Question re the Gila River Ramble

[k7]

I'm thinking about doing this as a two-day trip on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.  I'd love the company if anyone wants to join me but I'd sure hate to slow anyone down.  I've done bicycle trips decades ago and kayak trips more recently so I'm reasonably proficient at adventure-type travel.

One question though - how safe is the parking area indicated on the map?  Any issues leaving a sedan there for two days or should I consider somewhere else?  I know there are no guarantees... just looking for input.

Cheers and thanks!
Gerry
PHX AZ

[ScottM]

We've left cars in that area (and seen others from AZT folks) several times, so I think it is fine.  No guarantees, but, yeah, I'd just find a semi-secluded spot not visible from the main florence kelvin road.

This is an awesome loop!  I am sure I'll ride it some time this winter, but dunno about late November right now.

[k7]

Thanks Scott.   I tend to plan out pretty far - it's an illness really.



Actually, this has been a tough year for me.  Typically, I'll do an adventure-type trip a year.  Didn't happen this year - I lost a major influence in my life which handicapped all plans.  This trip is the beginning of my return - my comeback if you will.  MrsK7 says she can see a difference already - amazing what a little trip can do for your mental health 'eh?

[goyo]

I tried this trip last May before it got too hot. Granted, I was not in great shape, but the road is rugged and steep with a capital R+S. AZ trail is terrific, after that it gets much harder. Skip the nasty and tiring bushwack up canyon to the artesian well; just filter water from the stream. I made it almost to box canyon before tire problems forced me to backtrack. It is beautiful though, and really remote - I felt like the last person on earth. Some pics to follow.
In a related note, I'm looking for riding partners for Oct 24 thru Nov 9 here in S. AZ before I have to return to San Diego. I'm building up my first 29er, a Siren Song. Thinking about AZ Trail 300, Gila RR again, maybe something in Flagstaff if not too cold. We'll see if the big wheels help. Drop me a line!

[k7]

Great pictures - I'm pretty certain I covered those roads years ago while off-roading.  I'm looking forward to our Thanksgiving trip.  Appreciate the advice also. 

[AZTtripper]

Drinking from the Gila is not recommended due to heavy metals coming down from the Ray mine up stream. Most likely not that big a deal once but that is the info coming from the ATA. I haven't done this exact route but I have been to the spring and it is a cool spot.

Goyo nice pics, that is some great country up there it's going to be really great when the AZT is completed.

[OurManInTheNorth]

AZTtripper - any idea about the stream below the mine when climbing up to the last bit of singletrack on the AZT300? I filtered water there and then about 15 minutes later went past some fairly major looking (but I think disused) mine buildings etc and was a bit worried about that water...

[AZTtripper]

Not sure I am pretty sure I know where you are talking about though. I don't think that is a real dependable source. This year was the first time I have seen that one running. Of course we had a lot more water then normal this year.

I don't think it is that big of a deal to drink from this kind of place once it's more of a long term exposure kind of thing.

As for the Gila proper I have filtered from below the diversion dam back in 04 (before I heard about the heavy metals) and I haven't died yet! I doubt it would be that big of a deal to drink the water even up closer to the mine if you only do it once.

Though I am pretty sure Scott took this route out to the Spring for a reason first to get clean water ie no heavy metals and no filter needed. But also because the spring is a really neat spot. In some ways it is a bummer that the new trail will bypass the spring.