Backside of Mt. Lemmon Run 10/1/11

Sounds like solid advice^

 

Gottahot1, welcome from another Tucson wheeler. I am always down for a 4 wheel adventure. Also, I am usually staying up in the Oro Valley area (except this time) so keep your eyes out for a 2nd gen White, lifted, debadged, supercharged, DCSB.

 

It's the weekend of the 1st? I work that Saturday! I would like to go another weekend though before it closes for whoever didn't make it or to check out Rice Peak!

 

The gate for closing off the road is closer to the top. The Rice Peak trail is open year round. In fact, here's a pic from this Jan about half way up the Rice Peak trail.

 

Soooo, if I start at the bottom the trail is open year round? LOL
How tough is Rice Peak? With and with out snow?

 

Nice, we need to get out in the snow this year.

 

If I recall correctly, the gate that is closed and locked is very near the top - like a couple hundred yards or so.

My buddy has a 1st gen access cab 4x4 and made it to the top of Rice Peak in stock form a few years ago. Like I said in earlier posts, I would be surprised if a 2WD could make it to the top. I'm going to really have to try and make it on this trip so I can witness the attempts.

The loop should be no problem for 2WD; it's the "spur" to the top of the peak (it's out and back from the loop trail). There are a couple of areas where ground clearance and articulation are needed and the final climb to the top is steep and covered with loose palm-sized rocks.

 

Yea thats the road i was thinking of but it actually sounds like a better idea to get up there and set up camp first. I dont know how many people go up during that time but the mt bigelow campgrounds seem to get pretty full whenever im up there.

How many of you guys would want to set up camp and get our spots first then go explore for the rest of the day??

 

If you think crowds will be an issue, are you worried about not getting there until Saturday? I'd think that most people would get up there Friday evening to spend the weekend.

 

That would be good, get up there early and explore the area. I created a Facebook page for the . PM sent to you.

 

PM replied. Im gunna end up camping Friday night too guys. I dont know if it will be busy or not but regardless id feel comfortable knowing i have the spot already reserved. What ill do is just drive down the backside early saturday morning and wait for everyone to meet up somewhere in the small town of Oracle. Ill figure out the exact spot unless someone else knows of a good place to meet and Id say everyone meet by 10AM.

 

truck wont be done by then. sorry guys

 

I've attached a couple of images of a suggested meeting place; one map image that shows the general location and one satellite image that's a bit more specific.

The arrow points to a parking lot on the North side of the road. It's actually dumpy little skate park (bring your board if you want to show off your skills).

It should be a decent enough meeting spot that's on the way for everyone, regardless of your point of origin. There are countless other meeting spots, this is just a suggestion.

 

IMO, we should meet at Circle K so trucks can be refuel and some snacks can be picked up. It looks like a dirt lot west of Circle K where we can meet.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210664091163122542158.0004ada919ec0ab2e9e2a&msa=0

 

Google maps is giving me this route to the meeting point.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=M...0nxxaBnWhjEioqy4Y23v7g&vpsrc=0&mra=ls&t=m&z=9

Any Phoenix guys know if this is a good way? ive never been through that part of town.

 

I think I've been that way... can't really remember tbh lol! It was really boring if I did...

I usually take I-10 to Tangerine and go up to Oracle that way when I go toward Oro Valley and such...


Also... I might go for the run up but I won't stay if I do, as I have to work 6am Sunday...

 

We could join Stefen camping Friday night and you could leave Saturday. Ill stay till Sunday.

what were your plans for friday Stefen?

 

I drive that way around the holidays since I10 can get backed up easy! That's a good way to go since you'll shoot out on that side of town......less traffic! I'm trying to switch work sat for sun and at least make it a day trip! What time we meeting in Oracle?

 

That drive is nice David. When there are trail runs at Butcher Jones, that is the route I take. The speed limit is 65 MPH, IMO this would be the route for you guys.

 

Well, I can't make this. Finally found a job, and I work weekends. I can move up quickly in the company, so I will try to get a new schedule as soon as possible.