Back Way to Crown King

[D-Dub]

Some of us are looking to run the back way to Crown King this Saturday morning. Although we have heard rumors that the trail may be unpassable to jeeps since all the rain we got this past Spring/Winter. Can anyone who has actually been there since the rains either confirm or deny this rumor. Because if it is true we need to figure out some new plans. Thanks.

[Stomper]

I have not done that run in a while but according to other club members it is do-able now. The rains washed a lot away, but traffic has made new bypasses and kind of smooted out the roughness. Have a good time!!

Take care,

S

[D-Dub]

That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks. Anyone else been up there recently?

[D-Dub]

Anyone else interested in going along?

[Crawldit]

Definitely doable. I know a guy who ran it two weeks ago. He said it was harder than last time but passable. I'd love to join you but I've broken a TRE and 2 trackbar bolts this week, on the road no less!!! I can only imagine what I'd brake on the trail :eek:

[AZrubicon]

Anyone else been up there recently?Went up 3 weeks ago on May 27. Definately passable, but rougher than it used to be.

About three locations were not passable in January. Now the trail has moved several feet over to get around the washed out areas. In the case of the washout @ Oro Belle Mine, a diversion up and onto an older road then back to the main trail.

I believe the least built jeeps were 2 stock Rubicons that went with us. Other jeeps had anywhere from 2 1/2" - 5 1/2" of lift.

[jeephreak]

sounds good to me, it might get me fired up enough to get my discos installed. they have been sitting in the box for a while.

[RokNRich]

You should post it on the old board. I think alot more people look here:

http://www.azvjc.org/OldSite/Default.asp

Should be easy enough to find someone who has been up there lately by posting on the old board. Personally I haven't since November. I'd be interested except I can't afford the gas over there !

That trail can be full of surprises any time, make sure you are prepared for a full day ! Some traction (i.e. lockers) is a must.

Just my .02.

[LOST TJ]

Been there 3 times in the past month and a half. It is rougher like they are saying but definitely passable. Alot of fun too.

[nodnar]

Some traction (i.e. lockers) is a must.

not true, I did the trail two weeks ago and we had a couple of open, open stock cherokees with us and they were just fine.

[bgwhtjp33]

Been up there 3 times in the last 2 months it is not that hard. My xj with 2 in. bb and open diffs. made it easy.

[Triple-XJ]

I just ran it with a few others back on 5-30-05,

Its do-able...

The water did change the road a bit, but its all good ;)

Its Just a LONG BUMPY ROAD :eek:

[RokNRich]

Some traction (i.e. lockers) is a must.



not true, I did the trail two weeks ago and we had a couple of open, open stock cherokees with us and they were just fine.

Knew I'd get called on that, OK, not a must. My friends bothers sister did it in her station wagon, lol. To do most of the fun stuff open/open won't cut it. Lockers were the example, LSD and or big tires are others. It's still an all day trail with potential for things to go wrong on, carry water and food and be prepared is my advice.

The main point of my post was just a suggestion to post it on the other board. I know many people who just join in runs without posting here. Also, from the olds site:

3.0 Standard 4WD trail: Demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, and large rocks) on these trails. Possible with stock 4WD vehicle, however, recommend traction device (limited slip) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range gears used often. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage.

[Stomper]

That trail can be full of surprises any time, make sure you are prepared for a full day !

Amen brother!! I have done the trail a number of times and you can never tell how long you will be out on it. Or if you finish early how long you will be in the saloon. :)

Take care,

S

[Wind_Danzer]

RokNRich,

What exactly are you calling the "fun stuff"? IT's a trail without any true side areas except for 2 and I know they can be done open.

[RokNRich]

This is fun stuff:

http://www.photodump.com/direct/rich1520/DSC00060.jpg
Bypass right.


http://www.photodump.com/direct/rich1520/DSC00063.jpg
Bypass left.

[Wind_Danzer]

Ok,

Did the first one open, with a ton of mud trapped in my 31" BFG AT's.

Didn't do the second one but was told afterwards I could have done it but I was up top already getting pics of those coming up.

[Allen]

That looks fun! I'll have to see if I'm working my NEW JOB that day or if I got it off!

[D-Dub]

I may be changing my plans to Sunday due to a darn broken bolt inside of my rear lower control arm. So you guys who feel like going, I will keep you posted.

[jeephreak]

do we have an official count on takers for the trip tomorrow?

anyone ...
anyone ...
anyone ...

[D-Dub]

We are going to meet at the On the Run Gas Station on the corner of Bell Road and 99th AVE at 8:00 AM. Call me if you have any questions. 623-687-0890.

Dave

[D-Dub]

A couple of us went up there and had a blast. It was a great time. We are planning another trip to a new location soon.

[RokNRich]

A couple of us went up there and had a blast. It was a great time. We are planning another trip to a new location soon.


Is tomorrow too soon ?

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?p=32621#post32621

http://www.azvjc.org/OldSite/Default.asp

PS - Pics from today ?

[Stomper]

Gad to hear you had a good time!! Keep me in mind for your next trip. If I have the day off I will definitely go. Had to work today 12:30-11:30.

Take care,

S

[D-Dub]

Here are a couple pics. I didn't take to many. The guy in the red CJ lost control going down hill when his brake line broke. He flipped it over pretty good. Luckily no one was hurt, just shaken up a bit. Jeephreak has a better picture of it laying on its side.

[paparonbo]

I'm glad that nobody got hurt in the rollover. That can be enough to make anyone soil their shorts if its not done at a very slow speed. DevilMan seems to have the slow motion flop down to a science :D . So was the trail as hard as you thought it would be?

Ron
00 XJ
87 XJ

[D-Dub]

No, it wasn't that difficult, but it was a lot of fun. There are a couple tricky places, but we didn't have any trouble. There are few places where the main trail has been completely washed away, but bypasses have been made.

[jeephreak]

I agree with dw9549, it wasnt THAT difficult, and was super fun! It was tough predicting how the trail would be from the mixed bag of reviews we got here not to mention I thought I broke my rear axle.

Nevertheless it was worth the trip. Heres a link to the pics I took...
Crown King (http://community.webshots.com/user/jeephreak)

[cypherjoe]

Just attemted this trip on sunday the 19th. I'm in a stock jeep with 30x9.5s and had to turn back at the ledge, the road has gotten pretty bad but it was loads of fun, till I blew out my tire :( then it was creep back down praying against a blow out(stupid goodyears). I was by myself tho and just couldnt get up over that last ledge. I would have made it with a winch. Warning, in some places the bypasses are worse than the fun stuff. I was in lo range about 70% of the time.
Hope this helps anyone planing a trip.
Bring a buddy and a winch! :D
Later,

[big jim]

Did anybody notice if you can still buy gas at the store?

Thanks, Jim

[D-Dub]

Yes, you can buy gas at the store still. They have one pump. Better yet you can buy beer at the saloon. That ledge that you are talking about where the road is washed out, isn't actually even the end. There is a ways to go after that, but it is not that difficult. I always recommend not going alone, especially after we saw what happened to the guy in the CJ. He was alone, but luckily we came about to help him flip it back right side.

[cypherjoe]

Yea I really shouldn't have been out there by myself, coulda gone bad. But you know sometimes you get that itch and you just gotta go scratch it on a rock. :D