Tonopah to Wickenburg ??

[ecp3031]

Is it possible to run the dry river bed from the area of Rip Griffins truck stop to Wickenburg? Some friends of mine are discussing this as a possible trip in the near future and I have not read any reports of this area or trip. We understand there would be a number of gates to go through. Any ideas if this crosses any private land? We know this would not be a rock crawling trip, but we are looking for something different. All of our Jeeps are lifted, locked and equipped for off road travel ( winches and recovery gear, etc.) but street legal. Any help or info would be much appreciated.

[Antman]

the turn off at I-10 for Rips goes north to Wickenburg via Vulture mine. This road sorta parallels the river part of the way, except it gets further away as you go north. I'm pretty sure you can run the river as far north as where the Cap Canal crosses it, but after that I'm not sure, as it's been many years since I was up there. After you get up to Morristown there used to be water flowing for a short distance in it. In the last 30 years I have probable run most of it on a dirt bike, but not sure about private property anymore. I'll have to look at some maps.

Too bad I live up here :(

[Desertjeep]

Is there a dry river bed that runs north near Tonopah?

I know of the Hasyampa (sp) river that runs from the Gila River to Wickenburg. That is doable. Unless there is water of course. :p The Hasyampa is in Goodyear where it crosses under I10. I know a couple of friends that have done it.

[Turtle]

Joey,

I don't believe the hassayampa is in goodyear. I am almost positive it is farther west. I have been to the hassayampa river many times in HS for parties and drag races. I believe it is approx. 339th ave. I have heard of a few people running this river bottom to Wickenburg. From what i have heard it does not go all the way though. THere are a few spots where you have to get out of the river bottom and go through some of the mountains and trails then drop back into the river bottom.

My .02

Justin Olson

[Desertjeep]

It is way out there and I would not be surprised if the Hassayampa (thanks for the spelling) is the boundery for Buckeye. I don't think Goodyear is that far (my mistake). But the point is that Tonopah is still quite a ways further from the Hassayampa and I am unaware of any river bottom running to Wickenburg from there.

[Antman]

If you read my first post again, you'll see that the Rip Griffith truck stop turn off is just past the spot where the Hassayampa crosses I-10 That exit sorta follows the river north.

You should be able to go up the river bed as far as Morristown, but you'll need a map. I looked at my gps software map and the farther north you get the more channels come into it and it becomes confusing. (Get a good map), and good luck.


:D

[DsrtJeeper]

The Hassayampa Wash has been fenced off for some time just south of Wickenburg. A wildlife preserve now occupies this fenced in area of the wash. There are some great trails in Wickenburg though such as Vulture Mine, Constellation Mine area and Box Canyon. If in doubt about trail usage; contact BLM, state or federal govt. first. ;)

[Antman]

Also if you look at a map Sunshine blvd goes north before the River at I-10 and way up north you can get over to the river in a few places from it.

Bill