Content Wrapper

[Sean K.]

uphill previously said:

I didn't know how much time I'd have to work and how much time there would be left for play. I didn't get a hold of anyone because I didn't want to look like a flake if I had to cancel. Essentially I was pushed out by the weather that was still deteriorating when I left Young and Payson.

I don't know if Skull Crusher if FJC compatible. Does it come up from Soldier Camp Mountain or from the Ponderosa area? There is nothing like that on the eastern side that I found. Most of the trails in the area I explored before the snow hit wouldn't be challenging for your buggy because it wasn't challenging (without snow) for the FJ. What it lacked in challenge, it made up for in beauty and interest. I have permission to cross private land and have the gate combinations for that area I mentioned in this post. I plan to come back this summer (or before) and backpack into Hell's Gate itself for a week or so. My buddy who retired in that area used to work for the federal govt. in Virginia and relocated when he left govt. service. I am told of a retired naval officer who owns a ranch up in that area as well on Haigler Creek. I wrangle an intro to him next time I go up there. There is very little patent land in that region.

I can see Lower Skull Crusher being FJC compatible....for the highly modified.

Upper is just stupid. I won't take my buggy in there just b/c of one obstacle that forces the top of your cage into an undercut and has bent many cages in almost a full foot.

I spent 5 days back in around 2000 helping open the trail....took 3 built to the hilt Jeeps that long to complete it. It's not uncommon for this 1.5 or so mile trail to take 2 days to run.

Skull Crusher is about 10 miles out of Payson on the south side of 260 off the Hell's Gate Jeep trail.

There are several good trails in that area.....Preacher Canyon would be great for an FJ and one we opened back in 98 called "Bumper Banger" would be challenging as well. Then there's always Payette Draw which some of the AZFJC guys have already run the lower portion.

March to May are usually good times to head up there while it's still cool.

Sean