Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/06/2021
All Day
Location
Tonto Basin
Categories
This ride is subject to the conditions of Tonto Creek at Punkin Center to reach FS 71. If we are unable to safely cross the creek, I will have to cancel the ride for now. Thursday, I will be checking on the condition of the creek with the Forest Service. As you may recall, several folks and children have been killed trying to cross this creek in years past.
This ride will take us from Punkin Center off of SR 188 into the mountains East of the staging area. We will visit several abandoned sites such as Del Shay Cabin, Coffee Pot Ranch, Frank Pranty’s cabin, Flying W-Ranch and Soldiers Camp.
Plan to arrive at the staging area NLT 8:45, as I would like to depart after a brief safety meeting about 9:15. The ride will be about 83 miles. This will be an all day ride.
To reach Punkin Center, located in Tonto Basin, drive north from Phoenix on the Beeline Highway (SR 87). At the SR87/SR 188 junction, turn right onto SR 188 and drive south toward Roosevelt Lake for about 15 miles, and you will come up to Punkin Center (You can also drive north from Roosevelt Lake on SR188 to reach Punkin Center). The distance from Loop 101 and Shea Blvd. is approximately 75 miles.
To access the staging area you will have to turn off the main road (SR 188) on the east side of the highway and drive through the business area of Punkin Center (Don’t blink), just south of the restaurant, turn left on a paved road that will lead East toward Tonto Creek, passing several homes and RV spots. This road turns to dirt and eventually crosses the creek at a ford. This road continues across the creek bed through a residential area and becomes FR 71, also known as Greenback Valley Road.
After passing through the residential area, continue east for about a 3 mile to the staging area. (N 33 53.092 W 111 15.458)
Bring plenty to drink, lunch and snacks. Lunch stop on the trail. There is NO fuel on this trip, so make sure you are topped off before starting.
I have been on most of this route with the exception of the first 30 miles. Truly an adventure to start off with.
Questions: Tom M. 602-751-4662.
Bookings
Registration for this event is closed.
Tom I put my Name in for this ride and I have one ext seat if need
Ok thanks, Kevin i don’t see your name on the list.
thanks tom I think I got in!!
My only concern is getting across the wash to the staging area. The wife would have my head on a pike if I drover her car through the mud. LOL
We both would be dead meat if that happened. Keith tells me the predictions are for a good passage.
tom I don;t have a ext seat ,my daughter is going to go!!!!got a new yamaha want to see if I got a good deal ha ha
tom I don;t have a ext seat ,my daughter is going to go!!!!got a new yamaha want to see if I got a good deal ha ha !!.
Kevin,
I am going to send you a AZ ATV Riders decal for your new Yamaha. Got you set up for 2022 as a member.
Tom Murphy