I'm looking for a little easy short weekend-camp somewhere in AZ, preferably with trees and water near by - easy to easy-moderate trails would be awesome too. Any recommendations? I'm willing to drive as far as the Utah and New Mexico borders.
__________________
Black 4x4 AT
Rear Locker/ATRAC
OEM Rock Rails - Roof Rack
_________________________________________________ Trails Completed:[East Verde River],[Hassayampa River]
I'm looking for a little easy short weekend-camp somewhere in AZ, preferably with trees and water near by - easy to easy-moderate trails would be awesome too. Any recommendations? I'm willing to drive as far as the Utah and New Mexico borders.
Some of us went up to Woods Canyon Lake just NE of Payson. Not too far and you can take the Rim trails to just about anywhere. The elevation is around 7500 and the weather was cool in the evening (albeit was about a month ago.) Lots of trees too.
__________________
"I'd like to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car."
Some of us went up to Woods Canyon Lake just NE of Payson. Not too far and you can take the Rim trails to just about anywhere. The elevation is around 7500 and the weather was cool in the evening (albeit was about a month ago.) Lots of trees too.
I second the Rim north of Payson. It is a beautiful area, however, I tend to stay away from maintained campgrounds such as the ones near Woods Canyon Lake, because we tend to like to be in nature, be able to shoot, build a nice fire, and generally not be bothered by the lowest common denominator of society and the burdens it brings to a peaceful nights sleep.... But then again, if its water you want to be near, that may be best for you.
Of course, if you do go up there, be sure to check the fire restrictions.
I think you will find that most, if not all of the national forests up there (either Tonto or Apache-Sitgreaves in that area) are prohibiting cigarette smoking, fires or certain open flames due to the high fire risk. In Tonto, currently, you cant even fire a gun. (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/news/d...ictions_lh.pdf) I know it wont bother a lot of you east coasters, however, out here, we like our Second Amendment.
In fact, a pretty good portion that was recently burned is completely closed to the public altogether. It was also my understanding that a large portion of Kaibab NF (near Flagstaff) was completely closed as well, but I have not confirmed that.
'07 Voodoo Blue FJ Cruiser
Moto 951 Black with 285/70R17
Donahoe Front and Rear Suspension
Road Armor Stealth Front Bumper
Warn XD9000i
PIAA 510 Driving Lights
Dirty Parts Dual Battery with Optima Yellow Top
Last edited by Jesterama : 07-18-2007 at 06:37 PM.
Reason: Update of the rules....
I second the Rim north of Payson. It is a beautiful area, however, I tend to stay away from maintained campgrounds such as the ones near Woods Canyon Lake, because we tend to like to be in nature, be able to shoot, build a nice fire, and generally not be bothered by the lowest common denominator of society and the burdens it brings to a peaceful nights sleep.... But then again, if its water you want to be near, that may be best for you.
I don't have to be right on the water as long as the drive to it isn't more than an hour. I have to agree that I hate overly-maintained camp sites - I feel like I'm camping in a Walmart parking lot when I'm in those places. I've been around this area before, down in the Chevlon river fly-fishing - it was awesome.
__________________
Black 4x4 AT
Rear Locker/ATRAC
OEM Rock Rails - Roof Rack
_________________________________________________ Trails Completed:[East Verde River],[Hassayampa River]
Might try up in the white moutains in the far eastern part of the state. A lot less crowded and has a few places with creeks near the camp sites....a rarity in AZ.
Might try up in the white moutains in the far eastern part of the state. A lot less crowded and has a few places with creeks near the camp sites....a rarity in AZ.
Sean
I've been to Hannigans Meadow, are there other places similar to that?
__________________
Black 4x4 AT
Rear Locker/ATRAC
OEM Rock Rails - Roof Rack
_________________________________________________ Trails Completed:[East Verde River],[Hassayampa River]
I second the Rim north of Payson. It is a beautiful area, however, I tend to stay away from maintained campgrounds such as the ones near Woods Canyon Lake, because we tend to like to be in nature, be able to shoot, build a nice fire, and generally not be bothered by the lowest common denominator of society and the burdens it brings to a peaceful nights sleep.... But then again, if its water you want to be near, that may be best for you.
Of course, if you do go up there, be sure to check the fire restrictions.
I think you will find that most, if not all of the national forests up there (either Tonto or Apache-Sitgreaves in that area) are prohibiting cigarette smoking, fires or certain open flames due to the high fire risk. In Tonto, currently, you cant even fire a gun. (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/news/d...ictions_lh.pdf) I know it wont bother a lot of you east coasters, however, out here, we like our Second Amendment.
In fact, a pretty good portion that was recently burned is completely closed to the public altogether. It was also my understanding that a large portion of Kaibab NF (near Flagstaff) was completely closed as well, but I have not confirmed that.
Find a Forest by State will get you the NF sites where you can do your homework before heading up there.
Have fun up there, and be safe.
Jess
We stayed about five miles in from the beginning of the dirt road. Sandodono found a nice spot FAR from the lake and the traffic. I think it's first come first serve, so you need to get there earlier rather than later.
__________________
"I'd like to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car."
I personally love the white mountains in NE AZ. I haven't been up there since I was a kid cause it's kinda far but I think the FJ'ers should do a caravan up there before it get's too cold. Maybe "Big Lake" or one of those up there.
My preference is for southeast AZ. The Chiricahua Mountains in particular are beautiful, and remote. The town of Portal is a good starting point with many excursions available from there. The trails are easy. There are spring fed creeks and ponds. You can camp anywhere from the desert floor upto about 6,000 feet. It's worth checking it out.
__________________ "Wherever you go, there you are." -- Buckaroo Bonzai, 1984
Linear Mode
