Willow Springs [Archive] - Virtual Jeep Club

Offroader5

07-11-2005, 07:15 PM

I've run that a couple times. You need to get the free permit for that area to get 6 months of gate padlock combo's. It's a pretty easy trail til you get further back. We've been back pretty far and almost to Saguaro Lake, but haven't yet. It gets pretty interesting, I'd say it starts out as a 3 to 3.5 and becomes more like a 4 once you've gotten back in there a ways (on a 5 scale). Real nice canyon in some areas.

Here's some links to 2 albums of pics I took on that trail.

Album 1 (http://photobucket.com/albums/v126/offroader5/Willow%20Springs-July%2004/)
Album 2 (http://photobucket.com/albums/v126/offroader5/Willow%20Springs-Feb%2003/)

If you go East out of Apache Junction on hwy.88 towards Canyon Lake, it is about a mile or two past the Goldfield Ghostown tourist place out there. The pull off for it is on the left side of the road. You can't miss it, it has a hefty built steel tube fence with the swing gate towards the back of the pull off clearing (bout 50-60 feet from the road.)

kkhop

07-11-2005, 08:09 PM

Here are our pictures of Willow Springs it is a really nice trail very scenic when you get back into the canyon one of my favorits.
http://community.webshots.com/album/97784018ndpZcL
http://community.webshots.com/album/192129107wrKzpg

Kelly

Devil Man

07-12-2005, 05:01 AM

JamesT

07-12-2005, 05:42 AM

I might be able to get my wife on that one, looks great. For some reason she likes the less 'bouldery' more sceneic runs :D .

Devil Man

07-12-2005, 11:51 AM

I might be able to get my wife on that one, looks great. For some reason she likes the less 'bouldery' more sceneic runs :D .
MY WIFE HATES RIDING WITH ME ANYWHERE.

RufftyTuffty

07-12-2005, 12:23 PM

......likes the less 'bouldery' more sceneic runs :D .

The last ~30mins is nothin' but boulders :D

When are you guys thinking of running it?

~Mike

jeep4offrd

07-12-2005, 02:56 PM

I'd be up for a "early" saturday morning run. When I say early. I'm talking a start time of 5:00am at the latest. Any takers? Is there a spot to park a truck and trailer at the trail head?

RufftyTuffty

07-12-2005, 03:06 PM

PM'ed ya......

~Mike

rvisokey

07-12-2005, 03:18 PM

On my way to/from Canyon lake on Sunday I noticed that there had been a sizeable fire along 88 and up into some of the canyons on the west side of the road. Black area started about 2 miles north of GoldField camp. You might want to check and see if they closed any of the trails because they did have a lot of 'closed' signs on some of the hiking trails.

Not sure if it was a control burn but it looks like if the trail is open... it won't be as pretty as it used to be.

k7mto

07-12-2005, 03:23 PM

Since this trail requires the Forest Permit, I'll be heading up to the Mesa Ranger District Office tomorrow morning, so I'll ask them what the status is.

jeep4offrd

07-12-2005, 03:59 PM

Since this trail requires the Forest Permit, I'll be heading up to the Mesa Ranger District Office tomorrow morning, so I'll ask them what the status is.
Matt. Give me a call. I'll go with you.
Bruce

Tom Jacobson

07-12-2005, 04:52 PM

Bruce...I thought we were thinking SUNDAY AM!?!?! :confused: :confused: I don't think I'll be back in town until Saturday mid-day. :(

Tom

jeep4offrd

07-12-2005, 04:59 PM

Bruce...I thought we were thinking SUNDAY AM!?!?! :confused: :confused: I don't think I'll be back in town until Saturday mid-day. :(

Tom
If you can make it, we will wait and go sunday. Were just waiting for you to let us know definite if you can go sunday. If not. Then we'll probably try to go saturday. So are ya going :) :) :)
So far we have Mike "Rufty Tufty", Matt "K7MTO", you and Me. We want to keep the group no bigger than 6 rigs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

k7mto

07-12-2005, 06:06 PM

So far we have Mike "Rufty Tufty", Matt "K7MTO", you and Me. We want to keep the group no bigger than 6 rigs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

So that's 2 ex-Oregonians and 1 ex-Washingtonian and Tom. Think you can handle wheelin with a bunch of PNW escapees, Tom? :D

richard

07-12-2005, 06:16 PM

It is open we did it sat. night

k7mto

07-12-2005, 06:19 PM

Cool, thanks. How about some directions to the trail head and is there room for a tow rig/trailer outside or even inside the gate? TIA

kkhop

07-12-2005, 07:06 PM

MY WIFE HATES RIDING WITH ME ANYWHERE.
Maybee she would like riding with you if you would keep it on the tires.
Kelly

richard

07-12-2005, 07:39 PM

yes their is room for trucks and trailers

Devil Man

07-12-2005, 08:54 PM

if i see my rig by then i would love to go :D

Allen

07-12-2005, 09:13 PM

So that's 2 ex-Oregonians and 1 ex-Washingtonian and Tom. Think you can handle wheelin with a bunch of PNW escapees, Tom? :D

Got room for an ex-californian? and will I make it on my lil 31's, 3"bb and insane driver?

btw....those pics are great!

Devil Man

07-12-2005, 09:28 PM

Maybee she would like riding with you if you would keep it on the tires.
Kelly
i dont really want her to ride with me i like the peace and quiet not the yelling :eek:

azjeepcjman

07-13-2005, 04:00 AM

if i see my rig by then i would love to go :D

Hey Devilman, try here:

http://www.desertfab.com/reader_devil_man.htm

:D :D :D

Devil Man

07-13-2005, 05:05 AM

Hey Devilman, try here:

http://www.desertfab.com/reader_devil_man.htm

:D :D :D
now that there is funny :D

jeep4offrd

07-13-2005, 06:29 AM

if i see my rig by then i would love to go :D
Are you scheduled to get it back by this weekend?

Tom Jacobson

07-13-2005, 07:48 AM

If you can make it, we will wait and go sunday. Were just waiting for you to let us know definite if you can go sunday. If not. Then we'll probably try to go saturday. So are ya going :) :) :)
So far we have Mike "Rufty Tufty", Matt "K7MTO", you and Me. We want to keep the group no bigger than 6 rigs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

I'M THERE!

But I'm pretty sure I have one or two friends from off-list who want to go as well. One guy has a Tacoma - about 5" lift, some rocker protection, 33's and the factory rear locker. He WILL NOT try to go all the way back. He'll take some challenges, but the truck is very nice, so he won't take the routes that are likely to cause problems or body damage. So he shouldn't slow the group down. The other tentaive is my friend Jeff "Krause-out" Krause...so that's a pretty definite no-show!!!!

Sunday AM...where/when we meeting??? 5AM at trailhead? Earlier? 4AM Breakfast at Mike's house? :D :eek: :D

TJ

Tom Jacobson

07-13-2005, 07:52 AM

So that's 2 ex-Oregonians and 1 ex-Washingtonian and Tom. Think you can handle wheelin with a bunch of PNW escapees, Tom? :D

Mike's from Washington??? That's one bloody hell of a Washington accent he's got!!!!!!!!!! :D

Cheerio!

Tom

RufftyTuffty

07-13-2005, 08:02 AM

Sounds like we have a plan coming together..

We need a list :

Tom
Tom +1
Tom +2
Bruce
Matt
Mike

FYI...You're gonna need lockers F&R and 35's+ to go all the way.

Either 4AM or 5AM....i guess my vote is 5AM....as Sunrise is at 5.30AM.

O yeah...can we confirm that we all have a VALID permit.

~Mike

k7mto

07-13-2005, 08:19 AM

No, Bruce is from Washington. Mike and I from Oregon :)

Bruce and I are going to pick our permits up this morning. I'm locked f/r w/35's, but I'll make the decision to run the last/boulder/4+ section once I've seen it and/or watched Mike do it first :D

k7mto

07-13-2005, 10:16 AM

Bruce and I just returned from getting our permits, however, the lady ranger told us they plan on closing the area tomorrow due to recent fires and potential for additional fires because it's so dry. She recommended I call Friday to find out for sure if it's been closed. If anyone else is interested in calling about this or any other Tonto areas, the number is 480-610-3300.

So, should we make a contingency plan for another area/trail in the event this one if off limits this weekend?

Devil Man

07-13-2005, 03:04 PM

Are you scheduled to get it back by this weekend?
I CANT GO YOU GUYS HAVE FUN

Tom Jacobson

07-13-2005, 03:53 PM

Apparently it's really gonna be Tom+2 this time. But we'll see. There's still plenty of time for Jeff to Krause-Out.

Back-up plan...I dunno. This WS run was gonna be perfect. Close, quick, NEW, and fun. I'd still like to get home before it's sofa king hot! not sure what that leaves as a contingency????

RufftyTuffty

07-13-2005, 04:11 PM

..not sure what that leaves as a contingency????

Miners is a quickish run...if done in daylight....we'll just have to draw straws for who's last down the waterfall ;)

~Mike

Tom Jacobson

07-13-2005, 04:28 PM

I do want to get up to Miners/Graveyard, but would really prefer to trailer. The guy I usually borrow from is heading to Ouray this weekend (towing his Jeep), so that's not an option...

desertfabmotors

07-13-2005, 08:52 PM

RufftyTuffty

07-14-2005, 08:06 AM

Cool...so it looks like we have a full house.

Tom
Tom +1
Jeff
Bruce
Matt
Todd
Me

If it's closed...which i've never heard of..then i guess FJ is the only other option???

Or there is Hackberry Creek...never ran it but i think is a 3.5...could maybe explore some?

~Mike

Tom Jacobson

07-14-2005, 09:15 AM

Where's Hackberry?

I hope they don't close the WS area. I mean, it wasn't closed when the fire was ACTUALLY THERE a couple weeks ago...why now? :D

jeep4offrd

07-14-2005, 10:15 AM

They told us that when the fire was there. The fire danger wasn't high enough to warrant closing it. Now it is. Go figure. :rolleyes:
We'll call tomorrow and see if they closed it. Stay tuned.

k7mto

07-14-2005, 01:28 PM

Where's Hackberry?

Is Hackberry aka Powerline Trail? If so, it's just east of Superior - entry via Oak Flats campground at the top of the hill just after exiting the tunnel. That's an all day type trail and I don't plan on being out in the sun that long in my topless/AC-less CJ :eek:

k7mto

07-14-2005, 02:48 PM

GOOD NEWS...

I just called the Forestry Dept and was told the Willow Springs area won't be closed until next Wednesday. She confirmed it will be OPEN this weekend :D

RufftyTuffty

07-14-2005, 03:13 PM

:D so 5AM Sunday right?

~Mike

Tom Jacobson

07-14-2005, 04:25 PM

Further confirmation from an email I received from Krause a couple minutes ago:

Guys,

I picked up my Permit for Bulldog 10 minutes ago...... (yep I'm at home)

The Bulldog area as well as the BLM area will be closed effecvtive 7/20/05 (weds of next week) as a fire precaution..... I guess they already had a fire out at willow springs earlier in the week.....Jeff

Good news, so yeah...5AM Sunday sounds good. Where? Trailhead? Mike - you got a rough description of finding the trailhead? Sounds like about 2mi past the Mining Camp on Apache Trail.

Tom

RufftyTuffty

07-15-2005, 08:17 AM

Trailhead can be missed if it's dark....how about just off the road opposite the ghost town on 88?

~Mike

Tom Jacobson

07-15-2005, 08:42 AM

What's the Ghost Town? Is that the Mining Camp thing?

k7mto

07-15-2005, 08:43 AM

I've not been up to this area, so I'm not sure where the ghost town is either. Presumeably, most/all of us will be coming out 60 to AJ. How about meeting somewhere closer in at 4 or 4:30?

RufftyTuffty

07-15-2005, 08:52 AM

http://www.goldfieldghosttown.com/

The ghost town is on 88 and is at Goldfield,AZ.

http://www.goldfieldghosttown.com/map3.jpg

~Mike

k7mto

07-15-2005, 09:01 AM

Thanks, Mike.

Tom Jacobson

07-15-2005, 09:06 AM

Ghost town at 5AM then???

jeep4offrd

07-15-2005, 10:36 AM

See ya there.

k7mto

07-17-2005, 12:04 PM

jeep4offrd

07-17-2005, 12:29 PM

Hey thanks Mike for leading us through hells kitchen. It was freakin hot. But now that I'm home and cooled off. It was worth it. :D
Like Matt said. It was cool watching you and Todd kick butt out there today. It was also great running with Matt, Tom, Jeff, Bob, and Bob Sr. to. Great group. Thanks again Guys.
Here's a few pics I took. Unfortunately There arent pics of everyone including my junk. I took pics based on where I was in the group. Unfortunately. Mike was out front so I wasnt able to get any of his buggie. :( Hopefully somebody else did. I also didnt get any of bob's toyota. Same reason. :(
http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=397292418&ran=23487
Bruce

k7mto

07-17-2005, 01:07 PM

Bruce - that link is only for the album owner...I found the public link...

http://community.webshots.com/album/397292418XMPUJh

RufftyTuffty

07-17-2005, 03:30 PM

Yeah....good times :)

It was amazing how hot it got so fast....by 8.30 the sweat was on...and by 9.30 the tubes on the buggie were too hot to handle :eek:

Here is link to my pics...not very many and the low light was messin' with my camera.

http://mikesjeeping.com/4x4AZWIllow-Jul05

5 hrs in & out...and we still didn't make it to the bottom (another 40mins)....next time we'll really have to get on the skinny pedal and burn rubber :D

~Mike

jeep4offrd

07-17-2005, 04:06 PM

Bruce - that link is only for the album owner...I found the public link...

http://community.webshots.com/album/397292418XMPUJh

Thanks Matt.

jeep4offrd

07-17-2005, 04:06 PM

Devil Man

07-17-2005, 08:56 PM

I had a blast today, even if it was hotter than heck! Thanks, Mike, for leading the run. It was cool watching yours and Todd's buggies in action. Looking forward to some pics, especially of my nose stand ;)
looks like fun cj style :eek: http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1761&stc=1

Wind_Danzer

07-17-2005, 09:10 PM

Looks like a cool trail, glad y'all had some fun.

Tom Jacobson

07-18-2005, 08:10 AM

That trail was AWESOME! Close to town (for those of us on the East side), beauty that rivals Martinez Canyon, tough lines and some ROCKS!

The height of the canyon walls kept the sun off for quite a while, but when it finally got high enough, yeeowwwzaaa! It was toasty!!

With exception of just a couple cracks/notches, I followed Todd and Mike everywhere. Put a bit of hurtin' on the YJ in that rock garden near the end (where we turned around)...but it was a blast! Though custom, heavy duty t-case and gas tank skids can NOT be put off much longer.

There are bypasses, but some of them really take you out of the main part of the wash...and are really boring. To stay in the wash, you're gonna need some lift, 32-33" tires, one locker highly recommended, and some willingness to take a couple dings if they happen. The trail is an out-back, so remember that you have to go back through all them same tough spots on the way back.

Can't wait to do it again...when it cools off! Until the temp changes, I'm only running at night.

Another positive was the food at Los Gringos Loco in AJ. Had a huge machaca, bacon & egg burrito and a cold beer once we got back in town. Mmmmmm...yummy!!!

Tom

Tom Jacobson

07-18-2005, 08:19 AM

Just went to check the pics...

Great job, Mike and Bruce!

Sure are a lot of pics of someone's ugly black YJ, though!!

No complaints here! ;)

Thanks again for the run, Mike.

Tom

jeff krause

07-18-2005, 08:19 AM

I had a blast......

Night runs for me until the temps in the valley get below 90 degs... So that trail is known as "hells kitchen" ???? Fun run. great meeting everyone and YES......... I really do exist !

TJ...... doood you did have the "pucker" face on a couple of times !

Jeff

Tom Jacobson

07-18-2005, 08:36 AM

No way...That's the look of calm, cool, concentration!

RufftyTuffty

07-18-2005, 08:41 AM

Tom Jacobson

07-18-2005, 09:06 AM

IMHO i would say that 32-33's and one locker is a bit of an under estimate to stay in the wash.

35's and locked F&R i feel is a good base to run this trail WITHOUT stacking, which as we all know is the bane of our sport.

As well as our group was built we nearly had 3 rollovers :D

~Mike

I was thinking that the 32/33 + 1 locker would at least allow you to run SOME of the trail. Certainly not the rock garden nor several of the notches/cracks. Jeff's YJ was on 33's with just the front locker, and he did a pretty respectable job.

I had a rough time in the rock garden on 35's and two lockers. I took some body damage, as well as several undercarriage hits. And what you go down...you gotta go back up! :eek: I couldn't/wouldn't have done some of the stuff I did without the spotting from Mike and Todd, either.

But you're right on the stacking thing. I don't tink our group moved a single rock. Guys took bypasses, or parked their rigs, when the trail got too tough.

Please...don't go out here in a stocker, or a 2", open Jeep on 30-31's and try the trail. The amount of paving required wouldn't be worth it for you, and screws it up for the people who can run the trail as is.

jeff krause

07-18-2005, 10:41 AM

33's and one locker (front) got me in pretty good.... The jeeps built somewhat Ok other than the rear axle. Just gotta know your limits.. I did get stuck once and spotted out (thanks Matt and Bruce ) and took a cable from Tom on one occasion (I was 'resting' on my transfer case skid). BUT. I had fun, lost prolly 10 pounds, met some great people. and found out EXACTLY what my rig is capable of.

DAMAGE:

1 messed up licence plate
1 dented drivers side corner
worked my rocker guards (they worked)
and put a new dent in my skid plate

Jeff

jeep4offrd

07-18-2005, 12:42 PM

Devil Man

07-18-2005, 12:50 PM

As well as our group was built we nearly had 3 rollovers :D

~Mike
you did not try hard did you :D

k7mto

07-18-2005, 01:33 PM

Two of them were me and I wasn't trying at all ;)

That nose down pic doesn't really do justice to how tippy I was :eek:

jeff krause

07-18-2005, 02:00 PM

Two of them were me and I wasn't trying at all ;)

That nose down pic doesn't really do justice to how tippy I was :eek:

Wheelilng with a CJ-5 opened my eyes to short wheel base / narrow track wheeling !

I like the CB call in ::::: "uh.... I think I might have a problem"

Jeff.

I didn't "krause out" dammit !

jeep4offrd

07-18-2005, 04:15 PM

Wheelilng with a CJ-5 opened my eyes to short wheel base / narrow track wheeling !

I like the CB call in ::::: "uh.... I think I might have a problem"

Jeff.

I didn't "krause out" dammit !

The first time when he was just about to go over. He shouted to me. Hey Bruce. You might want to grab your camera. This is kinda special. I turned around, and Matt was doing a one wheel hand stand.

The second time went, Hey Bruce. Can you come back here and stand on my bumper for a minute. Oh and you might want to bring your camera.

I think the third one Mike was refering to was me. But I'm denying it cause there's no pictures to prove it. :D

Tom Jacobson

07-18-2005, 04:55 PM

And Todd more or less laid the buggy over in one of the cracks. He drove out of it easily, though. And I did not follow him that time! ;)

jeep4offrd

07-18-2005, 04:59 PM

And Todd more or less laid the buggy over in one of the cracks. He drove out of it easily, though. And I did not follow him that time! ;)

Yeh Yeh thats it. It was Todd.

TBob

07-18-2005, 05:02 PM

Thanks to all for letting a Tacoma to go out and run with the big dogs!
Great time! Was amazed at the $hit all of you went though in your rig....sweet! Esspecial Tom - couldn't believe it.
Anyhow my lack of trail prowess wasn't to much of a dissapointment when we got back to my truck and I could crank the ac :D ....man was it hot!!
Todd your buggy rocks!! thanks for letting me ride shotgun.
Mike my Dad had a great time riding with you - was telling all his buddy's at work today. Pretty cool for him never wheeling and his first time riding in an unlimited buggy.

Great group thanks again for the invite,
- TBob

desertfabmotors

07-18-2005, 10:42 PM

Tom,

We will go back for sure when it cools off. It is fun to go all the way to the end, then hike down to the lake.
I have to say you rock in your YJ. It nice to see someone walk the talk :D And it's carburated with a D30 :rolleyes:

Todd

That trail was AWESOME! Close to town (for those of us on the East side), beauty that rivals Martinez Canyon, tough lines and some ROCKS!

The height of the canyon walls kept the sun off for quite a while, but when it finally got high enough, yeeowwwzaaa! It was toasty!!

With exception of just a couple cracks/notches, I followed Todd and Mike everywhere. Put a bit of hurtin' on the YJ in that rock garden near the end (where we turned around)...but it was a blast! Though custom, heavy duty t-case and gas tank skids can NOT be put off much longer.

There are bypasses, but some of them really take you out of the main part of the wash...and are really boring. To stay in the wash, you're gonna need some lift, 32-33" tires, one locker highly recommended, and some willingness to take a couple dings if they happen. The trail is an out-back, so remember that you have to go back through all them same tough spots on the way back.

Can't wait to do it again...when it cools off! Until the temp changes, I'm only running at night.

Another positive was the food at Los Gringos Loco in AJ. Had a huge machaca, bacon & egg burrito and a cold beer once we got back in town. Mmmmmm...yummy!!!

Tom

desertfabmotors

07-18-2005, 10:45 PM

Anytime TBob,

Next time you can drive. : ;) :cool:

Todd

Thanks to all for letting a Tacoma to go out and run with the big dogs!
Great time! Was amazed at the $hit all of you went though in your rig....sweet! Esspecial Tom - couldn't believe it.
Anyhow my lack of trail prowess wasn't to much of a dissapointment when we got back to my truck and I could crank the ac :D ....man was it hot!!
Todd your buggy rocks!! thanks for letting me ride shotgun.
Mike my Dad had a great time riding with you - was telling all his buddy's at work today. Pretty cool for him never wheeling and his first time riding in an unlimited buggy.

Great group thanks again for the invite,
- TBob

TBob

07-19-2005, 07:04 AM

:eek: ...... :D

Anytime TBob,

Next time you can drive. : ;) :cool:

Todd

jeff krause

07-19-2005, 11:07 AM

I think the third one Mike was refering to was me. But I'm denying it cause there's no pictures to prove it. :D

Bruce I can assume that your talking about the notchy climb where I had a lot of issues. (Tom winched me ) ..... I didn't think that you were that Tippy though....

Fun trail..... what would you guys compare it to out in Florence ?????

Jeff

k7mto

07-19-2005, 11:10 AM

I'm sure Bruce is referring to the climb back up the same rock where I got tippy on the way down. There was a point there where he was close to flopping onto his passenger side :D

jeep4offrd

07-19-2005, 01:29 PM

I'm sure Bruce is referring to the climb back up the same rock where I got tippy on the way down. There was a point there where he was close to flopping onto his passenger side :D

That would be the one. But I'm still denying it. :D

jeep4offrd

07-19-2005, 01:37 PM

Bruce I can assume that your talking about the notchy climb where I had a lot of issues. (Tom winched me ) ..... I didn't think that you were that Tippy though....

Fun trail..... what would you guys compare it to out in Florence ?????

Jeff

No Jeff. Remember the notch I spotted you through on the way out. The same one Matt got on his nose on, going in. My R.R. dropped in the crack. And I needed a strap and a couple guys to pull on it to keep me from going over when I was backing out of it.

I dont know. Maybe Bad Medicine. Then throw in the boulder garden on top of it. But there are way more bypasses on Willow springs. I took allot of them. And it was a nice causual ride for me most of the way. When it cools down I'll be running the trail without using the bypasses. I just didnt want to break anything out there when it was so hot. That would really suck!!