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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.
While I enjoy night rides, being alone and getting out to take pics at night is a bit creepy. Full moon on display.
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.
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.
Was a little concerned passing through the dry lake bed, but it was... dry.
The rains have really turned the desert into a lush green landscape. Almost as green as the deserts I passed through in Baja California.
Came across this mailbox and flag, signed the book inside and left a little donation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Wupatki national monument
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.
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.
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.
Had a great time on my trip and learned that you can in fact sleep in a 2 door and be fine. lol.
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.
While I enjoy night rides, being alone and getting out to take pics at night is a bit creepy. Full moon on display.
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.
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.
Was a little concerned passing through the dry lake bed, but it was... dry.
The rains have really turned the desert into a lush green landscape. Almost as green as the deserts I passed through in Baja California.
Came across this mailbox and flag, signed the book inside and left a little donation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Wupatki national monument
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.
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.
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.
Had a great time on my trip and learned that you can in fact sleep in a 2 door and be fine. lol.
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