Just got my new Taco! What're some good places to learn / practice offroading around here?

I'm a totally new offroader and first-time taco owner. My profile pic is my new truck, btw. I'm loving it so far, where are some places I can go to learn? Places that are good for noobies, I guess?

Also, I'm totally stock and would be going alone. Is this gonna be a problem y'all think?


Also, while I'm asking, what are some good places in town to get lifted?

 

I've gone up to Saguaro lake a couple times on the OHV trails. There are a bunch of back roads and a couple will get you cool places around the lake that aren't full of people. Just be prepared to air down a bit in case you get stuck, so I'd recommend spending 50 bucks or so on an 12volt air compressor. On weekend afternoons there should be plenty of other guys around in case you get stuck, and they usually have a patrol at the parking lot. There are some steep dirt/rocky hills after the sand bank to practice on and get a feel for what you can do. Even 2wd can get you pretty far.

smh lol

 

I would recommend getting new tires before a lift but I would go out to sycamore creek to start out it is relatively close. Sycamore creek (33.62865238234517, -111.56026274685536) has a ton of offshoots and you can choose what you want to try and what you don't. Like Treyus said about the Saguaro OHV but sycamore is a bit easier and has tons of people out on a weekday afternoon and you'll get to choose how hard you make it on yourself. You can shoot Erik a call at State48Overland they have a bit of a wait time to get things installed but he was a huge help to me. You can say Taylor sent you over and he might remember me lol


Monday - Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM MST

Saturday: CALL/EMAIL

Sunday: CLOSED

CALL US: 1-833-782-8348 (833)STATE-48

63 E. McKellips Rd. Suite 123

Mesa, AZ 85201

 

Buy this book, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gu...trails-3rd-edition-charles-a-wells/1137501653 , it is a decent start. Otherwise, go buy some maps either forest service or hunt unit maps of areas you would like to explore. Most roads on a maps will be passable in a stock Tacoma. There is endless amount of roads and places to go that you won't have to put it in 4wd. Good luck

 

Buy/get: a tow rope, a real shovel, add tow/extraction point(s) and get real shackels.

 

I’m right there with you. You’re not alone lol

 

Damn dude! That's a sharp truck. Is that army green?

 

hey man, sorry for the late reply. Thanks so much for this info!

 

Okay, I'll add those to my shopping list. I'm thinking about taking the city road up the rear side of Mt. Lemmon, think I could make it stock?

 

Yep Army Green and thanks

 

Number 1 don't go to 4WD on the pavement -
I just took a quick jaunt down Table Mesa Rd. Went in about a mile or so seemed like I could do it without 4WD for sure
and the stock tires were fine for it. I don't do much real 4WD stuff but I want to, however I still have stock tires and no lift.

Sure as heck don't wanna get stuck anywhere or pop a tire.

I say make sure you got good cell service, let someone know where you are at, when to expect re-communication in case
you lose cell service, and take it easy.

 

You can do the back side of Mt. Lemmon pretty easily. It’s a nice drive. Longer than you might think though.

If you’re going down from the mountain make sure you know your route though, since there are a few branches in the road. I was really happy I had Gaia when I went as I ended up turning down the wrong fork and used it to back track and take the correct turns after that.

 

be sure to get a pro grill and raptor lights before hitting the dirt!

 

Hell ya! isn't that the equivalent of getting lockers and at least a 3" lift? lol

 

How is Bloody Basin? Would that be a good place to start?

 

Just picked my TRDOR last thursday and took it off road with my buddy in his jeep in the Huachucas yesterday. It was a blast

 

From I-17 out to the Sheep Bridge? I haven't been out there since before this years monsoon's, but it would normally be doable bone-stock.

 

Especially if you’re going by yourself, I recommend getting upgraded all terrain tires. BFGoodrich KO2’s are great and commonly used here in AZ.

265/75r16 tires offer a slightly larger size than stock (by about 1 inch) and don’t require a lift. They’re also still good even with a small lift later.

This will help you not get stuck out there or pop a tire.

Also consider getting some rock sliders to protect your doors.

 

https://azoffroad.net/ has great info and allows you to download the gpx files for most trails. I refer to the site before heading out somewhere here in AZ. I have GPX viewer and Gaia installed on my phone for offroad maps.