[Club] Jerome Exploratory Trip | Moderate | October Sat 10 - Sun 11

[Adventure F150 27]

Trail/Area:

 

Exploratory trip I've had saved for my family, but I've enjoyed the numerous club runs with everyone and inspired by leadership, I would like to share the adventure with the group! Also would love to learn from the best how to trail lead and coordinate events as a volunteer. 

 

This route is about 70 miles point to point starting from Cordes Junction and winding all the way up to Jerome. The beginning portion is mainly green/ easy. The hardest bits look like a portion of Mingus Mountain and Smiley Rocky Trail, which are both rated a blue or 5/10.  Towards the end of Smiley will be, what I would consider, mild rock gardens between miles 17-19. Mingus has steep inclines, hairpins, and loose surfaces, but we're only on it for a few miles transitioning between Cherry Vista FSR 132 (rated green or 1/10), to Smiley. Wheel placement should be prioritized in these sections. 

 

I can see shorter wheelbase rigs getting by at stock height or mild lifts with 32/33s. I've ran many 5-6/10 rated trails on 3 inches and 35s with my truck, so for Jeeps and midsize trucks, I can't foresee it being an issue. I'd say mild lifts with 32s and up, skid plates, and tow points would be the standard minimums for most club events rated moderate. Winches/ yankem ropes and traction boards would be bonuses with emphasis on experience and knowing your capabilities. 

 

Lodging: 

 

Dispersed tent camping would most likely occur somewhere nearby Potato Patch Campground, depending on progress for the day. Correct me if wrong, but campfires should be good to go. I usually have the kids and I gather wood and chop it for our individual trips, but maybe bring a bundle just in case for the group.

Weather should be 75 high and 55 low towards Jerome and slightly warmer near the start. 

 

 

Itinerary:

 

Meeting spot will be Cordes Junction: 34.34713, -112.14358

 

Follow Mislead Wash to a juncture, take left on Ridge to Wash. Hard right at the Y on Old Sycamore Road. Left at Weird Power shortly then a right on FS 9602x-v Bar Tank. Several miles later, left on Orme Bypass and crossover the 169 to Ambassador Mine/ Cherry Cutoff. Left at unrated trail (000C075) then left at Mingus to Cherry Vista FSR 132. Left at Mingus Mountain for a few short miles then left at unrated trail (104) through to Smiley Rocky Trail. Lots of side trails up closer to Jerome to extend wheeling time. 

 

 

Additional Info:

 

GMRS: 462.600

 

Bring plenty of food and water for 2/3 days. If you're a snacker, bring more than normal. 

 

State Trust Permits needed.

 

Pets allowed following club guidelines. 

 

I hunt small-medium game on our family trips this time of year, so I'll have a 22 airrifle along with my SPR(hunting ar15 for medium game). Most likely only tree squirrels since Oct 2 starts the season. I want to try a squirrel recipe and/or save the meat for my trained hawk.

 

 

Sign-Up:

 

Since I'm volunteering and will defer to expert judgment, I'd say a limit is 6-8 rigs for now since the camping sites might be a little cramped just by looking at the maps

 

1: @Adventure F150 (Leading w help)

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Standby List:

1:

 

 

Edited September 23 by Adventure F150
Correction

[4WLNRN 797]

Enjoy!! This is a fun area to explore and October is the perfect time for it!!

[Curly 1,329]

This is in my backyard but unfortunately we have plans for that weekend