Smiley Rock, Sunday, May 20

[Kiwi]

I want to run Smiley Rock this coming up Sunday. Never done it before. So, if anybody wants to lead....?

Also planning on firing up the barbie for lunch, so you could bring dogs, burgers, whatever (unless there are fire restrictions? I'll have to check)

Meet Time: 9am - leaving 9.20
Meet Place: McDonalds Carefree/I-17

Should be nice - and alot cooler than being in the valley all day!:p

[SVanHerpen]

Just don't look for the rock - its gone now...

[Kiwi]

well, who the hell would have taken the rock?

I guess the trail should be re-named to 'Stolen Rock'

[BillR]

Just don't look for the rock - its gone now...

Seriously? That's pretty lame...:(

[Sedona Jeep School]

Stephen--I forgot to tell you--I did see it last time I was up there. It's just before you get to the rough section, so everyone's attention is elsewhere. I did get GPS coords for it!

[Kiwi]

hey, what is the best way to run this? I was wanting to go from Mingus to Jerome, so I'd end up in Jerome, but it seems everybody runs from Jerome to Mingus

[SEDONA RICK]

You Have To Come Down 89a Thru Jerome.IT Is A Big Loop.
IF YOU START AT TOP OF MINGUS IT IS A DOWN HILL RUN

[Steve]

Very nice scenic route also. The worst thing about the trip may be the insects. Bring some repellent. Enjoy:D

[Tirith]

I got tired of driving the whole loop from/to Jerome, so I come in from Chino Valley via Perkinsville Road. It short-cuts the loop and gets you to the fun part more quickly.

[rokndaz]

the best way to run smiley rock is from jerome out perkinsville and loop around to the top of mingus then turn rt to prescott or left to jerome the rock is still there have fun

[HiJinx]

What kind of run is this? How hard is it?

[Tirith]

What kind of run is this? How hard is it?

You can make it in a stock vehicle if you are careful. If I can spot an XJ on 30s through it, a stock TJ should be fine. :D

There is one pretty rocky stretch that will require careful lines. Just pay attention, go slow, and take your time.

And, wow... I've done this trail about 5 times, and have not a single picture of the tough section to share. Sorry...

[Sedona Jeep School]

The toughest part is two sections 0.2 miles long, with 0.1 miles in between them. The whole 0.5 miles will take you an hour, maybe more depending on the group. I would recommend some good 31's, but if you are not extremely precise, any rig will bang and scrape. I will look for my most recent pics and post them later.

[Kiwi]

I saw some of your pics, looks pretty nice. Doesn't look all that much more difficult than the rock garden on Sunflower, but then, sometimes pics don't do a trail justice!

[Sedona Jeep School]

These were taken last summer:

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10973&stc=1&d=1179422543

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10974&stc=1&d=1179422543

[jkdup]

I'm thinking about it...how many are going for sure? I can bring some stuff to grill and I might bring my dog...I am going to guess the trail is wide enough for Kiwi's FJ and my JK???

[Kiwi]

Well, besides myself, it appears 2 others are going. I was also planning on bringing some hotdogs to cook. I have a small, portable campfire grill.

I've not been on this trail, but I haven't read anything that it is unfit for plus size vehicles

Should be a pretty fun, and much cooler, day up in the mountains vs being stuck in the valley of the oven :)

[SEDONA RICK]

I might join you on this run. I'm running Smasher early with 66gto.
If i don't break anything important I could lead if you still need.
I'm thinking you will be in Jerome About 11:00. Go stright past the Fire house.Parking & air down on the left.I'll meet you there.
Camping & fire pits @ Patato Patch at top of Mingus. When you run this out Orchard Draw rd.(aka Perkinsville rd.) great views of San Francisco Peaks, Sycamore Canyon and Bill Willians Mt.. Then left on Narrow Gauge with views across Chino to Juniper Mesa, Prescott Valley & Prescott. This loop circles the Woodchute Wildneress.
Led a new stock FJ thru this in march. If the group is small the whole loop 2.5 hrs.

[Kiwi]

OK, we'll meet you there at 11.

I saw on the topo maps a trail that runs around Mingus Mtn on the east side of the hwy (FR413, I think) Know anything about this? I was thinking if the run is realitivy short, I might want to do something else

[jkdup]

OK I think I'm in - will need some help airing down and back up if that is OK...I am not familiar with the McD's which side of the 17 is it on? Let me know what I should bring for food...looking forward to beating the early heat. :D

[SEDONA RICK]

Fr 413 Is Closed On The Loop Back To Jerome. It Turns Into Fr 493 Down To Cottonwood. There A Few Fr Trails On The East Side Of Mingus & Woodchute all can be driven 2wd. Narrow Gauge (fr 318a) & Martin Cyn Are Part Of The Great Western Trail. So Of 89a The GWT Runs The Ridge (fr 132) Past Goat Mt To Cherry verry Seinic. The Cherry Rd (fr 372) Takes You Back Sr 169 & I-17.

[jbjarko]

I may be down for this run too...works better with my sched than the night run..I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for posting!

Josh

[Kiwi]

On the east side of I-17 on carefree hwy is the gas station/McDonalds. Can't miss it

I have an air pump you can use, but I'm sure others will have pumps as well.

I'll have plenty of dogs and buns, so just make sure you have whatever trail snacks and of course, water and whatever other beverage.

[jkdup]

Great I will bring snacks for all!

Josh you should totally come I might need a spotter ;) and you have to check out my new bumpers!

[Kiwi]

see ya tommorow at 9!

[SEDONA RICK]

Karl & Judy Beautiful Family.
Rob & Sharon Good To See You Again.
Sara Beth You Rock Girl.
You Just Have To Make Chewy To Let You Drive Some.

A Couple Of Ritas, Shower Then Dinner.
Maybe All Appitizers. Smoked Anti-pasta. Calamari & Steamers.
The Best Garlic Cheese Bread.

See Y'all Soon
Rick

[jkdup]

Well thank you Rick! :D

I had a fabulous time today! It was awesome to meet everyone and thanks to all for helping me out with the air up and down stuff! That was a gorgeous run I can still smell the pines! Only took a couple pics should have them up in a couple days. Hope to run with you all again. :)

[Kiwi]

What a great run! Thanks for everyone that showed up. Some pics

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/01.jpg

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/04.jpg

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/05.jpg

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/07.jpg

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/09.jpg

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/10.jpg

[dakartj]

Just don't look for the rock - its gone now...



It was there two weeks ago. :)

[jkdup]

OK let's see if I can make these pictures happen:

That is Chewy who was so afraid of the crawling I had 80 extra pounds on my lap.

[desertdawg]

That looks like a fun trail, I need to check that out sometime.

Question, What is that on the roof of this rig?

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/05.jpg

[desertdawg]

Just don't look for the rock - its gone now...

Steve I think your going blind it's there on the upper right.:D

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/04.jpg

[jkdup]

That looks like a fun trail, I need to check that out sometime.

Question, What is that on the roof of this rig?

http://www.shadowlakes.com/smiley/05.jpg

It was the coolest thing it is a tent! It totally makes up and sits up there off the ground. Of course he hit it on some trees because it makes his rig wider than mine but it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen!

[UNSTUCK]

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10973&stc=1&d=1179422543

So I show my wife this pic then the conversation goes like this:

me: " Can you guess the name of this trail?"
her: " umm, oh, poop log trail?"
me: "what?"
her: " yeah, looks like a poo log."
me: " look closer"
her: "ohhhh, happy face trail?"
me: "that'll do Donkey, that'll do"

What can I say, "it happens" you know.