4wd, shovel, etc. I am prepared if I get stuck. Where is the best bet for some secluded dispersed car camping during the 'offseason'

Thanks!

[nonot]

As FYI most of the roads are gated/closed.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino ... rdb5341627

Might take some mapwork to figure out which ones exist that don't make the list, or where they are exactly closed. Offhand, this list of closed roads seems a fairly complete list of ways to access the rim to me. It may be possible to drive right up to the barrier and car camp in the soonest legal campsite right before reaching it, but I don't know where all the barriers are. Some are only 10 yards off the highway meaning it is not legal to camp there.

I believe the same is true of the area north of Flag but didn't lookup the FS webpage. (Edit: Go up a level from the link above and click on flagstaff - a few roads are open)

[rustyshackleford135]

@nonot
Awesome! Thank you sir! Exactly what I was looking for!

[AugustWest]

I drove up to where Big Bug Mesa. Breezy Pine and FR 261 come together below Mt. Union from Poland Rd. off of 69 yesterday. That area received a bunch of snow, the road wasn't horrible with 4WD and I didn't see a soul from AZ-69. I seem to remember seeing some areas where camping would be feasible with nice views.

[chumley]

I believe they keep the cinder hills ohv area open for vehicle travel even under winter snowpack. Whether you'd want to camp in that area or not is a different question.

[rustyshackleford135]

drove up to where Big Bug Mesa. Breezy Pine and FR 261 come together below Mt. Union from Poland Rd. off of 69 yesterday. That area received a bunch of snow, the road wasn't horrible with 4WD and I didn't see a soul from AZ-69. I seem to remember seeing some areas where camping would be feasible with nice views.
you like unlike

Awesome. I will be heading that way next week. Hopefully some snow left. Thank you!

[rustyshackleford135]

believe they keep the cinder hills ohv area open for vehicle travel even under winter snowpack. Whether you'd want to camp in that area or not is a different question.

Whenever I get a side by side I'll have to hit that spot. Looks like fun to visit, but not camp.
Thanks

[Nighthiker]

Campground at Clint's Well is open, right off the hiway.