Swastika Mine rd (FR 89D)

[Kiwi]

Anybody run this? Near CK, takes off from after the 2nd set of switch backs. One trail north of DeSoto. Goes through Peck mine, ends up on Senator Hwy.

Just wondering what's it's like, if it's doable.

[DREDnot]

I've been up as far as the swastika mine a few years back. the front road was gated and the back road was washed out enough that our quads barely made it. We talked to the caretaker at the Swastika, Virgil. Nice guy, but he said we couldn't go past up to the Peck and Alexandria.

Not sure what its like now,though

[DREDnot]

Just doing a little research on this and came across these guys.
Ive gone back in some mines before but these guys are nuts.

http://minexplorationaz.tripod.com/id6.html

[joedokes28]

That's a cool site with lots of great pics.

I must say that I think climbing up some of those ladders is a good way to end up dead.

[CjCarl]

I went way up past the swastika mine once toward the peck mine, but eventually got bored and turned around. The road was pretty easy, at least as far as i went. I drove about an hour and a half or so past the mine, and didnt feel like i was anywhere near the senator highway. If you went all the way i think this would be a long drive. The swastika mine is really cool to explore though, me and my friends used to go in there. There are multiple levels and lots of stuff to explore. If you explore this area beware of private property! The guy by the swastika mine is pretty friendly, but the guy living near the peck mine WAS NOT FRIENDLY. Do not enter his property, which has obvious signage. Have fun, this is a very interesting area.

[offroadaz]

ladders? Like these?
http://www.higherground4x4.com/mines/columbia_mine_ladder.jpg

http://www.higherground4x4.com/mines/silver_bell_mine.jpg

found a friend last time we went into a mine

http://www.higherground4x4.com/mines/east_fork_bat.jpg

[joedokes28]

It's surprising that no one seems to be worried about creatures in these shafts. Every time I've been in a mine, I've seen scorpions, rattlesnakes, spiders, etc. Getting bit by something in there would be my worst fear.

Next time you go out exploring, shoot me a PM :)

[offroadaz]

It's surprising that no one seems to be worried about creatures in these shafts. Every time I've been in a mine, I've seen scorpions, rattlesnakes, spiders, etc. Getting bit by something in there would be my worst fear.

Next time you go out exploring, shoot me a PM :)

ha yah weve ran into a few rattlesnakes, most of the time they leave us alone. Weve also ran into a pack of javelina, they managed to chase us out of the mine :)

Biggest thing I was ever afraid of was coming across a skunk when we were about 100 yards in. Luckily we didnt scare him into spraying

Next time we head out for a mine trip Ill let you know

[joedokes28]

I'd like to go as I'm fascinated by these things.

That pic of the bat is awesome.

[wburkett]

Anybody run this? Near CK, takes off from after the 2nd set of switch backs. One trail north of DeSoto. Goes through Peck mine, ends up on Senator Hwy.

Just wondering what's it's like, if it's doable.

A friend and I ran some of this at the end of May, but from Senator Highway southerly toward Crown King Road. Much of the trail follows a creek bed that is full of boulders. We didn't encounter anything we couldn't drive, but it was pretty tedious going. We were checking it out for a possible poker run, decided it wouldn't work for that, and turned back about five miles north of the Crown King end of the trail.

[romanella]

I just ran this route Friday night. Road is in rough condition, but my stock YJ and a friends stock 4Runner made it up fine. Expect to leave it in 4 Low most of the way there.

[KURT]

Best route is go over the top, and follow the trail to the north, and DeSoto Mine. The whole trip is a 3 or so, and takes about four hours. DeSoto Rd will take you back towords Cleator.

[CjCarl]

Best route is go over the top, and follow the trail to the north, and DeSoto Mine. The whole trip is a 3 or so, and takes about four hours. DeSoto Rd will take you back towords Cleator.

I like this idea, but how exactly is this done? When i went up there you could drive to the top of the hill above swastika. There, i came upon a fork going right (clearly marked private property) or left which seemed to go on indefinetly toward the senator highway. Do i follow the the left fork then turn somewhere else toward the north/northeast direction?