Salt River at Regal Canyon - 1 member in 3 triplogs has rated this an average 5 ( 1 to 5 best )
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| partners | | *Road conditions update.
I was last hear in 2009. It's such an amazing place. I've never forgotten that day [ photo ] . I've been really wanting to return. Friday was the long awaited day and my good friend Hank (Grasshopper) willingly joined me. Well, a lot has changed in 9 years. The road was bad back then. Now it's downright dangerous. We were shut down about 1 mile and 600 vertical above/from the river. It's a steep switchback segment with very little base. It's very narrow and eroding badly. One spot is heavily tilted to the down-slope edge with an off camber drop. Rolling your vehicle at this spot would have very high negative consequences. Just beyond that is a huge truck size bolder nearly blocking the route with the road tilting towards the boulder. Miss judge the width and you'll bash your door.
This bad road segment is about 0.3 mile long. Access to the river is now primarily limited to ATV's. I highly recommend parking at a small flat saddle pull-off just above the switchbacks at 33/48/45.92 & 110/36/54.66 (see map). From this spot you can safely park and walk this segment to judge for yourself. Some people have a higher fear/risk threshold. Ha.. My decision was easy. I turned around!! My low mile 2011 Xterra was not being aimed down that hill. I'll add "replacement" Xterra for those that know me.
The other obvious option is to just park and walk the remaining mile. It's an easy short hike. The views are worth the effort. The parking spot noted above and on the attached map is also a very nice flat car camping spot with good views. For all practical purposes, this is sadly the new unofficial trailhead. Just reaching this spot is no picnic but it's at least manageable with a solid short wheelbase 4x4 vehicle. It's challenging enough to be fun with minimal risk of crashing. Enjoy!
Eric |
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| MATTHEW 11:28-30 / PSALM 84:1-2 |
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| 4x4 Trip | 9.00 Miles |
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| | 4x4 Trip | 9.00 Miles | | | |
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| partners | | This was our Plan A for a scenic and remote 4x4 drive for pics to FR473A road end at the scenic viewpoint for the Salt River at Regal Canyon.
We had to abort our plans due to the last ~one to two 4x4 miles of this total 11.25 mile driving route being just too dangerous   . It's recommended to only hike this last FR473A road section (last safe parking/turn around location-  [ photo ] ). |
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| (Outside.. "there is No Place Like It!!") |
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| no partners | | This is a superb destination. Sunning beauty and very remote. The side canyons are amazing and there's a car-camping site overlooking the river that is postcard perfection. I highly recommend visiting this location. It makes a great weekend adventure.
Eric (ssk44)  |
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| MATTHEW 11:28-30 / PSALM 84:1-2 |
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
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