I bought a really good trail book at 4 Wheeler Supply (maps, directions, difficulty level, GPS positions, distances,etc.). My only concern is that I know some of the trails can change over time. It looks like a good investment to me.
Depends what part of town you live in and how far you want to drive. North of Phoenix you can take I-17 to Table Mesa Rd., turn left, go over the freeway, then immediately right(north) and follow the road. It becomes a dirt road and if you are out there on the weekend there will be plenty of other people to help you if you have trouble. If you want to drive farther north, go to Bloody Basin Rd. Turn east and follow the dirt raod all the way to the Verde River. You can then turn around and head back to forest route 24. Take it south to Camp Creek and Carefree and you're then back in town and can head home. Its a nice route, most of it is well maintained and you can head off on any side trail you want to practice your 4-wheelin. There are lots of other places and a good trail guide always helps. Bring a cell phone - coverage gets better every day and bring lots of water. Have fun.
I'm anxious to do some camping and off roading (*easy stuff*) so I'm grateful for your responses...OffRoad Rage are those trails for AZ? Does the book cover any other closeby states? Thanks for the directions AZ_FJ much appreciated.
I'll bring the book in to work and scan in the cover. This one is only for AZ trails but I believe this author has written similar books for other states. If we can agree on a trail and a date for an FJC outing (see other thread AZ FJ's Unite) then I'll scan the pages for everyone. Thanks to AZ_FJ for the info too.
If you have one, where did you buy your high-lift jack? Found this thread about the mount but I'm not sure who sells the high-lift jack and I want to save money...thanks
I imagine you can find them for less online, but all of the local 4X4 shops carry them. Checkout Fly-n-Hi, Desert Rat, 4wheel Parts, Offroad Unlimited. They all sell them. I can direct you to these shops are on the east side of the valley (three of them are on the south side of Broadway between Alma School and Country Club). If you're in the north or west valley you'll have to look them up.
The most popular book is; Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, by Charles Wells, commonly called the Wells book. It's available in most map, book and 4x4 stores in the valley for about $20. Even if your careful with it it soon becomes less of a book and more like a collection of pages.
There are a bunch of good, close to PHX trails, but heat is the problem with most them this time of the year. Crown King is up in the pines and close, if you want a challenge go in from Lake Pleasant, called the back way, or in from the Bumble Bee exit off of I-17 for a dirt road. It's a cool old time AZ town with good camping areas, cabins for rent in town, lots of roads, trails to explore and tons of old mines. Be sure to stop at the Mill Restaurant for the best Philly Cheese steak sandwich the state, the general store has great fudge and into the saloon for a suds or two and to see all of the old pictures in a genuine 1800's saloon.
The Sunflower mine is a good day trip from PHX. To do the whole loop I would have more than one truck and some trail experience, but if you go in the south side on FS25 to FS25A to the mine and return the same way, it's an easy, scenic, fun trail.
I recommend going on a club run or with others who have more experience at least the first couple of times. Clubs are a wealth of good local info and will watch out for newbes on the trail, if you do get in trouble, they are there to get you out with minimal drama. If you plan on doing club or group runs the first mod I recommend is a CB radio, they allow you to call for a spot or assistance and the radio chatter can be very entertaining. Take the time to learn the capabilities of your new truck and above all have fun with it!
I just got the Well's book also and like you wanted to try something light first time out. I been up with others in their Jeeps and my old Xterra on the old high (S Hill Rd) road in Sedona to Flag so I took her up there 2 days ago. It's an easy 11mile trail with spectacular views and the wildflowers are out. Nice and cool with thunderheads in distance. Near the rim some nice short 4x4 runs. Got a lot of stares from the tour jeeps. Actually the trail may be a little too tame for the FJ. Always got bounced around in the other 4x4's,but not the FJ. Passed a Yellow Fj on the main road first I had seen in amonth.
Re: Arizona trails/gear/newbie advice thread
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