About to finish 4x4 conversion... whereto first?

I'm out in East Mesa and I've been to the butcher jones recreational area a few times which 2WD can readily handle. What's somewhere relatively close that I can throw some stress at it without being too far from society in case something breaks?

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35555

It’s been a few years but bulldog canyon is pretty mild and the permit system keeps out most of the idiots

 

Sweet that's super close! Though the pics make it look like 4x4 not needed either haha

 

King of The Hammers is next week and probably 5-6hrs away? lol. Seriously though, congrats on the conversion. I respect the work you've done.

 

The backway to Lake Bartlet from 87 has some fun stuff, including a nice waterfall climb

 

I'd stick with Butcher Jones. See if you can find your way over to 2nd and 3rd coves. There are plenty of 4wd areas over there. Sycamore Creek/Sugar Loaf isn't far away from there either. All three are heavily populated so there's help if needed.

 

Thanks everyone!

 

I believe this is what I've done in the past

 

Available at Toyota dealer, RideNow, off-road shops. Not complete map of the state trails, but something small you can keep in the truck.

https://funtreks.com/product/guide-to-arizona-backroads-4-wheel-drive-trails-3rd-edition/

 

I actually asked for that for Christmas ...nobody got it for me

 

Then go buy it yourself! Do I have to teach you EVERYTHING, young man?

 

reeeeeeee $40 for PAPER??

 

When you are out-and-beyond and out of range of cell towers the book still works. I keep mine in the truck.

 

Shit well I better get a compass too while I'm at it

 

x2 , mine is full of notes from past trips too

 

Word of warning: green/easy is not always "easy". Schnebly Hill shows green, but that is really only the "eastern" 6 miles. The "western" 6 miles is more gliding your skid plates over rocks than driving. I did that trail once ... NEVER again.

 

And thats exactly why I keep a pen with mine to take notes

Trails change over time.

Much quicker these days with the SxS idiots

 

That's what I said about the back way to Crown King. I've done both routes and hope to never do it again either, ha.

 

That's roughly 1st cove. 2nd and 3rd are further east.

 

If all goes well on the break in run(s), you could think about coming out to do Rug Road with the group next month
Not too difficult of a trail, and plenty of help around if shit were to hit the fan.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trail-run-rug-road-2-22-2025.814273/