FR41 - New River Canyon

(This overview describes the area between the Table Mesa exit on I-17, to the Seven Springs Campground.  This is the “Table Mesa Trail” ¹ in the guide books.)

3 or 4 hours later, I popped out (much to my relief) at the Table Mesa exit on I-17.

I wouldn’t recommend running this trail alone, especially in July when the temps are well over 100 degrees.  I cheated natural selection that day, and have since gone back and run the trail several times.

There are several gates that must be opened/closed along the way.  A couple of them are clearly marked with “Keep Closed” signs, yet people still leave them open.  This is a great trail and can be closed at anytime by the folks leasing the land from the State.  Be respectful of the area so we can continue to enjoy it.  Close the gates, pick up your trash, and no target shooting (which should also be obvious from all the signs stating such).

Because this trail crosses State Trust Land , you’ll need a permit for each passenger.  You can get them in person or by mail, and they are valid for one year.  More information can be found at the AZ State Land Department website.

So, as it currently stands, this trail would rate a moderate 2.0.  This trail would now be 2wd doable, but will require some careful gas pedal use and possibly a little rock stacking in a couple places if you don’t have 4wd.   Running west to east would also be a little easier for 2wd, since you can use gravity in your favor while navigating the switchbacks into Cholla Basin .  If you are running 2WD, a 4WD vehicle for support would be a good idea, just in case. The rest of the trail presents about the same challenge in either direction.  I think this trail is a great way to gain experience in desert off-roading.

 Allow about 3.5 hours to run from the Table Mesa exit on I-17 to the Seven Springs Campground, or about 5 hours to do a complete circle from the Carefree Hwy exit off I-17.

- Matt Watson, "SuperV3K" on the N4W board.

Over the last coupla years, the trail has changed dramatically.  Up into March of 2004, the west end of the trail was very rocky, rutted and loose, and was becoming noticeably more challenging.

In April of 2004, the first 6 miles of trail from I-17 heading east were bull dozed.  So, all that loose, rocky challenge is now essentially graded dirt road.  It takes you all the way up to the top of the first saddle, before you descend into Cholla Basin .  Alternately, on the east end of the trail, the trail is essentially decomposed granite road, which was also graded from the Seven Springs side, heading west, for about 4 miles.  So, the bumpy rain ruts on the east end are now gone as well.

This takes out some of the challenge, but there’s still some rocky switchbacks, and short washed out sections.  These sections will be good training for novice drivers with stock rigs, but not too overwhelming.  Experienced drivers and/or modified rigs will find that the trail is nothing more than a “Sunday drive” now.

As it currently stands, the trail will be more challenging running east to west, as it will require a steep ascent up the east side of Cholla Basin.  The road is rutted and rocky, with several tight switchbacks to navigate.  Once you’re at the top, it becomes graded road again and the rest of the drive out is easy.

The Nissan4Wheelers.com group ran the trail in July of 2003 at night, which was a lot of fun and presented its own set of challenges.  In the day, I don’t think I’ve ever bumped bottom on my truck, as the lines and obstacles are easy to see.  On the night run, I hit LCA’s and the front skid plate a few times.  Andy (“Desert Rat” on the N4W board) broke a leaf pack, and an old Scout that was running with us took some minor rocker panel damage.  So, if you want to up the challenge, go in the dark.  You’ll see plenty of wildlife, as the desert comes alive at night when the oppressive summer heat dissipates (a bit).

I’m curious to see how the grading on the west end holds up during heavy rain.  My assumption is that it should rut out quite nicely, increasing the challenge of the trail once again.  Come on Monsoon Season!

-Matt Watson

USGS Quadrangles:

• New River , USGS Ref Code 33112-H2-TF-024
• Daisy MT , USGS Ref Code 33112-H1-TF-024
• New River Mesa , USGS Ref Code 33111-H8-TF-024
• Cooks Mesa , USGS Ref Code 34111-A8-TF-024
• Humboldt MT , USGS Ref Code 33111-H7-TF-024