Flagstaff/Northern AZ Thread

Hey all - hope it's ok to post this here, but I'm trying to put together a short trip to the North Rim Grand Canyon area for this weekend. I'd drive in from Vegas area Friday and head back Sunday. I'm watching the weather (looks like a good bit of rain, which is wonderful!) - and the Dragon Fire (not big but affecting some areas) https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8266/

Some questions:
1) Any thoughts on how the USFS roads headed to Parissawampitts, Fence, Locust, North Timp, and Timp Points would respond to the precip forecast? FWIW, I've got good KO2s, a 1.5" lift, general recovery equipment (no winch), and a fair bit of experience on knowing when to say when. Google sleuthing leads me to think the roads are gravelly/sandy and in theory should be somewhat passable. The person who answered the phone in the USFS office in Fredonia indicated that the roads were generally suitable for passenger cars but will have a recreation person call me back.

2) Which, if any of those Points, would be the least visited/fewest people? I know it's a weekend in the summer next to the GCNP, but a girl can hope for some quiet... PM if you don't want to broadcast it.

3) Any other suggestions on things to see/do etc would be awesome. I've not been to that area since I did a Rim to Rim to Rim hike in 1998 (how time flies!!).

Thank you so much.

 

1) You will have no issue with the roads that lead into any of the 5 points. Even after average to heavy rainfall you'll be fine with KO2's.

2) Locust is usually considered the best, but if you want to avoid as many people as possible pick one of the two 'end' camps (Para or Timp).

 

I agree with Mike and the forest service person you talked to, the roads there are entirely gravel. That being said it opens things up to more people because any vehicle can get you there. As for locations, there are roads that aren't shown on maps and ones that are shown but are so overgrown nothing could get through. There are also TONS of spots to camp all over the place. If its so busy that you cant find a spot actually on the edge you'll easily be able to find a spot thats close.

Ive only been to a few of the points so my opinion doesnt hold much weight but the view from Locust is literally unreal. Keep in mind you cant see the river from the points that face west but you do get the most insane sunsets on Earth. Im going to try to find a spot where you can see the river next time I go to the north rim.

Locust Point view. This was taken from inside my Go Fast at the spot we camped...

 

Thank you @MR E30 and @Atl-atl (AMAZING pic! I'd like to treat my husband (burgeoning landscape photography guy) to views like that)!

I wondered if I was overthinking things but I just hate to be unprepared, and driving the last hour of a long drive after a long work day on unexpectedly bad roads makes me grouchy LOL. Not sure which point I'll aim for but since I won't be rolling in until around 8 pm on a Friday, I'll be looking for one of the less crowded points. (TBH, I've gotten very spoiled the last few years by finding places that have literally no one around, so I know my expectations are somewhat unrealistic ).

I really appreciate the help! If you guys ever want beta on random spots in Nevada, HMU. Take care.

 

Point the camera south, on a tripod, wide angle, infinity, ISO 3200 at F (as low as possible) for about 15-30 seconds.
Milky Way shots to be had. If interested in these types of shots let me know, I'd love to be there myself !!

Oh and do let us know how it works out sounds like a fantastic place.

 

north rim is awesome, if you get some rain you WILL encounter sectiones of sticky slippery mud, but just sections, not miles upon miles.

as far as points least visited? meh, the whole place is lightly visited outside the park, so really you stand a good chance to not be near anyone who might be out there.

 

Looking to go up to Williams area later today for some scouting and just to get away from the valley. I know that the roads N/NW of Williams can get extremely muddy so seeing if anyone had some info on the current situation.
Usually camp off of Fr124 or Fr6 in Kaibab NF. Hoping it is not too muddy but the weather report calls for more rain this evening into tomorrow.

 

HA It has been raining nonstop for over a week. Like literally 10+ hours every day for the last week. If there was ever a time in the history of Arizona that trails/roads were muddy, it is right now.

 

Thank you. Been in there when they are muddy and it’s not fun. Looking at other options now.

 

Its going to be hit and miss. I drove From Flagstaff to Show Low to Cottonwood back to Flagstaff yesterday and everything is wet. Plus I got rained on most of the way. The Little Colorado is the size of the big Colorado. Every single wash has at least standing but mostly flowing water. Flagstaff and the surrounding areas have been getting pounded non stop. Are there places you will encounter that have gotten the perfect amount of rain to calm the dust but not make it muddy? Maybe, but they chances are very slim anywhere in the high country. I wish you luck and if you find something please report back because @MR E30 and I were talking about trying to camp this weekend.

 

I am heading to the Mormon lake area next week for a couple of weeks of "camping". Any reports of how muddy the roads are around Mormon Mountain including FR240?

 

Haven't been out there this year but my guess right now would be some muddy spots but drying. The last couple days have been pretty dry. The forecast is not looking good for you though. 50-70 percent chance of rain every day for the foreseeable future.

 

They've been getting some monster rain up there for days and days. I'd watch that weather close - or call up to the Lodge there and see if you can get someone coherent on the phone and ask about conditions. One Shot Guide and hunting service would probably be your best bet, I'm sure those folks would know.

 

Id go check for him but I dont want to get mud all over my trucks

 

Hey all - thanks for the beta on the FS roads in the Kaibab north of the North Rim. It was a blast - the main roads up there were fine - great base and well drained. EPIC thunderstorms to be honest or maybe I'm just too used to the drought. I did get the truck a bit dirty (spent 25 min washing the undercarriage on my lunch break!) - but hey, that's quite ok.

The biggest surprise we had was a near head-on collision with a truck (Dodge? GMC? Toyota?) hauling a trailer with ATVs or llamas or T-Rexs - I have no idea, it happened so freaking fast. I had let my husband drive because usually I hog the off road fun, and he made an outstandingly quick into-the-ditch maneuver. That was on 271 FWIW. The roads are narrow/tight in spots and the vegetation meant for some blind corners - I didn't think we were going that fast but maybe that's what the other guy thought. No metal to metal contact but whoa, it felt awfully close. New AZ pinstripes, oh boy!

Anyhow, thanks a ton to @Atl-atl @MR E30 @2021SR5V64WD - we had great camping, hiking, and hopefully the photos will come out ok.

 

I am a CA guy moving my son into NAU next weekend. I have Sunday, 21st, morning free and am looking for an easy off-road trail with good views in the Flagstaff / Sedona. Looking more for views than gnar. I will be in my stock ‘22 Pro with sliders.

Suggestions? Thanks for the help.

 

If you just want views I would do chocolate falls, modified around the peaks loop and/or woody mtn road out to the edge of the world.

the 89a down to sedona is a dumpster fire with construction traffic, unless you want to go all the way around or take schnebly I would avoid it.

ETA
Chocolate falls


Top of the world


Around the peaks ( just go a bit north to 514 to avoid closures)

 

Schnebly into Sedona. Lunch. Broken Arrow. Jerome for early dinner, ghost tours.
Yea touristy but it’s a good way to see some history of Northern AZ

 

solid plan. if Broken Arrow is a bit too intimidating consider diamondback gulch

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd864594.pdf

 

Keep your eye on the weather - NAZ has been drenched - lots of rain - way lots.