Only 6 months to go, get the time off ahead of time because we won't be able to go back and pick up anybody once we've left the highway.

We're going to find a new legal camping spot where the snow should be pretty deep so no 2WD's this time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

We need to scout for a new spot. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I highly recommend these sleeping bags if you haven't camped in snow before.

Extreme cold sleeping bag


Pack lots of socks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Umm, that's on the Coconino Nat'l Forest, right? All roads off AZ 87 are closed in winter. There may not be a gate there right now, but it will be barricaded by then.

Where are you getting the information that access will be available?

John B.

BALLS! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Not saying for sure, but anywhere on the 87 doesn't always get the mass of the snow. Usually the snow will melt kinda steadily anywhere along the 87 because it doesn't get up the real high elevation and temps are a little lower. The idea is that the 87 should have open forest roads that start heading up the rim into higher elevation and as we trek down the road the snow will start getting deeper the farther we go as it climbs.

Scouting is a must before we make ANY solid plans. The scouting should really be done in december after its had a few snows and maybe we should have a back up plan. Prepare better.

If the 87 is open, you may think you're good, but it will be illegal. All roads into the Coconino National Forest off the 87 will be closed and we will be found, cited and fined for disobeying the closure order.

This is also a sensitive area, as far as the rangers are concerned. web page Not only will it be closed, they will get really hot about any perceived violations in the area.

Count me out of this one.

John B.

To clarify my statement above:

Closure occurs every winter season.

Additional restrictions are in place for the particular area on the linked map. Although your plans are to stay on numbered forest roads, you have to assume a violation of a closure order with the addition of the designation of the area as sensitive will bring heat.

You may think you can stay on top of the snow, but that does not qualify you as an exempt class, as an SUV is not an over-the-snow vehicle. Traveling in a line, later vehicles will almost certainly reach the ground through the snow. And a ranger wouldn't buy the explanation, anyway.

I was through that area yesterday. There's a reason they don't want people on anything but the numbered trails in that area...it gets torn up fast and leaves serious damage.

John B.

Ok, let's find another spot Johnny.

PAJ, that area on the map is at 7500 feet so i think it would be pretty deep if there was snow.

Why not go there this time of year, when it's actually quite nice up above 7000' and the desert is broiling?

John B.