Eastern AZ. question

[Camorhino]

As I am looking down the road for our annual hiatus to AZ. after late Jan or so, we have gradually worked our way each year further east. Last year we hung around Gold Canyon, Apache Junction, Superior, Florence, and even got up some in to Globe and the Tonto Basin. Looking for a dry camp spot or 2 in the Eagar or Springerville area to base out of. We have atv's and usually spend a few weeks out boondocking, and then slide in to a RV park, or town, for a few days for laundry and replenish, then back out. Without giving up your favorite spot, but close to it, any suggestions? Also, when would one expect the snow to not be an issue at the higher elevations? 2-4 rigs, 40' M/H being the biggest limiting factor for how rough the road or site may be, other than that, everyone is used to staying out for weeks.

[Camorhino]

Thanks folks, I guess we'll stay back around Florence or Apache Junction again til it warms up. After it warms up, in May or so, is there some dry camp, boondocking areas worth the trip near Eagar or Springerville or ?.

[69_Avion]

zman-az wrote:
As mentioned that area will most likely have snow until march and I seen it snow into mid April. Would not be surprised to see many back roads closed for winter as they are wet and they don't want them tracked up. Keep the elevation below 3500 if you want to avoid snow.

Good idea. The above locations of Roosevelt Lake or even Horse Thief are nice areas for January to the summer time.

[zman-az]

As mentioned that area will most likely have snow until march and I seen it snow into mid April. Would not be surprised to see many back roads closed for winter as they are wet and they don't want them tracked up. Keep the elevation below 3500 if you want to avoid snow.

[LenSatic]

Camorhino wrote:
THX, keep'm coming. Since it starts warming up in April, I figured I might have a chance in March. Usually by June or July we're headed to Idaho for a spell.

We live in SE AZ, at 4200', and in January and February we head for the Yuma and Anza-Borrego area when we can. Heck, we'd even go to Bakersfield. 😉

LS

[mpfireman]

A word to the wise. A few years back we were riding 3 quads in the national forest around Snowman? One of the quads took off on a closed trail, and was caught by one of the rangers, he being on 13 was lucky that no ticket was issued. So if the trail is closed, it is closed.

[EsoxLucius]

Nutinelse2do wrote:
As far as the ATV's, you can take them on any Forest Road and on the side of the main roads.

When in National Forests check the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps for ATV use on roads and trails.

[Camorhino]

THX, keep'm coming. Since it starts warming up in April, I figured I might have a chance in March. Usually by June or July we're headed to Idaho for a spell.

[Nutinelse2do]

Hi.
20 years ago, there used to be a ton of areas to boondock. When we were up there about 6-7 years ago, most of the larger spaces were fenced off. Too much descruction and litter left, we were told.

We had problems finding a spot in a 26' Class C at that time.

Also, a ton of mud that time of year. Unless everyone in your group has roadside assistance, I would say the idea is not highly recommended.

It has already snowed there this year, so it possibly could be a very cold, wet winter. Possibly being the operative word.

Big snow time is Jan thru March. Maybe choose a lower elevation that time of year?

As far as the ATV's, you can take them on any Forest Road and on the side of the main roads. Starting in 2009 you now have to purchase a special sticker for $25, and the quads have to be registered of course.

They do close off a lot of the trails in the winter though.

[Camorhino]

My bad, it will be late Jan. and closer in to mid Feb. before we start that way. We always stop for a week or so in Parker to see friends, and then down to Wickenburg for another 7-10 days. So probably really looking at mid to late March before we would get to the east side. Does that help?

[2gypsies1]

Around Show Low south is some forest land but mostly it's Indian Reservation to the south of 260. Again, you mentioned you'll be doing this in January. You're going to have cold and quite possibly snow - not good for the 40' you have along for getting offroad.

[rfryer]

I’m not up to speed on atv rules and restrictions on forest land. Weather at high elevations is always somewhat unpredictable, but January would not be the time I’d choose to go to that area unless one were an experienced winter camper and snowmobiling. Nights will almost certainly be subzero and with plenty of snow and there may be restrictions on traveling forest roads. And a “dry” camp spot is probably very unlikely. A good area for summer, but in winter I’d think along the line of sub 4000’ elevations.

[Camorhino]

They do, and my ride is licensed both on road and off road in AZ, plus we buy an AZ. State Lands permit every year. We stay longer, but basically you are good for 30 days on your home state license in AZ, but you still need the state lands permit.
We have friends in Cordes Junction, and have been in the country to the west of the 17, Black Canyon, Crown King. Checked out Roosevelt Lake while touring the Tonto Basin. We were just looking for timbered areas this year. What about around Show Low and south? Is that more Forest Service or BLM-State Lands?

[mpfireman]

I thought that ATVs in Arizona, even operated on Federal land now require a permit, or license? .My brother in law had to purchase these permits to operate his 3 ATVs in northern AZ , around Payson.
.

[Executive45]

I would explore the area around Horse Thief Basin and Cordes Junction. Lots of places to boondock in that area. IIRC, ATVs are welcomed too.....Dennis