Backside of Mt. Lemmon Run 10/1/11

Little over 2 weeks away bump! Josh have you been able to figure out if you can get the days off? Just curious if I can take some of the "maybes" and confirm theyre goin.

Also, I dont know if I mentioned it before but I will be stopping during the trip up to check out the caves. If anyone else is interested, bring flashlights and be ready to crawl around abit in there.

 

Offer your truck up as a test mule for stuff. I am sure he will cut you a hell of a deal.

 

Euhh whats going on in here

 

Think I'm working that Sat but would like to get up there before its closed for the winter. Does anyone know when they close it?

 

Seriously, why would they close it there are ski lifts up there? I get that people down here dont know how to drive in anything other than sunshine but thats still no reason to go and close roads. LoL

 

From this site:
http://bob-bowers.suite101.com/drive-the-backside-road-to-mt-lemmons-top-a163100

It states: "a seasonal gate closes the road from December 15 to March 1."

We are good until then!

 

Sweet! Want to get up there before its closed for the season. Are there any other play areas for 4x4 or hill climbs?

 

There are some places in reddington pass and I am always looking for new places. Going exploring this sunday, although nothing to hard since some 2wd guys are coming.

 

Since you'll be on the back side anyway, why don't you do a quick run up Rice Peak? 2WD can probably make it all the way around the loop (I'd bet a dollar that no 2WD would make it up to the top). There are some pretty decent hill climbs there and beautiful scenery.

 

If I go, I will make sure to have a ratty, tattered, stripper-sweat-soaked dollar bill for the first 2WD that makes it to the top.

 

Ill do It, I have a 2wd, check the vin.

 

x2. If need help David, I can tow you up

 

If you need motivation I will point and laugh hysterically at you and if that still doesnt help well then I dont know how you call yourself a man!!!

 

I dont know why they close it, it does not snow THAT much here. I live in Oregon/Washington (or supposedly live there) and we get way worse snow there... I guess its probably more of a liability issue. Easier to just close it and keep stupid people off of it than have to do recoveries every weekend.

 

David, I can push ya up with the bumper Hell today I was pissed off when I got home so I just ran over the tree in my front yard (it was dead anyway). AllPro = 1, tree = 0 lol

 

Pictures?

 

Want me to add you to this run? As we were goin up on the Prerun there was atleast one road that lead off the main trail. Im pretty sure it wraps around to a lake and reconnects to the main trail and its most likely 4WD. Ill look into it a bit further.

Im not too familiar with the surrounding area but yea if its not too far away I dont see why not. Im trying to think of a good time for everyone to meet up somewhere so that we arent getting to the campgrounds too late.

 

almost positive my truck will NOT be done for this

 

I'm not aware of any lakes on the back side. There are a few livestock tanks (ponds) but probably nothing that you'd want to spend time going to see.

If you're talking about the road across from Peppersauce Campground, then that is the way to Rice Peak. There's another way in as well, but I wouldn't recommend it for 2WD.

It's on the way, so I think that qualifies as "not too far away."

I live in Oro Valley (N Tucson) and have been on the backside of Mt. Lemmon several times. From my house, it takes about 2 hours to get to the top. Add in a run on the Rice Peak loop and it can get late very quickly.

Another option would be to go up the front (it takes half the time), drop your stuff at the campground and those who are interested can go down the backside to meet for the Rice Peak run. That way you get your pick of campsites and can wheel without worrying about your gear bouncing around.