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KT_bronco

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Thursday, we finished up a big order at work, and after making sure the client was happy, I knew I needed to exit stage left-and fast. Considered Death Valley National Park, but I think I'm going to save that for the fall. It was just a bit too hot when I checked.

So the idea now was to take the Mojave Road to Laughlin (was a bit cooler here) and then head to Sedona and run some trails there. I wanted to pack as light as possible and to sleep in the Bronco this time. I left LA around 4pm, which wasn't really a fantastic idea due to traffic, but that how it shook out. Used Gaia gps to find the track, and got on just after Barstow. Trail clocked in at about 151 miles.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona Screenshot 2024-05-27 at 10.15.19 PM


While I enjoy night rides, being alone and getting out to take pics at night is a bit creepy. Full moon on display.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08405-Enhanced-NR-Pano



Wasn't long after dark that I came across the Afton Canyon Campground and decided it was a good idea to just call it for the night. It was a hot night, but thankfully there as a nice breeze and my ventilation worked well. Comfort wasn't exactly amazing, but it was really nice not having anything to setup. Used the electric water heater to quickly make a cup of coffee and headed out to catch some sunrise photos.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona EFF93B8B-3F97-40B6-BEF9-09574F5B81A1_1_105_c
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona IMG_8552


Had fun turning off the advance trac, which I don't usually do. It was interesting to see how much stability control is making sure things stay in control, especially at speed.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08447-Pano-2


Was a little concerned passing through the dry lake bed, but it was... dry.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08467-Pano


The rains have really turned the desert into a lush green landscape. Almost as green as the deserts I passed through in Baja California.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08530-Pano-2


Came across this mailbox and flag, signed the book inside and left a little donation.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08518-Pano-2
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona IMG_8554


The entire trail took about a day and a quarter to get through. Highly recommend as it's a fun, fast and unique trail.

After leaving the trail I made my way to Laughlin for a night of rest.

Next stop Sedona or so I thought. While driving to Sedona I saw signs pointing to the Grand Canyon, so I made a course correction and headed to the national park thinking I would be able to find some back country trails there to explore. I spoke to the back country ranger and she sadly informed that I was on the wrong side and that i'de have to go to the North Rim for something like Point Sublime. It was another 4 hours away, so I nixed that idea and just drove through park and enjoyed the views from the sidelines.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona IMG_8560


After leaving the park I stopped at one of the Native American stands along the highway and picked up a dream catcher. Asked the seller if there were any trails I could access to get close to the canyon and to my surprise he said yes. Turns out I had to get a permit to access the Navajo Nation lands, which I did for 15 bucks and drove a bit along the trails they had without going too deep along the Little Colorado River. This was a good primer on how to access the lands as there are amazing views and great camp spots to enjoy. Definitely something to do in the future. Here you can see some of the canyon.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08560-Pano



Next stop Sedona, except I saw yet another sign, this time it was to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. Made my way into the park and I'm glad I did. The lava flows were a sight to behold. Didn't get many fantastic pics but in person they are amazing to see.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08572-Pano


Found a back country trail in the park that leads to an OHV area and to more lava flows. All the soil on the trail was this lava flow sandy soil. Really cool. I was just worried about getting a flat, lots of little sticks buried within.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08579-Pano


The Wupatki national monument
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona IMG_8568


After leaving the National monuments I finally made my way to Sedona and immediately got on the Broken Arrow trail. Not sure what I was expecting out of this trail but it was a highly curated and groomed trail. I ran it twice waiting for sunset. Spectacular views. I was worried about trail traffic since watching YouTube views led me to believe it would be packed on a holiday weekend, but it really wasn't bad at all.

edit: Almost forgot to mention that in the first section of the trail I met a very cool couple who were taking out their new to them LJ Jeep. I didn't know there was an LJ but I like the concept of a long wheel base 2 door.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08584-Pano-2

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08705-Pano

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08728-Pano


















Made some trail friends who shared their recording of me heading down one of the steeper sections.



















































The next morning I got up early and explore Sedona a bit and checked out the various residential areas and creeks.
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona IMG_8582
Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona IMG_8577


I tried getting on the Solider's Pass trail but turns out you need a reservation from recreation.gov, they only allow 12 vehicles per day. Plan ahead of time if you want to run that trail. Since that didn't work out I went to the next trail called Schnebly Hill, which turned out was a Jeep badge of honor trail. Trail itself wasn't bad, towards the top it got very rocky so you just had to pick your way up. Here is a view from the top.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona Screenshot 2024-05-28 at 11.42.07 AM


Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08800-Pano



Had a great time on my trip and learned that you can in fact sleep in a 2 door and be fine. lol.

Ford Bronco Red Bandit's Memorial Weekend -> Mojave Road -> Grand Canyon -> Sedona DSC08584-Pano
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userdude

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Was that your tires squealing on that downhill?
 

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Spar10Bronco

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Looks like an incredible trip and you got some great photos to memorialize it! Someday I look forward to trips like these and hopefully pictures half as good!
 
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KT_bronco

KT_bronco

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Looks like an incredible trip and you got some great photos to memorialize it! Someday I look forward to trips like these and hopefully pictures half as good!
You have the machine for it, finding the time is a bit more difficult.
 

AXMRDR

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Thanks for sharing. Looks like a good trip.
 

the poacher

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Nice Jon,
We all appreciate you sharing these photos and your descriptions. I have run Broken Arrow quite a few times, and it is enjoyable. I also ran Soldier Pass, and though short, well worth the easy effort of getting a pass. As you discovered, you do need to plan ahead though...
 

Shark1247

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Thursday, we finished up a big order at work, and after making sure the client was happy, I knew I needed to exit stage left-and fast. Considered Death Valley National Park, but I think I'm going to save that for the fall. It was just a bit too hot when I checked.

So the idea now was to take the Mojave Road to Laughlin (was a bit cooler here) and then head to Sedona and run some trails there. I wanted to pack as light as possible and to sleep in the Bronco this time. I left LA around 4pm, which wasn't really a fantastic idea due to traffic, but that how it shook out. Used Gaia gps to find the track, and got on just after Barstow. Trail clocked in at about 151 miles.
Screenshot 2024-05-27 at 10.15.19 PM.jpg


While I enjoy night rides, being alone and getting out to take pics at night is a bit creepy. Full moon on display.

DSC08405-Enhanced-NR-Pano.jpg



Wasn't long after dark that I came across the Afton Canyon Campground and decided it was a good idea to just call it for the night. It was a hot night, but thankfully there as a nice breeze and my ventilation worked well. Comfort wasn't exactly amazing, but it was really nice not having anything to setup. Used the electric water heater to quickly make a cup of coffee and headed out to catch some sunrise photos.

EFF93B8B-3F97-40B6-BEF9-09574F5B81A1_1_105_c.jpeg
IMG_8552.jpeg


Had fun turning off the advance trac, which I don't usually do. It was interesting to see how much stability control is making sure things stay in control, especially at speed.

DSC08447-Pano-2.jpg


Was a little concerned passing through the dry lake bed, but it was... dry.
DSC08467-Pano.jpg


The rains have really turned the desert into a lush green landscape. Almost as green as the deserts I passed through in Baja California.

DSC08530-Pano-2.jpg


Came across this mailbox and flag, signed the book inside and left a little donation.
DSC08518-Pano-2.jpg
IMG_8554.jpeg


The entire trail took about a day and a quarter to get through. Highly recommend as it's a fun, fast and unique trail.

After leaving the trail I made my way to Laughlin for a night of rest.

Next stop Sedona or so I thought. While driving to Sedona I saw signs pointing to the Grand Canyon, so I made a course correction and headed to the national park thinking I would be able to find some back country trails there to explore. I spoke to the back country ranger and she sadly informed that I was on the wrong side and that i'de have to go to the North Rim for something like Point Sublime. It was another 4 hours away, so I nixed that idea and just drove through park and enjoyed the views from the sidelines.
IMG_8560.jpeg


After leaving the park I stopped at one of the Native American stands along the highway and picked up a dream catcher. Asked the seller if there were any trails I could access to get close to the canyon and to my surprise he said yes. Turns out I had to get a permit to access the Navajo Nation lands, which I did for 15 bucks and drove a bit along the trails they had without going too deep along the Little Colorado River. This was a good primer on how to access the lands as there are amazing views and great camp spots to enjoy. Definitely something to do in the future. Here you can see some of the canyon.
DSC08560-Pano.jpg



Next stop Sedona, except I saw yet another sign, this time it was to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. Made my way into the park and I'm glad I did. The lava flows were a sight to behold. Didn't get many fantastic pics but in person they are amazing to see.

DSC08572-Pano.jpg


Found a back country trail in the park that leads to an OHV area and to more lava flows. All the soil on the trail was this lava flow sandy soil. Really cool. I was just worried about getting a flat, lots of little sticks buried within.
DSC08579-Pano.jpg


The Wupatki national monument
IMG_8568.jpeg


After leaving the National monuments I finally made my way to Sedona and immediately got on the Broken Arrow trail. Not sure what I was expecting out of this trail but it was a highly curated and groomed trail. I ran it twice waiting for sunset. Spectacular views. I was worried about trail traffic since watching YouTube views led me to believe it would be packed on a holiday weekend, but it really wasn't bad at all.
DSC08705-Pano.jpg

DSC08728-Pano.jpg


















Made some trail friends who shared their recording of me heading down one of the steeper sections.



















































The next morning I got up early and explore Sedona a bit and checked out the various residential areas and creeks.
IMG_8582.jpeg
IMG_8577.jpeg


I tried getting on the Solider's Pass trail but turns out you need a reservation from recreation.gov, they only allow 12 vehicles per day. Plan ahead of time if you want to run that trail. Since that didn't work out I went to the next trail called Schnebly Hill, which turned out was a Jeep badge of honor trail. Trail itself wasn't bad, towards the top it got very rocky so you just had to pick your way up. Here is a view from the top.

Screenshot 2024-05-28 at 11.42.07 AM.jpg


DSC08800-Pano.jpg



Had a great time on my trip and learned that you can in fact sleep in a 2 door and be fine. lol.
Looks like an awesome trip.
 

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KT_bronco

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Nice Jon,
We all appreciate you sharing these photos and your descriptions. I have run Broken Arrow quite a few times, and it is enjoyable. I also ran Soldier Pass, and though short, well worth the easy effort of getting a pass. As you discovered, you do need to plan ahead though...
Appreciate the kind words. And I'm working on my planning skills, I've realized I miss out on quite a few cool spots as a direct result of my haphazard trips.
 

the poacher

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Appreciate the kind words. And I'm working on my planning skills, I've realized I miss out on quite a few cool spots as a direct result of my haphazard trips.
I would not worry about your planning skills as you put together a great trip. Now your booking skills may be a bit rusty though... 😁
 

EriktheCarbonizedGray

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Thanks for sharing. This is exactly the kind of trip the Broncos are made for.
 

Hill Man

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Thanks for making the time to share. I liked your narrative especially when you felt creepy out in the middle of nowhere looking back at the scene. I could feel that. Keep sharing, please.
 

G1D1UP

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Great story! Can you give a little more description of Broken Arrow and your thoughts on its difficulty? Wife and I looking for a mild day trip picnic in north AZ. Did you have to air down/air up for any of your trail runs? Thanks for the play by play.
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