We spent most of our winter boondocking around the Superstition Mountains in AZ. This was a new spot for us mostly because we wanted to get some upgrades done to the 5th wheel and the location was convenient. We also found some new, interesting camping sites.
This isn't a bad spot to linger. It's close to Phoenix, so there are some snowbird crowds, but if you're willing to hit the trails no later than 8 am, you can pretty much have them to yourself.
One day we took an off the beaten path hike on the Old US Rt. 60. It was built in the 1920's by prison labor and was closed about 60 years ago when the modern Rt. 60 was opened.
Walking on the old Rt. 60 below a new Rt. 60 bridge near Superior, AZ
The old tunnels through the canyon were a lot narrower than the new tunnels built in the 1950's.
New tunnel on the right. The original road looks like a small path along the left side of the canyon wall.
It's amazing how fast they were able to build the original highway snaking through the canyon pass. Especially relying so heavily on manual labor. The bridge below is the same one from the first photo. The small trail from the water tank is the original highway.
There are miles of sections of the original Rt. 60 that are still around today. We did some scouting and found a nice campsite off of one section that was next to a large grassy area. It was almost as if this used to be a rest stop area of some kind back in the day.
It was a spot close to Phoenix, without neighbors, and with strange colored sunsets.
One of the many hikes in the Superstition Mountains is a popular one that climbs to a mountain saddle with a large cave called the Wave Cave. Our timing was good since we had the trail up all to ourselves...
...and then we had the cave to ourselves as well.
On our way down we counted 75 people hiking up to the cave. At least we were able to enjoy this spot in peace and quiet.
Arizona is a good place for RV upgrades or repairs. Here's a photo of our favorite upgrade this year. It's a Rhino Lining rock guard that works as good as it looks. It replaces the cheap textured paint that the factory installed as a "rock guard". If you're going off road and kicking up some debris, this really helps.
We're working our way back to Idaho and are camped in the Mojave National preserve. Our plan was just to pass through and spend a few days, but the place is fantastic. We'll probably stay here for about three and a half weeks. It may end up being our new favorite spot (more info. soon).
So...you guys FINALLY get back AZ, within striking distance of our North Ranch lot -- and WE WEREN'T THERE!!! Now that just sucks. Looks like you found some beautiful areas. We moved into the house almost 2 weeks ago, & have been offloading the RV since, in addition to ordering/assembling furniture, cookware (I now own more than one saucepan & 2 skillets). Trying to keep the "acquisitions" down, but gotta get some things so it doesn't echo so much in here (high ceilings...). Dirt/yard work around the house won't be done for a little while, but the vast majority of the 4 acres will be left as is. Yay!
ReplyDeleteHope you're both doing well, & sorry we missed you yet again! Keep us in mind if you ever head through/around the Durango CO / Aztec NM area.
PS-- Like the rhino lining. We should have it on the whole front cap, too, because of the rock dings.
Renee & Dave
We'll just do that rhino lining right from the start with our next trailer. Have fun with the feathering of the new nest. If you come up with a good, effective way to sell a NH 5th wheel, let us know!
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