Martinez Cabins doable in a Subaru Forester?

[fxtacy]

Let me introduce myself. My name is Buddy, and I was referred to this site to ask this question by my friend Joe West, who is also one of the administrators here.


I've been looking into some easy rated trails to take my... don't laugh, Subaru Forester on. One in particular... Martinez Cabins. From what Joe has told me, this trip is so easy a passenger car could do it.

First, I will give the specifications of my Subaru. It is a small SUV with full time AWD w/ 90/10 (f/r) split normally and 60/40 (f/r) split when wheel slip is detected and full 50/50 lockout in 1 or 2 (4 spd auto) w/ 4.444 final gear ratio, 2.5 liter Turbo engine, independent suspension, 7.7" of ground clearance, Angle of approach: 24.8*, Angle of departure: 21.2*, Breakover angle: 18.7*. Is my Subaru capable of doing this easy trail?

From what I've been able to find online, the best way to get there is to start at the intersection of Highway 79 and Price Road N33 03 37.9 W111 22 41.9 (NAD27). and drive to Box Canyon via Price Road takes about 30 minutes and parallels the Gila River for most of the distance. Price Road ends at the mouth of Box Canyon. But from the topo maps and google earth, it looks like Price Rd. ends at Box Canyon Rd, which then veers North and will eventually intersect with Martinez Canyon Rd. Is this the correct way to get to Martinez Cabins?

It appears that the above mentioned directions would be mostly dirt road with possible rutted or washboard sections, but I also noticed that sections of these roads go through the wash. Is the road actually the canyon offroad trail itself? Are there sections of the washes that my Subaru would have trouble traversing?

Any input is appreciated.

[SHNIPE]

The rock piles just before the cabins might cause you to have some issues. I know that some jeeps still hit hard on the rocks there with 33s. I know i hit a few but i hit everything without any sort of real reason. But i think it MIGHT be possible, just dont know for sure abotu that kind of vehicle.

[mingoglia]

....I know i hit a few but i hit everything without any sort of real reason.

Yeah, but aren't you usually hitting everything with the top of your roll cage.... you know, rubber side up? :D

[SHNIPE]

OH! thats not the right way??? Ok man listen.. IT WAS TWICE!! TWO TIMES... wait that IS quite a few times by comparison huh?

Best i can say is go out there... take a look at the last bit of rocks. IF you thik you can make it then give it a go. Just dont get a hole punched in the oil pan, stack rocks, leave your trash, move any rocks to do it :D They really hate us out in FJ right now so lets not give them any more reasons to keep us out :D

[yotamonkey]

I've seen it done in a Kia Sorento on 32's and old man emu springs, and lots of rocker damage to which he add a bit more to at that spot you speak of.

[fxtacy]

duly noted... isn't the saying "tread lightly"? I've had enough wheelin Jeep friends to understand the correct trail etiquette. Don't disturb the trail, if I use rocks put them back when done, don't leave trash, don't dump fluids all over, etc. But, I appreciate the tips.

[YJunk]

The rock piles just before the cabins might cause you to have some issues. I know that some jeeps still hit hard on the rocks there with 33s. I know i hit a few but i hit everything without any sort of real reason. But i think it MIGHT be possible, just dont know for sure abotu that kind of vehicle.

Did it with 31's if that helps... Just not sure I'd want to run a boobaru back there as clearance could be and issue, and the spot where you're most likely to get stuck (just before the cabins) is waaaayyyyy back there. If you break something back there it could be a real sob gettin you out...

Probably for the cost of the damage you'd inflict on your daily driver you could buy a little used jeep and go pound your way in without worrying.

[YJunk]

I've seen it done in a Kia Sorento on 32's and old man emu springs, and lots of rocker damage to which he add a bit more to at that spot you speak of.


Man you're junk sits kind of low to ground... can you make it back there without a strap????? :)

[Billy 4 hp]

Let me introduce myself. My name is Buddy, and I was referred to this site to ask this question by my friend Joe West, who is also one of the administrators here.


I've been looking into some easy rated trails to take my... don't laugh, Subaru Forester on. One in particular... Martinez Cabins. From what Joe has told me, this trip is so easy a passenger car could do it.

First, I will give the specifications of my Subaru. It is a small SUV with full time AWD w/ 90/10 (f/r) split normally and 60/40 (f/r) split when wheel slip is detected and full 50/50 lockout in 1 or 2 (4 spd auto) w/ 4.444 final gear ratio, 2.5 liter Turbo engine, independent suspension, 7.7" of ground clearance, Angle of approach: 24.8*, Angle of departure: 21.2*, Breakover angle: 18.7*. Is my Subaru capable of doing this easy trail?

From what I've been able to find online, the best way to get there is to start at the intersection of Highway 79 and Price Road N33 03 37.9 W111 22 41.9 (NAD27). and drive to Box Canyon via Price Road takes about 30 minutes and parallels the Gila River for most of the distance. Price Road ends at the mouth of Box Canyon. But from the topo maps and google earth, it looks like Price Rd. ends at Box Canyon Rd, which then veers North and will eventually intersect with Martinez Canyon Rd. Is this the correct way to get to Martinez Cabins?

It appears that the above mentioned directions would be mostly dirt road with possible rutted or washboard sections, but I also noticed that sections of these roads go through the wash. Is the road actually the canyon offroad trail itself? Are there sections of the washes that my Subaru would have trouble traversing?

Any input is appreciated.

Ultimately yes the Subaru could make it, but are you yourself (or your better half if you have one) ready for this kind of terrain / trail and the more than likely undercarriage damage and body damage that may occur

As a fellow Subaru DD (daily driver) owner I would recommend probably not on Martinez unless your ready to accept the consequences. Subaru's are mainly designed for bad weather driving not "Jeep" trails. Depending on the washouts from recent weather and such along with the aforementioned rocks, you may get back there but probably wished you hadn't once you got home (if you have a newer Subaru that is, if it's an ole beater go for it, but since you have an XT I doubt it's that old).

A better road for the Subie would be going over Four Peaks down into Roosevelt lake. Nice washboard roads, some grades to go up, maybe a little snow, perfect Subie area...

The lack of ground clearance and transfercase (so you can go slow and not kill the auto tranny or clutch) just limit what IMO you should really expect out of our Subie's... But isn't it fun pitching it in the rain knowing it will stick rather than slide???

Good luck, :D

Billy

[PMFG!ItsaGP]

I made it to the cabins and about 1/5 of the way into the canyon in a STOCK Yukon (245/75 R16 AT tires) a couple years ago. Its an easy run to the cabins

[RokNRich]

I made it to the cabins and about 1/5 of the way into the canyon in a STOCK Yukon (245/75 R16 AT tires) a couple years ago. Its an easy run to the cabins


Lately ???

Since the rains last spring there are couple of tough spots just getting to the cabins. There is now a good sized washout before the block wall (where the tree was blocking the trail) and the rock garden just past the wall is pretty tore up as well. My info is a couple of months old, but as of then, it was a challenge for a stock jeep with an inexperienced driver.


Re: Martinez Cabins doable in a Subaru Forester?

IMO, no. But that all depends on your driving experience, whether you have recovery gear and another rig with you and how pretty you want to keep it. Can it be done, probably. It was much easier getting to the cabins before the rains last year.

Have you done taken the road down to the coke ovens ?

[PMFG!ItsaGP]

Lately ???

Since the rains last spring there are couple of tough spots just getting to the cabins. There is now a good sized washout before the block wall (where the tree was blocking the trail) and the rock garden just past the wall is pretty tore up as well. My info is a couple of months old, but as of then, it was a challenge for a stock jeep with an inexperienced driver.

This was back in late '03 when I dragged the Yukon through there. Last time I was on that trail was last year, so I know how much it has changed. I still thought it was easy even though I was just a passenger. ;)

[LOWTECH]

This was back in late '03 when I dragged the Yukon through there. Last time I was on that trail was last year, so I know how much it has changed. I still thought it was easy even though I was just a passenger. ;)

Not now ......... just there Sunday, Cabins has a little gate keeper rock garden that wasn't there then.

[Renob]

I made it to the cabins and about 1/5 of the way into the canyon in a STOCK Yukon (245/75 R16 AT tires) a couple years ago. Its an easy run to the cabinsIt's true.
9078
9079

[LOWTECH]

It's true.
9078

Didn't say two years ago

[Renob]

Not now ......... just there Sunday, Cabins has a little gate keeper rock garden that wasn't there then.Good, maybe it will keep some of the jackasses from going in there and vandalizing the cabins.

[RokNRich]

I believe you guys. It USED to be pretty easy. Things change, hell, it might have been paved since I've been out there, but a few months ago it was pretty rough, at least for a stock rig with an inexperienced driver (and from the sounds of it, fxtacy is new to the sport). Just trying to give good advice.......

:D

[Renob]

I agree with you guys and don't think he should do it without at least joining a group of capable rigs.

The pics I attached were from February 2003. I'm sure it has changed since then.

We also drug this beast through the loop.
9081

[fxtacy]

since you have an XT I doubt it's that old

it's an '04 w/ only 18,500 mi. so no, it's not old at all.

[QUOTE=Billy 4 hp;145498]A better road for the Subie would be going over Four Peaks down into Roosevelt lake. Nice washboard roads, some grades to go up, maybe a little snow, perfect Subie area... .
How does one get to this road? Any good directions or wright up on it? I know I've talked to a bugeye WRX owner that said they drove this in their Suby when it was brand new.

The lack of ground clearance and transfercase (so you can go slow and not kill the auto tranny or clutch) just limit what IMO you should really expect out of our Subie's... But isn't it fun pitching it in the rain knowing it will stick rather than slide???.
Well, mine isn't just the stock 2.5... it is the same long block as the STi, but with the tdo4 of the WRX, with a 3" turbo back exhaust, and an aftermarket up-pipe and a custom dyno tune... so 290 bhp and 310 or so torque makes it a little squirely on curvy wet roads, even w/ the AWD. All the same, it is fun to get some full drift action going.

I guess the answer is a resounding no giving all the feedback.

Thanks again to everyone for the input.

[PMFG!ItsaGP]

I agree with you guys and don't think he should do it without at least joining a group of capable rigs.

The pics I attached were from February 2003. I'm sure it has changed since then.

We also drug this beast through the loop.
9081
That was fun....Yeah, lots and lots of fun.

[Renob]

That was fun....Yeah, lots and lots of fun.Yes, let's see:

1 broken windshield.
1 broken drive shaft.
1 dented quarter panel.
2 guys almost pummeled to death with stones.
Having to push a full size Bronco over every rock on the way out (at night) who only has front wheel drive with no locker.

I think that about covers it for that run.

[PMFG!ItsaGP]

Yes, let's see:

1 broken windshield.
1 broken drive shaft.
1 dented quarter panel.
2 guys almost pummeled to death with stones.
Having to push a full size Bronco over every rock on the way out (at night) who only has front wheel drive with no locker.

I think that about covers it for that run.

Sounds about right.

[GLEN REAMS]

Good, maybe it will keep some of the jackasses from going in there and vandalizing the cabins.

yeah maybe it will keep people driving yukons out of there that sure would save the trails some now wouldnt it

[97badxj]

Another drive for you would be the entire Cave Springs/Bloody Basin Rd. from Seven Springs to Cordes Junction. Or better yet, since the Forest service graded it for the fire last year, Table Mesa Rd. from I-17 to Seven Springs.

[Billy 4 hp]

[QUOTE=Billy 4 hp;145498]since you have an XT I doubt it's that old

it's an '04 w/ only 18,500 mi. so no, it's not old at all.


How does one get to this road? Any good directions or wright up on it? I know I've talked to a bugeye WRX owner that said they drove this in their Suby when it was brand new.


Well, mine isn't just the stock 2.5... it is the same long block as the STi, but with the tdo4 of the WRX, with a 3" turbo back exhaust, and an aftermarket up-pipe and a custom dyno tune... so 290 bhp and 310 or so torque makes it a little squirely on curvy wet roads, even w/ the AWD. All the same, it is fun to get some full drift action going.

I guess the answer is a resounding no giving all the feedback.

Thanks again to everyone for the input.

Why would you want to take that vehicle offroad?? All the horsepower in the world doesn't do you a bit of good if your tires just spin and spin... The original Jeep had what 60hp or less from it's flathead and look were they go...

You need to just pick the right tool for the job... I will take you to Martinez in my CJ and we'll take your Subie to Alaska, now that would be fun running 110mph in your beastie on that dirt road through Canada...

Four Peaks Road is reached from the Beeline Highway just past the Saguaro Lake turnoff.. Table Mesa and Bloody Basin are off the I-17 heading to Flagstaff from Phoenix they hookup to Seven Springs campgrounds which is north of Cave Creek by Horsehoe and Bartlett Lake(s)...But you really need to get some Forest Service maps or a guide book... If your not familiar with the area's why risk getting lost?:eek:

Good luck,

Billy

[aszaunmi]

Let me introduce myself. My name is Buddy, and I was referred to this site to ask this question by my friend Joe West, who is also one of the administrators here.


I've been looking into some easy rated trails to take my... don't laugh, Subaru Forester on. One in particular... Martinez Cabins. From what Joe has told me, this trip is so easy a passenger car could do it.

First, I will give the specifications of my Subaru. It is a small SUV with full time AWD w/ 90/10 (f/r) split normally and 60/40 (f/r) split when wheel slip is detected and full 50/50 lockout in 1 or 2 (4 spd auto) w/ 4.444 final gear ratio, 2.5 liter Turbo engine, independent suspension, 7.7" of ground clearance, Angle of approach: 24.8*, Angle of departure: 21.2*, Breakover angle: 18.7*. Is my Subaru capable of doing this easy trail?

From what I've been able to find online, the best way to get there is to start at the intersection of Highway 79 and Price Road N33 03 37.9 W111 22 41.9 (NAD27). and drive to Box Canyon via Price Road takes about 30 minutes and parallels the Gila River for most of the distance. Price Road ends at the mouth of Box Canyon. But from the topo maps and google earth, it looks like Price Rd. ends at Box Canyon Rd, which then veers North and will eventually intersect with Martinez Canyon Rd. Is this the correct way to get to Martinez Cabins?

It appears that the above mentioned directions would be mostly dirt road with possible rutted or washboard sections, but I also noticed that sections of these roads go through the wash. Is the road actually the canyon offroad trail itself? Are there sections of the washes that my Subaru would have trouble traversing?

Any input is appreciated.



If by some odd chance you take your car on this trail please take before and after photos and post them up for all of us to see.

[PMFG!ItsaGP]

yeah maybe it will keep people driving yukons out of there that sure would save the trails some now wouldnt it
Hmm....Didnt you get stuck on a dirt hill last weekend? Im curious as to how much of your tail light you left behind as well.

[aszaunmi]

blahahahaha, oops, I mean, you still looking for my lift parts Glen. I get home to AZ next week and will start installing my y link... parts will go up for sale soon

[fxtacy]

Why would you want to take that vehicle offroad??My intent isn't to go 'wheelin, as much as it is to get it out on some dirt road and drive it like a Subaru is intended. Do some rally style driving like you suggested we do through Canada. :D

You need to just pick the right tool for the job... That's why I posted here to find out if I would be in over my head before hand. Like I said, Joe West, admin here and I believe host this site, told me it was so easy a passenger car could do it. But then again, he sold his TJ back in 2003, so he doesn't really have recent trail experience, so he suggested I ask here.

Tell you what, why don't you take that DD Subaru of yours with me on one of the drives you suggested and I will take you up on your offer to do Martinez in you CJ. I have had the pleasure of riding shot gun on lower and upper wood pecker in a competant CJ5, and if Joe wouldn't have sold his TJ, I would have happily gone w/ him on some runs too.

Four Peaks Road is reached from the Beeline Highway just past the Saguaro Lake turnoff.. Table Mesa and Bloody Basin are off the I-17 heading to Flagstaff from Phoenix they hookup to Seven Springs campgrounds which is north of Cave Creek by Horsehoe and Bartlett Lake(s)...But you really need to get some Forest Service maps or a guide book... If your not familiar with the area's why risk getting lost?:eek: If I go, believe me, I am going to invite my buddy and his GPS and his forester service maps and topo maps he uses for his mountaineering/canyoneering trips.

If by some odd chance you take your car on this trail please take before and after photos and post them up for all of us to see.
Sorry, not willing to make my Suby a sacraficial lamb for everyones entertainment. I will definately not being going... I will instead do Four peaks or one of the others suggested here.

Thanks again for everyones input.

[dstryr99]

I went out there on New Years weekend and was surprised at how much the trail has changed since I was last out there 1.5 years before.

Here is a video of the rock garden and you can judge for yourself if the subaru can make it:

http://clemens.otlg.asu.edu/martinezDec2006/rockGarden.html

[BEETROOT]

4 peaks trail is perfect for a subie

[cw50must]

4 peaks trail is perfect for a subie

Do 4 peaks, hop on the highway on the other end, head south and bring Apache Trail back into town.

[fxtacy]

I went out there on New Years weekend and was surprised at how much the trail has changed since I was last out there 1.5 years before.

Here is a video of the rock garden and you can judge for yourself if the subaru can make it:

http://clemens.otlg.asu.edu/martinezDec2006/rockGarden.htmlThat would be a big no, it wouldn't make it in current form. On the other hand there is a Subaru aftermarket company based out of Australia that makes lifts and front and rear bumpers (similar to the one on your Jeep) as well as skid plated and rear diff covers and a Forester or Outback equiped with their kits could make it IMHO.

Like this one... sans bumpers of course.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/792000-792999/792800_133_full.jpg

BTW, were you driving Norht bound up the 101 this morning @ Ray/Warner at about 8:30 am? I saw a Black Jeep w/ a similar bumper to yours. Not sure but I thought it was a Rubicon.

[dstryr99]

Yep, that sounds about right, I was running a little late this morning. Here's a wave.

:) That would be a big no, it wouldn't make it in current form. On the other hand, There is a Subaru aftermarket company that makes lifts and front and rear bumpers (similar to the one on your Jeep) as well as skid plated and rear diff covers and a Forester or Outback equiped with their kits could make it IMHO.

BTW, were you driving Norht bound up the 101 this morning @ Ray/Warner at about 8:30 am? I saw a Black Jeep w/ a similar bumper to yours. Not sure but I thought it was a Rubicon.

[Renob]

yeah maybe it will keep people driving yukons out of there that sure would save the trails some now wouldnt itLet's see, the Yukon left no oil behind, no rocks were stacked on its behalf and no vandalism of any kind was engaged in by its occupants.

So, who is being the d!ck now Glen?

See ya on the trails.

[YJunk]

Let's see, the Yukon left no oil behind, no rocks were stacked on its behalf and no vandalism of any kind was engaged in by its occupants.

So, who is being the d!ck now Glen?...

Ugh... that would be you boner... Isn't it time for you to have PMFG's love child already or are you just raggin in general, cause it seems like lately you've been *****in even more than normal. Take a couple of Midol and step away from the board for a while... you'll feel better when the bloat goes down.

yak yak yak... keeeerist dude is there anything that doesn't piss you off, or compell you to burry us in your overwhelming desire to dispense "truth" as you see it... Yeah you speak your mind, goody, you're prize is sittin in the bottom of my undies.

[PMFG!ItsaGP]

Ugh... that would be you boner... Isn't it time for you to have PMFG's love child already or are you just raggin in general, cause it seems like lately you've been *****in even more than normal. Take a couple of Midol and step away from the board for a while... you'll feel better when the bloat goes down.

yak yak yak... keeeerist dude is there anything that doesn't piss you off, or compell you to burry us in your overwhelming desire to dispense "truth" as you see it... Yeah you speak your mind, goody, you're prize is sittin in the bottom of my undies.

I fail to see the reason for you're involvement. Are you sticking up for Glennda, or just crying out for attention. And used tampons from your sandy gash belong in the garbage, not given out as prizes.

[YJunk]

Actually that was pretty funny... Sandy Gash

What exactly is the reason for your involvment here? What are you adding to the conversation that Renob didn't already cover. You're calling me out for sticking my nose where it don't belong; that's rich... YOU'VE got your isht up in everyone's business. You've got BS opinions on every damm thing... At least Renob actually wheels. WTF do you do?

Yeah I'm stickin up for my boy, didn't realize I needed you're permission, Mom.

You called Glenn a mental ape last week... thats funny isht coming from someone who's about as sharp as a clump of dirt... Everybody acts like they've never gotten stuck before. Give me a break... we've all done dumb isht when we first start wheeling... let it go. Oh wait... you don't wheel... I forgot. I guess that means your basically talkin about isht you know nothing about...

Funny how you never call Renob out for constantly sticking his nose in every thread... funny how that works.

[rockwerks]

Actually that was pretty funny... Sandy Gash

What exactly is the reason for your involvment here? What are you adding to the conversation that Renob didn't already cover. You're calling me out for sticking my nose where it don't belong; that's rich... YOU'VE got your isht up in everyone's business. You've got BS opinions on every damm thing... At least Renob actually wheels. WTF do you do?

Yeah I'm stickin up for my boy, didn't realize I needed you're permission, Mom.

You called Glenn a mental ape last week... thats funny isht coming from someone who's about as sharp as a clump of dirt... Everybody acts like they've never gotten stuck before. Give me a break... we've all done dumb isht when we first start wheeling... let it go. Oh wait... you don't wheel... I forgot. I guess that means your basically talkin about isht you know nothing about...

Funny how you never call Renob out for constantly sticking his nose in every thread... funny how that works.



Hell this is a better cat fight than the soaps!

popcorn anyone?

http://www.blueblood.net/boards/images/smilies2/popcorn.gif

[06GrnRubi]

"Hello Rosie, this is Donald."

[YJunk]

Hell this is a better cat fight than the soaps!

popcorn anyone?

http://www.blueblood.net/boards/images/smilies2/popcorn.gif

Haha... Thanks for the offer but it makes me retain water...

[SavageSun4x4]

Ultimately yes the Subaru could make it, but are you yourself (or your better half if you have one) ready for this kind of terrain / trail and the more than likely undercarriage damage and body damage that may occur

As a fellow Subaru DD (daily driver) owner I would recommend probably not on Martinez unless your ready to accept the consequences.
Billy
As Billy sez, expect damage if you take that Subie. I was with "yotamonkey" when we went in and the Kia made it, but it wasn't pretty. Damage on the damage.

Unless your Subie is into abuse I would suggest you pass and pick one of the other trails some of the folks have suggested.

Its not that you cannot make it, but do you want to pay the price of admission?

[Wayco]

Sorry, not willing to make my Suby a sacraficial lamb for everyones entertainment. I will definately not being going... I will instead do Four peaks or one of the others suggested here.

Thanks again for everyones input.

I kinda missed this thread for a while, but after it got everyones attention I read the whole thing. fxtacy used our forum correctly, to gain or share pertenient information. Too bad some of the regulars can't do that...
Nice video dstryr99, where did you get it hosted? If we edited out all the horsepucky, that would be what I would use to make the correct decision, which fxtacy did.
Come on gang, lets not let this turn into a Pirate4x4 site.

[SavageSun4x4]

I kinda missed this thread for a while, but after it got everyones attention I read the whole thing. fxtacy used our forum correctly, to gain or share pertenient information. Too bad some of the regulars can't do that...

Come on gang, lets not let this turn into a Pirate4x4 site.

X2

[schneiderdn]

fxtacy,

Based on your current rig setup, I would suggest sticking to an easier trail. The "Butterfield Stage Route" (25 miles west of Maricopa on Hwy 238) is a very scenic trail that has a few areas that should be fun/semi-challenging for your Subaru (i.e. a few steep inclines, smaller rocks, sandy areas). The entire trail loop is more than 12 miles off pavement and generally takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete (the wife/girlfriend, if you are planning on taking along, will also enjoy and not be tempted to strangle you). NOTE: Due to the fact that it is in the Valley, the best time to run it is from October to April to avoid extreem temps.

Also, if you haven't already purchased one, you may want to pick up a copy of "Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails" by Charles A. Wells. This guide book details about 70 trails throught AZ, classified by difficulty (i.e. circles, squares, and diamonds). I would imagine your Subaru should be able to handle most of the 30 or so circle trails w/o much trouble. Hope this helps.

[schneiderdn]

fxtacy,

Based on your current rig setup, I would suggest sticking to an easier trail. The "Butterfield Stage Route" (25 miles west of Maricopa on Hwy 238) is a very scenic trail that has a few areas that should be fun/semi-challenging for your Subaru (i.e. a few steep inclines, smaller rocks, sandy areas). The entire trail loop is more than 12 miles off pavement and generally takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete (the wife/girlfriend, if you are planning on taking along, will also enjoy and not be tempted to strangle you). NOTE: Due to the fact that it is in the Valley, the best time to run it is from October to April to avoid extreem temps.

Also, if you haven't already purchased one, you may want to pick up a copy of "Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails" by Charles A. Wells. This guide book details about 70 trails throught AZ, classified by difficulty (i.e. circles, squares, and diamonds). I would imagine your Subaru should be able to handle most of the 30 or so circle trails w/o much trouble. Hope this helps.

[Billy 4 hp]

My intent isn't to go 'wheelin, as much as it is to get it out on some dirt road and drive it like a Subaru is intended. Do some rally style driving like you suggested we do through Canada. :D

That's why I posted here to find out if I would be in over my head before hand. Like I said, Joe West, admin here and I believe host this site, told me it was so easy a passenger car could do it. But then again, he sold his TJ back in 2003, so he doesn't really have recent trail experience, so he suggested I ask here.

Tell you what, why don't you take that DD Subaru of yours with me on one of the drives you suggested and I will take you up on your offer to do Martinez in you CJ. I have had the pleasure of riding shot gun on lower and upper wood pecker in a competant CJ5, and if Joe wouldn't have sold his TJ, I would have happily gone w/ him on some runs too.

If I go, believe me, I am going to invite my buddy and his GPS and his forester service maps and topo maps he uses for his mountaineering/canyoneering trips.


Sorry, not willing to make my Suby a sacraficial lamb for everyones entertainment. I will definately not being going... I will instead do Four peaks or one of the others suggested here.

Thanks again for everyones input.


Sorry I kinda lost this thread, let me know when you wanna wheel. Second seat is usually open but you gotta watch the PB&J sandwiches that get tossed up from the back seat!!! :D

[Washington_XJ]

In reply to #1
Im new to this area so I dont know whats hard and whats easy by AZ standards but we were through box canyon the other day and there were a couple challenges. I've got a 3.5" lift with 31's plus I'm anal about any damage so I understand your point of view and would have to say no to wheeling this area in your forester.

There is however another enterance to the Florance Junction area called Cottonwood Canyon rd, its about 15 miles north of Price on the 79. The trail is pretty easy going and goes for miles of scenic desert. Some old abandon buildings along the way. Good camera fodder. If you'd like to come with us sometime I'd be more than happy to show you the best route. I'm pretty interested in seeing how well it does so let me know if you go.