4x4tographer 2,538 Posted November 25, 2020 (edited) Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! Hello my friends! Let's take a little trip to the far west valley for some fun around Saddle Mountain, an area of ancient volcanic activity that was last active approximately 66 million years ago. On this trip, we'll enjoy: Gorgeous morning views of the Saddle Mountain area An easy to moderate trail ride Rockhound for Fire Agate and Chalcedony (which the area is known for) A brief hike to see some petroglyphs (pending pinpointing of location) Image: Anne McKinnel Photography Map Tracks: saddle-mountain.kml saddle-mountain.gpx Itinerary: Meet up 8:00 AM @ Chevron in Tonopah, AZ (https://goo.gl/maps/ZM5PmyJ7cWkC3GTe9) Depart by 8:30 AM once everyone is fueled up / present Trailhead is a short 4 mile drive from the gas station. Rockhound We'll check out a site known for rock hounding to see if we can scrounge up some fire agate or chalcedony Trail ride We'll take a 14 mile loop of the mountain with a brief side trip into the heart of the mountain where we will be surrounded on all sides by gorgeous views and canyon walls Trail is approx 2-3 hours, depending on stops and group speed Hike to some Petroglyphs (maybe) The area is also known for petroglyphs via an easy hike. If I can nail down a location, anyone who wishes to check them out is more than welcome! Trail Description: Easy to Moderate Primarily rocky sediment with some smooth dirt tracks Narrow in some areas with pin-striping possible Moderate rating due to: 4 "obstacles" at a few of the 2 dozen wash crossings we will make Mild off-camber in 1 section Rough road in areas Vehicle Requirements: Due to the severe wash outs at some wash crossings, this trail is more suited to vehicles with good departure angles. Tacomas, Colorados, Gladiators, etc... with a bed WILL drag their tail on some crossings. Vehicle Minimums: Good approach/departure angles All vehicles are required to meet state legal requirements, (i.e.: current registration and insurance) Have functional seat-belts for every occupant Suitable recovery points front and rear Functioning CB Radio or Ham Radio High-clearance 4x4 with low range 30"+ aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires Sway bar disconnect Vehicle Recommendations: Skid plates Rock rails 33"+ tires Rear locker Comms: CB: Channel 4 HAM: 146.46 MHz Additional Considerations: Dress for the weather Don't forget the sunscreen! There isn't a lot of shade available. Bring a bucket or bag for your rockhounding treasures! Bring a chair! Bring a lunch and plenty of water Bring a camera! Recovery gear/traction aid Emergency supplies / Med kit Sign-Ups (Rig Limit: 7) Once the limit is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the standby list. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get to go. Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! Attending: 1 - 4x4tographer (lead) & @Yodamom 2 - @Trail Toy 3 - @shellback91 4 - @SlyDawg 5 - @KC4X4 6 - @KtroubleA 7 - Standby: 1 - 2 - Edited December 12, 2020 by 4x4tographer Added map tracks / Adjusted attendees 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellback91 1,634 Posted November 26, 2020 Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Fake it till you make it, right?🤣 I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SlyDawg 14 Posted November 26, 2020 Please put me down for this. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4x4tographer 2,538 Posted November 26, 2020 8 hours ago, shellback91 said: Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Fake it till you make it, right?🤣 You’ll be in good company 😆 This particular place you’ll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC4X4 8 Posted November 26, 2020 We would like to go, also. Love rock hounding! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladybug 403 Posted November 27, 2020 Ok Ryan! You got me on the rocks, plus my fav Roy will be coming, so I need to attend, if you don't mind signing me up please! smiles, ladybug 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 672 Posted November 28, 2020 Wish we could go but I have this weekend booked Great trip idea!! Hope you have a ton of fun! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZRNintheJeep242 459 Posted November 28, 2020 This doable in a stock rig? If so sign me up!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KtroubleA 93 Posted November 29, 2020 Definitely add me, looks full so I'll take standby, all about rock hounding! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacey and Scott 1,129 Posted November 30, 2020 We'll take a stand-by slot 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
