Time to test out the rooftop tent...

[Rockcrawler]

I'm looking for suggestions on places to test out my new rooftop tent and rack that Goodtimes and I made... I'm thinking Madera Canyon or Patagonia Lake State Park. Any thoughts on either one or somewhere else that is within an hour or so of Tucson? I'm only looking for somewhere for 1 or 2 nights... must be a dog friendly area as well.

I haven't been to either of the areas mentioned above so thoughts on which one will be more enjoyable/scenic etc. would be appreciated.

 

[Scott Brady]

Temporal Gulch would be nice. Patagonia Area and you get the feeling of being pretty remote.

The rack and tent looks great on the 8!

 

[BogusBlake]

Rack looks good!

Madera canyon is touristy and while dog friendly, they have to be on a leash (they have rangers out checking for that).

 

[Tucson T4R]

Two of my favorite local areas that are close to Tucson and you can enjoy some solitude are the Copper Creek Canyon area East of Mammoth or Redfield Canyon. Both of these are in the Galiuro mountains.

You get to Redfield canyon by going straight though Redington pass, through Redington. Then just south of Redington off the main road, there is a road that runs in along the south rim of Redfield canyon.

Both areas have miles of back roads to explore and good side hiking along streams if you want to get out with your dog. Since it's been warm this spring, the cottonwoods should be leafing out about now.

If you go all the way up Copper creek you can see the ruins of Sibley mansion.

Let me know if you want any more details.

 

[Rockcrawler]

Thanks for the comments on the rack...

Scott, can you direct me to more information on Temporal Gulch?

I might be interested in Redfield Canyon as well... I've been to the Copper Creek area and out to the Mansion a couple of times.

I'm trying to ease my wife into more remote camping slowly... the only camping she has really done has been state parks or KOA type stuff. Thus the rooftop tent... shower system etc.

Thanks for the ideas... keep em coming!

Kyle

 

[Tucson T4R]

Easing the wife into camping adds a twist to it. :REOutCampFire03:

My wife really enjoyed the Chiricahuas a couple weekends ago. Turkey Creek is only 136 miles from my house so it wasn't too far and the canyon has a running stream and not too many peolple. You can choose between semi improved campgounds with tables and a restroom or unimproved campsites off by your self. :camping:

Plus, maybe you'll see some turkeys.

 

[Rockcrawler]

We ended up going to Madera Canyon for the night... It was QUITE windy all night and then when the wind stopped.... of course, the rain started. We ended up packing our things up and heading out this morning. We did manage a hike back to some of the springs w/ the mutt last night though. We had a good time and it was a good test for the tent. It didn't move around too much in the wind and no water came in w/ the rain. So, I suppose it was actually a perfect test for the tent... but an *okay* camping trip... much better than working yesterday though!

Oh yeah... and the cheezy ladder has got to go. It is already somewhat bent just from the one night of use. That along with a few other improvements will be made to the tent. All in all, I'm pretty happy w/ it for the money.

Pics below if interested...

Kyle

 

[Tucson T4R]

Looks like you found a good spot. Even though the rain and wind was not invited, it did make for a good test of your tent set up.

You said you hiked back to some springs. Was that Bog Springs? That's a beautiful area for a day hike or short overnight back pack. That's where I took my daughter on her first back packing trip.

PS. Meeting Wil and Erin at Thunder Canyon Brewery by Foothills mall today at 4:30 PM. If you can break away come join us.

 

[RunninRubicon]

Car-top-tents

Copper Creek is great but have you tried the Klondyke road? It takes you over Table Top mountain thru Parson's creek to Turkey Creek to Klondyke. I'd happily show you how. Especially since I too own the same tent but mine is mounted on an off-road trailer. I love this area for it's privacy and scenic views+remote aspects.:archaeolo

 

[RunninRubicon]

Sibley Mansion

You guys know that the Mercer Ranch has closed the Sibley Masion access? RedField Canyon has been bought by the Nature Convervancy-no access.
The road past the Sibley Mansion area was also a great one. Behind Sombero plateau is an old road washed out in the 83' rains that lead to 3-mile road on the Klondyke side of the Galidaro's. It has beautiful hidden campin spots along the top off the pass. Easy does it if you can get access. There has been another rock-fall that has the road pushed right at the edge of the cliff to get by the obstruction. It'll make you find religon!
The river road just off the Redington Road at the bottom of the hill out of San Manuel avails you access to the river run. A reptarian area that has enjoyed the well water over-flow from the mine at San Manuel (Magma Mining)for nearly 40years.(1968)
It returns an 8" water pipe stream of water to the river bottom. Consequently, it provides about 20 water crossings, trees, bamboo and lots of birds (blue Herons) and lots of flora and founa that is great to go camping in. It's remote enough that you will rarely see another person on a weekday but is accessible from hwy 77.
I have many many more. We ought to get together and go. Rhodes Road, BLM land, Signal Peak, Dripping Springs, ************** Springs...etc.:arabia:

 

[Rockcrawler]

Looks like you found a good spot. Even though the rain and wind was not invited, it did make for a good test of your tent set up.

You said you hiked back to some springs. Was that Bog Springs? That's a beautiful area for a day hike or short overnight back pack. That's where I took my daughter on her first back packing trip.

PS. Meeting Wil and Erin at Thunder Canyon Brewery by Foothills mall today at 4:30 PM. If you can break away come join us.

WELL..... We were camping in the Bog Springs Campground. We were supposed to be going to Bog Springs on our hike, but ended up taking a wrong turn while we were enjoying the scenery and ended up at Sylvester Springs instead. No harm done... It was a beautiful day for a hike... not too hot and a slight breeze as well, so we were happy, as was CJ.

I have many many more. We ought to get together and go. Rhodes Road, BLM land, Signal Peak, Dripping Springs, ************** Springs...etc.:arabia:

Sounds good to me... There are a few others in Tucson that I'm sure would be interested in a trip as well.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Sounds like some great spots. Let me know when you want to go play. :jumping:

 

[kcowyo]

A CJ-8 with a custom fabbed rack and a roof top tent...? First one of those I've seen - :clapsmile

That looks more fun to drive than just about anything I've seen here. Great solution to your longtime "Where do we sleep in the Jeep?" quandry. What an adventure enhancing addition to your unique set up. I think it would be a real shame if I go my whole life without ever owning a Scrambler...

:beer:

 

[Ursidae69]

Nice pictures Kyle. :sombrero:

 

[Rockcrawler]

A CJ-8 with a custom fabbed rack and a roof top tent...? First one of those I've seen - :clapsmile

That looks more fun to drive than just about anything I've seen here. Great solution to your longtime "Where do we sleep in the Jeep?" quandry. What an adventure enhancing addition to your unique set up. I think it would be a real shame if I go my whole life without ever owning a Scrambler...

:beer:

Thank you... It is definitely unique. At the campground as well as in my driveway before and after the trip, I had the tent opened up and people would slow down and stare... stop and ask questions etc. SO many people were doing it, it actually got to the point of being annoying when I was trying to pack! It needs some work still, the tent and the Jeep in general, but it is getting there. Thanks again for the compliments.

Kyle