11/25/17: Wickenburg Trip Report

[Bradywgn71 746]

Thanks to everyone who followed us out to the Vulture Mine and the trails near there in the Wickenburg, AZ area. We really enjoyed your company and happy to have found that great camp spot. Please post up any good shots or links to albums you might have. Info here: http://www.vultureminetours.com/

 

Here is a link to my complete photo album.

 

The group first did a guided tour (about 2 hours) of the Vulture Mine. Our tour guide had a ton of knowledge and could have kept us entertained for even longer. They are working on rebuilding the mine buildings and have done a fantastic job. It's worth checking out if you are in the area. Tours start at 10am on the weekends and they charged $15 per person for the Guided tour. Dogs were welcome but lots of sharp things on the ground so you may want to leave them at home. You can do a self guided tour as well.

 

The Gas pump and store:

 

Mine house with a ton of items to check out around it and inside:

 

The large Assay Office... it had a second floor with a shower even!

 

We took a break at the dance hall. The sun was hot and temps climbing towards 90!

 

After the tour we headed to find dirt and start the trail ride. We had a brief lunch at Big Spar mine area but there wasn't much shade.

 

 

 

We toured through the maze of most easy trails. There are a ton of mine claims and old mines in this area. We went past the miner's cabin and then we were making our way to the arch. However, after a stop at the miner's cabin one of the rigs decided she needed a new battery.

 

 

We took a brief detour to lead them out to the main road so they could make the Jeep happy! After that we made our way up the hill to see the natural arch/cave. Normally there is a good view of Phoenix, and you can see the Glendale Stadium, but the air quality in Phoenix wasn't great.

 

The arch from down below:

 

 

 

 

 

After the hill was brought the group to see the crested saguaro we found the day before by accident.

 

We made our way over to a camp spot that was one of the few places without much cholla. It also had a great views for sunset and sunrise. The evening was warm and we enjoyed a large campfire. Thankfully Curly was paying attention to the time as we would have burned through all the wood by 7pm. It's amazing how late it can feel!

 

 

 

Up early at sunrise

 

 

Our trusty co-pilot warming herself!

 

 

We left camp around 9am and made our way to the wash and then out to civilization.

 

 

We had a really fun weekend and thanks to everyone who joined us! We really needed some time away from the city!

[Azoutlaw480 0]

awesome pics!!

[dzJeepChic 2,517]

Killer pictures and trip report! Thanks for sharing them Sarah!

[theksmith 4,041]

thanks for organizing this run guys, it was a nice quick & easy chance to get out of town for a night!

 

 

 

 

[ob1jeeper 520]

We enjoyed the day with you guys leading us to some cool places. The "grumpy battery" survived the trip back to town without incident, and we enjoyed a nice visit with Dick & Joyce before making our way home.

[scottL 179]

Thanks Chris and Sarah for leading, OB1 for 'gunning, Karen for chocolates, Tim & Devon for puppy dog stories and Kbro for the mozzarella balls and end of day send off. Pleasure to meet Joyce and Dick as well.

 

Crested cactus finally witnessed. I've seen photos before, here's mine through the windshield complete with bug guts. Great find Chris and Sarah!

Dick & Joyce experienced death wobble soon after we hit the dirt. Chris noticed a loose trak bar and within moments OB1 was tightening things up so we could get back out on the trail

Airing up with Gary at dusk. It was a relaxing day out on the trail

[jonb8 1]

Great pics, I love looking at everyone's trip pics...

[Ladybug 472]

It was a great day and I really enjoyed it!! Sara and Chris!! - Thanks for the awesome job leading us thru the maze of trails out there!!

smiles, ladybug

[Bradywgn71 746]

It was a great day and I really enjoyed it!! Sara and Chris!! - Thanks for the awesome job leading us thru the maze of trails out there!!

smiles, ladybug

 

Thanks for coming along! I'm sorry you missed the big arch. It's a fun area to explore and I'd like to get out there again.

[Bradywgn71 746]

Thanks Chris and Sarah for leading, OB1 for 'gunning, Karen for chocolates, Tim & Devon for puppy dog stories and Kbro for the mozzarella balls and end of day send off. Pleasure to meet Joyce and Dick as well.

 

Glad you could join us and also glad to see you made it back home without getting lost!