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| Forest Road 160 - Tonto NF, AZ | | -
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| | Forest Road 160 - Tonto NF, AZ | | | |
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Forest Road 160 - Tonto NF, AZ
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| 4x4 Trip | 12.30 Miles |
1,795 AEG |
| | 4x4 Trip | 12.30 Miles | 1 Hour 41 Mns | | 10.25 mph |
| 1,795 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | With the lockers hooked up it was time to take the Cherokee out for its first real test so I thought Forest Road 160 in the Sycamore Creek area would be the right kind of challenge.
I'd driven it a number of times with the Samurai over the last year but I was not prepared for how bad it was this trip. By the looks of it there was much more erosion, very likely due to the heavier runoff during the monsoons as a result of the Sunflower Fire. There was so much debris it was a good thing I brought my hand saw along. I had to use it a number of times to cut stumps and branches that were blocking the way.
The first water crossing looked more like a 30' mud crossing so I got out and walked back and forth to find the best way across. Once I chose the route I engaged both lockers, gave it full throttle and made a run for it. With all four wheels spinning, spraying mud well over the top I just barely made it up the bank before it bogged down. After the crossing I came to realize just how much wider the Jeep was than the Samurai, gathering a massive dose of Arizona pinstripes and a few 1" stripes as well. In one spot two good-sized trees were so close together I had to fold the mirrors back to make it through with less than an inch to spare on each side. Following along the creek took a lot of time as I had to get out to move a few stumps out of the way.
The second water crossing was even farther across than the first one so I took plenty of time to scout out a route. But without a winch (which I didn't think I'd need so left it at home) I wasn't about to try this crossing. Walking a bit farther along the creek bank I found a spot where an ATV had crossed through some bullrushes and decided to give it a shot. It went much easier than expected and I was soon cruising up the wide sandy wash.
After leaving the wash and starting the climb I was back to picking lines very carefully due to the road being so eroded and only ATV-width. It was never an issue with the Samurai as it was so narrow, but now being over a foot wider I was having to climb over some rocks that I used to drive between. So there's more learning to do with the Cherokee. But now without all the shifting and having real air conditioning it was a more pleasant than I expected, so I'm happy I made the switch.
Only one photo this trip. |
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