AZ Tour

Was mostly thinking about that for campsite accommodations. I’m sure we can figure it out as we go. I was thinking about pre-running some of the trail before the trip. Where is that huge boulder that you mentioned might be a little tricky to pass?

 

Wish I could go but no way ankle is going to be near enough recovered to go anywhere in backcountry even if driving.

I will say the run from montezuma pass into Patagonia and then through the Santa rita foothills is absolutely beautiful. And for those that haven't been down there expect at least a couple interactions with CBP including a checkpoint coming out of Sonoita

 

I'd be down for that!

 

We’d be happy to have you along! Let me know if you can make it for sure.

 

I'll give you a for sure before the end of the week. Pretty sure though since work doesn't care, and I don't recall having anything else planned in Feb. Trucks ready to go already, all it does it sit ready for the next trip.

 

Since you guys are leaving late Feb it would be really awesome of you if you drop 6-7 gallons of water at the Canelo Pass AZ Trail trailhead for passage 2/3. The northbound thru hikers will starting to be rolling through there around the same time and water is always valued out there. It's literally right on your route.
Near Arizona Trail
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JRTgF

If you feel like stopping and taking a break this is your view 3.7 miles into passage 3 (going right from the trailhead) pretty easy terrain no significant elevation gain.

 

Don't see why we couldn't do that. There should be enough of us on the trip to leave a gallon or 2 each without a problem.

 

Oh..no doubt that will be a concern if the party gets to big! But if 12 motorcycles can do it, that may be at least 6 ground tents. It seems with all the RTT's that may come there might not be an issue. Ill do more investigating.

 

I found this, thought I would share...answers a lot of questions quickly as well as create some! HA!


What is the AZBDR?
The Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route (AZBDR) is a 750-mile scenic ride across the state of Arizona, beginning at the Mexico border and finishing at the Utah border. This South to North route consists of a mostly remote dirt roads and winds through the remote high desert country, jagged canyons, wild lands, pristine mountain ranges, and a surprising number of water crossings. It passes through iconic locations including the Mogollon Rim, Sunset Crater National Monument, Grand Canyon and the Navajo Nation. The route includes dirt, gravel, and pavement surfaces and may include rocks, ruts, sand, mud and snow depending on time of year and conditions. The route can be completed in 4-6 days depending on pace, and is also accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, as the entire route is at least double-track.

What time of year can I do the AZBDR?
The AZBDR is best from May-June and Sept-Oct. The route can be done in April or November but snowpack in the high mountains may keep you from doing the entire route as mapped. There have been some years where the snow has not cleared from the high country until the May. Because the route travels in the desert where the temperatures can reach above 100 and then move into the mountains where the temperatures can drop in the 30’s, you must plan accordingly for gear.

What is the ideal bike to use?
Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires, is set-up to carry the gear you plan to bring, and has the fuel range to make the distance between gas stops. Most adventure or dual-sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip. Choose the bike that you are the most comfortable riding in desert and mountain terrain.

How difficult is the route?
The AZBDR route is designed to be ridden on adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, as well as driven in 4x4 vehicles. There are no single-track style trails on this route. Many of the roads are in remote areas where road maintenance is minimal or non-existent. You can expect to cover sections of road with deep ruts, loose rocks, sand and other challenges. There are also sections that have extend periods of deep sand. Road conditions change from week to week based on the recent weather. When you see signs that read, “Roads maybe impassable when wet”, use caution, roads become very slick and can be impassable. You may also encounter sections that have trees or branches over the road. There are alternate "easier" routes around a few of the most challenging sections. Depending on time of year and weather, there may be a few deep water crossings. Flash floods are frequent during summer storms. Don’t cross flooded washes. Wait until water subsides.

What weather concerns should I have?
The temperatures in the southern part of the route can reach highs over 100 and then lows in the thirties in the high mountains. The nights are normally cooler in the desert, so gear needs to be appropriate for such temperature changes. Arizona has fast moving thunder storms during the summer months in the higher elevations. These storms usually build in the mountains in the early afternoon and usually contain lightning, hail stones and heavy downpours.

Is there a monsoon season that begins in August?
There is a monsoon season that begins in August that may cause significant rain in many places that time of year, however, there can be periods without rain also. For any backcountry ride, the weather should be surveyed and taken into consideration to determine how the trip and road conditions might be effected. Extreme heat can also be an issue in the summer months. Most or all of the AZBDR can be ridden from April to November if weather allows. Spring and Fall can be the best times for weather. Early in the spring, some roads may be damaged from winter storms or may still be closed for winter by land managers. Summer months can have challenges due to heat and rainy season.

What is the highest elevation on the AZBDR?
The highest elevations are reached in Section 2 (Benson to Globe), where California Pass reaches nearly 13,000 feet. The route travels at high elevations for long distances and is above 8,000 feet the majority of the time.

How long does it take to ride the AZBDR?
Most people average 150 miles a day on a backcountry motorcycle trip. Plan on doing this route in 4-6 days depending on how fast you want to travel and how early you want to roll out of camp.

How far between gas stops?
The longest gap between gas stations is approximately 136 miles from Young to Winona. There is gas at Clints Well, which is 10 miles off the route.


Do I have to camp?
No, you can complete the AZBDR using motels and restaurants, but they are fewer than other BDR’s. Motels are in most towns, though some are one motel towns. There are no motels in Young and Winona.

Where do I camp?
There are many campgrounds and suitable dry camping locations along the route. The Butler Motorcycle Map for the AZBDR has a tent icon showing campgrounds on the route and many near the route. The AZBDR Butler Map is available at www.touratech-usa.com or www.butlermaps.com.

Please note, on Navajo land (Section 8) you must camp in designated areas only.

Can I build a camp fire?
In most cases camp fires are allowed, but check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. Forest fires are a threat during parts of the year and the rules that manage this risk must be followed. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.


Do I need permits for traveling on the Navajo Land?
Yes, when riding through Navajo Nation (Section 8) you MUST obtain a pass to ride and camp in Navajo Nation. Camping and riding permits are $12 each per person (cash only). They can be purchased at the small round building at the junction of Hwy 64 and 89 in Cameron. Don't plan on entering these lands after dark after the permit office is closed. Cameron Visitor Center: P.O. Box 459, Cameron, AZ 86020 tel : 928.679.2303, fax:928.679.2017, email: lcr@navajonationparks.org.

Please also note, no alcohol or firearms are allowed on Navajo land, and you must camp in designated areas only.

Where can I find the GPS tracks for the AZBDR?
The tracks for the route can be downloaded free of charge online at http://www.ridebdr.com/AZBDR.

Why do I need paper maps when I have GPS tracks?
Always bring a complete set of maps for the area you plan to ride. They have good information about roads, water sources, and are an indispensable resource when the GPS doesn't work, or is giving questionable advice. Unplanned events can occur and having paper/synthetic maps of the area can be a life saver. National Forest maps are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#U and local Ranger Stations. AZBDR Butler Motorcycle Maps are available at www.touratech-usa.com or www.butlermaps.com.

Is there water on the route?
There are a few natural water sources along this route however, depending on the snow pack, some may not be running. You can find potable water in the towns along the way. It is suggested that plenty of water is carried for personal and cooking use. Here is a video on water filtration filmed in the Oregon Backcountry: http://youtu.be/vqOFZAoZdTU

What GPS should I use?
Any GPS unit capable of displaying 10 track logs with a minimum of 500 points each is suitable for use on the AZBDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo 665/660, Montana, GPSMap 60, 62, 76, 78 and 276. Other GPS manufacturers may have units that will work. Check the technical specs to determine suitability.


What tires should I use for the AZBDR?
DOT approved knobby tires (such as Continental TKC 80, Mefo Super Explorer, or Dunlop 606) are strongly recommended.

Are there any gates on the route?
Yes, there are several gates on the route. Most remain open unless BLM or NFS has closed them due to snow closure. Please leave gates as you have found them. Many sections will have grazing cattle in the forest.

Is there cell phone coverage on the route?
Much of this route is remote and out of reach for cell phone towers. There will be long sections with no coverage. Your best bet is to talk or text in the towns. You will be surprised where you get coverage and where you don't. A satellite communication device is a good idea in the backcountry.

How do I get information on current road conditions?
Check the BDR website and this forum for updates on current road conditions. We try to post road closures/changes as we hear about them from riders and agencies. Updates are posted on specific route pages and on the home page. This forum was also deigned for riders to share the most up-to-date date trip information with each other.

How bad is the sand really?
This is a tough question to answer because conditions are constantly changing. If the weather has been moist or temps have been cool, the sand will be firmer and significantly easier to ride. If it has been hot for some time, the sand becomes very soft and deep. So the bottom line is, learn to ride in deep sand before your trip which will make your ride more enjoyable.

Can the Route be done North to South?
Yes the route can be done North to South, but you will not be able to obtain a Navajo travel permit until you get to Cameron. You still need to stop and pick up your permit and please let them know you traveled prior to getting your permit and pay for the proper usage. You will also be traveling on Navajo lands after Cameron, so a permit is necessary.

What about the clay?
There are several sections where the road is a clay surface north of Flagstaff all the way to the Utah border. When wet, these sections become very slick and virtually impassable. When you encounter wet clay roads, a higher gear selection is recommended to keep your rear wheel from sliding. Slow and steady will get you through, but in some cases travel will come to a halt due to slick conditions.

Are BDR routes suitable for a 4x4 vehicle?
For the most part all of BDR routes are doable by 4x4's with adequate tires and clearance. The roads are all public roads and do require a street legal vehicle. One thing to keep in mind, the routes conditions can change dramatically due to rain and flash floods which cause the roads to become difficult or un-passable.

 

I'm calling BS on that near 13,000 foot pass part in the FAQ. The highest peaks in AZ are just above 12,500 and are the San Francisco peaks in Flag. Southern Az barely cracks 10k and eastern az has one at 11k near sunrise ski area.

 

You're right. Looks like the highest elevation road in AZ is just a bit over 11,000 ft.

https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/7064-highest-mountain-roads-of-arizona.html

 

JIC,

This was not written by me..I found this on a link from another forum. Besides some errors in elevation numbers its at least a point of view of someone who has done it. As always take from it what you can and know human error is always a'foot!

 

Here is one of the sites I found the "big rock" issue on. Looks like the Taco made it just fine!

https://americanadventurist.com/forum/threads/azbdr.5054/#post-92673


When we went through there was a large boulder smack in the middle of a steep section of Cherry Creek. Impassable on a 4x4, no moving it, and no way around. Don't know if it's been removed (doubt it), so if you try that route, be prepared to backtrack a ways.
There was only one "memorably large" boulder we came across and it was on a relatively flat section. It was tight, but we made it through.

The Tacoma made short work of it:



A little more fineness was required due to the trailer:



Plenty of room for the Jeep:



And just enough for the trailer:



It was before the nasty washout... which was also fun in a 4x4 with a trailer. Still, we made it.

This was the third week of May about a week after Expo West this year.

 

Wasn't blaming you just suspect fact in the FAQ

 

Great info. I hope this eases some nerves for those on the fence about joining. Thank you for adding these here.

 

I'll be bringing my trailer

 

Sounds like an awesome trip, right now I'm fully in. Will most likely be bringing my wifey or my old man. Do we have a for sure for sure meeting spot?

 

@Ace115

So what is everyone thinking in regards to permits for the Reservation? As a group? Individually? I can tell you my experiences with the reservation have not been good at one point or another. One that is clear, NO GUNS or alcohol allowed on the reservation at all!

Does this sway anyones decision to go, knowing this?

Any thoughts?

I am all ears as to how everyone feels on this matter.

Just curious as these are things that will need to be discussed to make sure everyone that goes is prepared properly and has all permits needed so there are "less" hiccups. This of course applies to the last leg we will be doing later in 2019. As I think the only section with reservation is track 8.

Hope everyone is having a great morning!