Salt River Canyon & the Shelf Road Adventure

[1leglance]

Waymon spotted this metal sign just off the trail and of course we had to stop and check it out.

It speaks of the Cliff Dwellings in the area but doesn't really tell you WHERE they are. But Waymon had some binoc's and was able to spy out a couple of examples. I wish we had stopped to hike and check them out after I saw this pic on gemland.com

But instead we had more Shelf Road to travel....way too much more to travel believe me!

However I will say that the places the road cut back into ravines was filled with a variety of microclimates and each was a bit different. From wide, flat areas of trees like a park, to tight rock filled enclosures and even this Lord of the Rings Fantasy Forest with creeping vines and white barked trees.

And then there was this little pucker producer. Waymon scooted right over the little snow covered hill. But since my track is wider and I have quite a few more pounds in my rig I had to stop and think a bit. I figure a man needs a plan in case things don't go well and I didn't want to chance the many hundreds of feet drop down to the canyon floor. So I had Waymon watch me in the mirrors to make sure I was narrow enough and then I rolled across at a steady pace, ready to punch it if I felt any sort of slip.
And why oh, why is the off camber section never leaning TOWARDS the nice safe mountain?

 

[Firetacoma]

Great report and looks like a great trip!

What year is the burb? I learned to drive in a '70. Three door, just like yours. 2 rows of bench seats and Caddy seats up front. I used to haul all sorts of friends to lunch in high school. Good times!

 

[1leglance]

An interesting thing that happened to us as we traveled our Shelf Road Adventure was how the trail would shift from bone dry dirt to snow packed mud & slush...it all depends on the sun.

But finally we climbed out of the valley and jumped on SR 188 and headed off North to Young, Az in search of fuel for my thirsty rig. Alas this was not to be, there was an Exxon sign at a liquor store but no fuel to be found.

We did get to play in the snow a bit which is about all I need as I am not a cold loving guy.

And lest we get too relaxed on our drive there is always something new and interesting around the corner. In this case it was a big white bull with some serious attitude.

I never regret stopping and reading the roadside boards as the history you learn often gives a new and fresh perspective to an area you would otherwise just motor on through.

We headed back into the mountains looking for a campsite, Waymon had heard of a place called Workman Falls Campground..this sounded very cool as a hike to a water fall is always worth checked out. In the back of my mind I kept thinking, oh boy this could be a very chilly night around the fire.

 

[1leglance]

However when we turned to Workmans Campground we found the Gila Country Search & Rescue out for a scouting trip. They informed us that the campground was buried under 2ft of snow and we should just turn around. Of course that meant we had to go forward and check it out for ourselves. But is was only a short way in and I realized it was smart to turn around before we got stuck with no winch and only basic recovery gear.

At this point we were getting really cold and the thought of camping in the snow & mud just didn't fly with this 1 legged fellow. So south we went and while that meant getting on some asphalt I was getting low on fuel so camping on the way back to Globe was ok with both of us. As we searched out possible sites we were treated so more amazing rock canyons and desert views.

We did find a great spot looking over Roosevelt Lake with enough time to get camp setup and dinner going.

Waymon & Lexi got busy working on the Kodiak Canvas palace and I tossed my sleep pad & bag out into the cavernous back of the Burb.

Now you might remember that on the previous night I made use of a tree stump as my camp chair. But this night I was looking at a big sharp edged rock when I realized my Pelican cases would make an excellent seat. Not bad at all in a pinch.

Waymon is a great cook and a man who likes to eat well when he camps..not a problem for me as I get to enjoy all the yummy stuff he comes up with.

 

[1leglance]

Day 3 getting home...
This was our view from camp the next morning and even for a slow am mover like me it was worth stirring from the sleeping bag. We all gather on the web because we share a love of the outdoors and it is times like this that the builds, tech and gear pays for itself.

The canyon off to the side of our camp had a scary, rugged look that would make for many a scary story. But being short on fuel and long on a desire to get moving we held off on trying to hike down. Hey just another reason to come back and explore some more.

Lest you fear that our Shelf Road Adventure was over there was plenty more of it even with the appearance of the blacktop. The road was wider but the views were just as great as the trails yesterday.

We got another last view of the Salt River before it becomes a lake and over the radio we were talking up the idea of coming back for a rafting/camping trip when the water & weather got much warmer. I am looking forward to something like that as it would be a completely new thing for me which is fun when it works out, and interesting even when it doesn't.

After a late breakfast in Globe we agreed that home duties were calling, I wanted to fire up my son's new knife making forge and Waymon has fun things planned around his place but at least we got to enjoy this cool tunnel north of Superior.

And with that the story ends...
But let me add some final thoughts. You will notice I did this trip in an old chuck on iron, running 4 drum brakes, a 350cu V8, and just some basic gear. Even though I have grand plans for this rig I also want to make sure to enjoy it along the way instead of getting stuck on the driveway queen endless build that often happens. So many people are web-wheelers who wait until they have all the gear and planets in alignment before venturing out. Why not just go enjoy the outdoors and figure out your mods as you go?

I look forward to getting back into this part of Arizona again and exploring everything we missed....who wants to join me?

 

[Mc Taco]

Great shot.

Curious, how did the bull react as you guys drove by. The shot looks like he wasn't too concerned.

 

[1leglance]

That bull had no fear or concern towards us at all, matter of fact it was more about us driving around HIM than him moving out of our way

 

[Lostmanifesto]

You're killing me with these photos. Which is a good thing. Wish I was there!

 

[toddz69]

Great trip report, Lance! Our Bronco club does an annual trip along the shelf road portion adjoining Cherry Creek nearly every year in October. I've never done the complete route to the Salt River, but I'd like to. It's fun to take the Cherry Creek road the whole way north and come into Young from the east. Someone else mentioned PB Cabin - I believe you drove past it on your route but unless you know it's there - you'll miss it (I did the first time I was there). At least one of our club members has told some interesting stories of lost folks/rescues in that area.

And I like your quote:

"But let me add some final thoughts. You will notice I did this trip in an old chuck on iron, running 4 drum brakes, a 350cu V8, and just some basic gear. Even though I have grand plans for this rig I also want to make sure to enjoy it along the way instead of getting stuck on the driveway queen endless build that often happens. So many people are web-wheelers who wait until they have all the gear and planets in alignment before venturing out. Why not just go enjoy the outdoors and figure out your mods as you go?

I look forward to getting back into this part of Arizona again and exploring everything we missed....who wants to join me?"

Not sure when I'll get into this area again, but I'd love you to join you! A mini-relic run .

Todd Z.

 

[1leglance]

Todd is would be super cool to roll with your rig, like I mentioned in the report there were some old timer hunters running a very nice red & white square body bronco.

Another Expo fellow up by Kingman want to put together an Arizona old iron run so we really need to make that happen.

 

[haulindave]

Thanks for the write up Lance , nice pics . :elkgrin:

Looks like you and Waymon had a good time , nice area to explore .:smiley_drive:

:truck::camping:

 

[1leglance]

It was a great time and just another reason I like being out west with all our public lands.
Now to start planning the next outing

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Just did this run over the past Holiday weekend aside it from being very scenic and remote, I like the signage at the start the best.

"ATVS 3 & 4 wheelers and golf cart prohibited"
Also note no holes in the signage:sombrero:

 

[BorregoWrangler]

Awesome photos and write up! I love the old Suburban too.

I wonder how the fishing is along that river? Also, your "final thoughts" are spot on! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

 

[Saiyan66]

Great write up Lance, looks like a great little trip. I would like to see if my wife and I can tag along with you if you decide to do this one again. My wife is a great cook (so we are all covered on the food front) and I have family that I would like to see in Phoenix. Send me a PM or email next time you are thinking about heading that way.

Tim