Gunsite Pass, Tucson (8/26/06)

[Jonathan Hanson]

At least, it was moderate before the area got like 87 inches of rain . . .

 

[seth_js]

Alright... so cool names usually come with some cool history. What's the story?

 

[CAPTAIN COORS]

any room left? we would like to tag along

 

[Scott Brady]

You bet Randy Come on :smiley_drive:

 

[FourByLand]

This does sound like a really great group!

Count us in!

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Wow....I think my son Tyler will be coming too in his 80 (my old '93).

 

[flyingwil]

Alright... so cool names usually come with some cool history. What's the story?

I would to know the info too! ANy one know the history of this trail other that it is an old mining road?

 

[DaktariEd]

A quick search turned up some info on Helvetia:

Helvetia - Ghost town

I'll pass on anything else I find...there are a lot of old mines in the area...lots to see/read...

:1888fbbd:

Edit:

Cool "Then & Now" images: Then & Now

 

[datrupr]

Seth, believe it is called Gunsight because there is a crack in the mountians that looks like a gunsight from an old rifle. I remember reading about it somewhere, and I too have always wanted to go. There are a few ghost towns in that area.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Hey Scott...what's the plan on this trip? Are we taking off and hitting trail/pass? If so, where will you-all camp? I ask because my son Tyler needs to be back home by 4PM. In other words we might have to bail early. We don't want to be a hinderance on this trip so we're askin'. Thanks!

 

[BajaTaco]

Seth, believe it is called Gunsight because there is a crack in the mountians that looks like a gunsight from an old rifle.

You are correct

There is also a very cool mine in the vicinity... eepwall:

And old graves... rngartis

...and a small cave that is very cozy for two very friendly people on a rainy afternoon :costumed-smiley-007

... and there was even a very heavy meteorite recovered from the area (about 1400 lbs), which was hauled to Tucson by wagon in the mid 1800's, and used for some time as an anvil at a blacksmith's shop. It ended up being sent to the smithsonian.

http://www.meteoritestudies.com/protected_TUCSON.HTM

 

[seth_js]

Is the 231 clearly marked at the 83? Any one from the valley want to caravan?

 

[Brian McVickers]

Sure Seth
We could try to caravan with you.
We will be starting from Surprise and probably take the 101 down and around and down again to Tucson.

 

[Scott Brady]

Phoenix Caravan

Cool! I am available to caravan too. That would be fun!

Here is an idea:

Breakfast-
Time: 6:30 am
Cracker Barrel: 5022 E. Chandler Blvd (480) 961-9443

Group Departure-
Time: 7:30 am from the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot

7:30 means gassed up and ready to roll It takes about 2 hours to get to the trail head.

CB: Channel 4

Please post your intentions so we know to expect you.

 

[Scott Brady]

Has anyone driven this trail recently?

I am looking for a recent trail report. Has anyone driven the trail recently?