HikeArizona.COM

This is likely a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to post. I'd like to hike Brown's Cave on Dec 7th which is a Sunday. This is a great hike that will be in peak Autumn foliage (darn near the latest stand in the continental US) at it's destination. My last hike four years ago was cut short as Fritzski had to return to his family. I'd like to venture down just a tad bit further to the lake. The hike is mildly strenuous but nothing overwhelming.

The catch: my new(4th ) Tacoma isn't 4x4 so this is all dependant on somebody joining with a beasty 4x4. The road in is horrid and will seriously scratch the paint on your truck. It's kind of equivalent to 5 large steps (similar to the one Tortilla step) and several rough in between miles. The shrubbery that can only be topped by the horrid drive around South Butte. This is an all day adventure from about 3am to 7-8pm. Gee! any takers

Where is that section at South Butte? This is FR401 you're talking about? I walked a significant portion of that road doing the lower Soldier Camp loop last year and never saw anything like that. the road for the most part didnt seem too bad,actually. But I have read other descriptions that talk about how bad it is. If you do it, take some pictures and post them so I can know what I'm in for once I decide to brave this one.

That's on the north side of South Butte. I was using that as a reference ("can only be topped by the horrid drive...") as I don't have a photo of the enclosed vegetation near Cane Spring. Yes FR401. I think the vegetation can be avoided by simply walking the last portion, it may only be a half mile. If you've already walked it and have been reassured it's good to go then the only thing left to do is join

Dec.7 I'm watching the Steelers. Also, I need to go buy a new oil pan skid plate before I try to get crazy on the 4WD roads again. I saw a custom one online, but I might need to wait until after the holidays to spend the $$$.

Even if all the Cowboys aren't in jail or injured the Steelers still win this year.

Stiller wrote:the road for the most part didnt seem too bad

:whistle:

Enjoy the game, I know you're not missing it. ;)

Hey Joe, is this only open to drivers or could passengers sign up too?

Sign up!

joe bartels wrote:so this is all dependant on somebody joining with a beasty 4x4. The road in is horrid and will seriously scratch the paint on your truck.

joe bartels wrote:This is an all day adventure from about 3am to 7-8pm.

Joe, you know this outing is going to be a very hard sell based on the above BUT I would sign-up to drive my Grasshopper in and join-in on all the fun in a heartbeat IF it did not have to start sooo dang early.. Due to some personal issues I can never depart my driveway before 6:30am.. but I sure do wish I was able too and I do hope you guys get the 4x4 vehicles you need to pull it off & I bet you will ! ;)

A 6:30 departure would work and make Steve happy as 3am isn't in his vocabulary. However that limits the hike to just about the posted summary which was 7 hours. With an estimated 8 hours of daylight we could probably make it to the lake. It just wouldn't be probable to do the proposed "unknown" territory loop [ view map ]

Hey Joe. I have a Tacoma 4x4. Its not a 4 door but can pile people in the back. Sounds like an interesting hike, one that I have wanted to do for a while. Put me down as a maybe.

Sweet, hope you can swing it Aaron, haven't seen you in a long time. Hank and I are doing a test run to another hike in the area to check out the road.

I posted some pictures of the Brown's Cave area, including a couple of the drive in. I also included a picture of the "unknown territory" taken from the Adams camp area. If you decide to do the unknown territory, I would bring extra lights & batteries in case you have to hike in the dark.

That just reminded me why I want to get back there again, it's begging to be explored! thanks

if that is a typical road, i should have no trouble with it. montero has limited slip rear w/ 32's on a 2" lift
im on the interested list for now..

joe bartels wrote:Sweet, hope you can swing it Aaron, haven't seen you in a long time. Hank and I are doing a test run to another hike in the area to check out the road.

Ya man! Not since our failed attempt at the Mother Lode. Been busy with a new baby boy and long hours at work.. All my hiking has been limited to the occasional excursion for wrecked planes.

My Tacoma is pretty much stock except for the tires which are 31's. I'm not too concerned about the drive in. Let me know how the scouting trip goes.

BTW, the website looks better than ever.

I was wondering if anyone was interested in meeting with the group from the other side? Say, kayaking in from the lake and meeting at the cave?

I can't commit for sure yet, as I have to put in a time-off request at work but I did this trip (with a kayak) with georgeaz a while back and would love to do it again.

If the Steeler game gets shifted to the night game, I might be in on this one.

My jeepdog might be interested in this one, we'll see how it plays out, that might be around finals time for me

I'm interested

I'm interested! Just have to confirm the parents won't be in town that weekend, but sounds (and looks) like a great hike!