HikeArizona.COM

OK, my last attempt to set up a backpack did not work out. Hopefully Dec. 2-3 will work. Mike--American Idol-- and I are planning a loop from Tortilla trailhead, JF trail, Hoolie Bacon, Red Tanks through Upper LaBarge Box, Whiskey Spring trail, overnight at La Barge Spring, then down to Charlesbois Spring and the Peters Trail and out. That's clockwise; guidebook says 15.8 total, with La Barge spring at 8.2 miles. La Barge is at about 2700 ft. el. I have done only about a fourth of this route before (I rarely watch the same movie twice either)

Anyone interested, please PM me or call at 623-326-7716.

I will see about putting up a photo. But last time I broke the camera. For those who don't know me, I am a cereal killer, and I have no felony convictions unless you count that one thing in Vegas with the mayonaise and the rubber bands, and that was really all just a big misunderstanding.

not american idol on this site, but im determined to make that road in my truck, got skunked last attempt

who's in?

I'd love to join you guys but unfortunately I have to work that weekend. Wish I could go.

Mike- about the road. Remember if parts aren't flyin' your not tryin'

I couldn't make the road in my jeep last time either.

Hope I'm not asking something too personal, but do you have a Cherokee or a Wrangler? Just trying to get a feel for how bad it really is.
Oh, and when did you attempt it?

djui5 wrote:Hope I'm not asking something too personal, but do you have a Cherokee or a Wrangler? Just trying to get a feel for how bad it really is. Oh, and when did you attempt it?

Have you seen these photos?
http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=22592
http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=22593
http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=22594

That's how bad it is. But it's only bad for about 1/8th mile. A Wrangler with oversize tires should make it fairly easily. I don't know about a Cherokee.

I am interested in finding out who has made it and in what vehicles. :

Hey Tarheel and Mike,

Will you let me know the water situation at LaBarge and also what the Red Tanks Trail looks like these days?

THANKS!

I made it in a wrangler with slightly larger than stock tires, I don't remember if I had to put it in 4 or not (I suspect I did...). If I recall correctly the real challenge was getting up the very first stair step section, after that it was just rough driving but no real technical four wheeling.

Thanks for the pictures!

I have a Jeep Cherokee with stock tires and it was dark when I went in. I honestly didn't give it a good try.
However, I will say that the size of the truck (BIG) in those photos seems to minimize the roughness.

.......'bout three months ago we took in a stock grand cherokee, a tahoe w 2" lift, and a stock wrangler (all 4x4) with no big ordeal.
Agree w/Matt on the first stairstep being the crux.
If wheel-spin is an issue, either get a slight running start, or use 2nd gear (stick OR automatic) and creep up the step(s).
(BTW - one can hike this road to the T/H in just about an additional 10-15 minutes over driving it - it obviously adds some distance to the hike, but heck, we're HIKERS.)

In response to Trishness' reply:

Sorry to horn in but I was just at laBarge--up the creek bed to the big curve. No water until a few pools just below the curves and 3 large pools of very scummy water at the curves. Total hike on dry land and would be all the way through to Calvary.

In response to OhOh7's reply:

I am not sure what you mean. Did you go all the way to La Barge Spring at the intersection of the Dutchman and Red Tanks trails? Was it dry even in the cement catchment basin?

In response to desert tarheel's reply:
OhOh7 was in Lower LA Barge not Upper.

GTG

really, I think the first step is the easy one. I made it until I reached the second step (second pic). I did not try that hard (if parts aint flyin you aint tryin) but only had 1/2 gallon water.

what I did find humorous however is the guy in the stock Exploder who actually contemplated the journey. Hope he thought better of it

Just read your note on hiking Supes. I've hiked there auite a bit and really love it but can rarely get anyone to go w/. If you have a small group going sometime, pls email me thru HAZ. I like strenous hiking and can go the longer distances. THx!

Hi, Liz. I believe we met at Angels Basin last year. I'd love to get out there to Her Majesty within the next few weeks. Hit me up : rein :

mikeinFHAZ wrote:I'd love to get out there to Her Majesty within the next few weeks. Hit me up : rein :

Please keep me in the loop on this one... I'm game!

I live in Apache Junction and am always up for hiking with people. Am a bit familiar with a lot of the Superstitions.

OK, all...
Does anyone have the week between Christmas & New Year's off, or are we looking at solelya weekend affair?
Anyone have a route to suggest that they have a hankerin' for?