5th gen 4Runners in scenic locations

Couple pictures from my Lost Coast trip back in February.

 

Russel B Richard Scenic Highway, Georgia.

 

After some distractions and delays completed my final portion of the Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route (AZBDR), from the Mogollon Rim, AZ to Arizona/Utah state line.

Off to a good start from the onset at the Mogollon Rim, got to use the electrical chainsaw.


First night camped near Happy Jack, AZ, away from the active forest fires near Flagstaff, AZ.


Needing a reliable cell signal for a Zoom meeting (as a committee member for a Doctorate student defending her dissertation) I spent the second night in Winona, AZ tucked away in a corner off I-40 (Old Route 66).


Knowing there were at least two active forest fires in the direction I was headed through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument near Flagstaff, AZ, I was prepared to take alternate routes as they presented. That said, the fires were in communities that had not been evacuated. Thus, I followed the local advice on the ground as it was presented.


Unexpectantly, yet a given, I encountered an Arizona Wildlife Officer who was incredibly gracious and helpful in escorting me off the segment of the AZBDR for my safety and showing me how to get back on at the other end, which I very much appreciated, Thank you! And while the planned AZBDR took me through some incredible views and roads of ancient volcanic rock and dirt thus far the officer’s choice route was as amazing too.


As I followed the Wildlife officer, firefighters were still working the area for hotspots and flare-ups which lingered despite the area already devastated.


The third night was spent in the Kaibab National Forest, just shy of the south side of the Grand Canyon. The following morning took the short trip from the overnight campsite to the Grandview Tower and an Arizona Trail rest stop. Also took advantage of the through hiking rest stop to empty the port-a-potty.


What a view!


Left the national park towards the valley of Gray Mountain, AZ where herds of wild horses were plentiful. There are very few more amazing things than to see horses running freely without a human sitting on their back, but I digress. Not too far in time or distance from watching the horses out of NOWHERE a tragic surprise, four puppies barking as I drive by. Had I not had the window down I would not have heard them. And without hearing them bark I would not have seen them as their color and small size blend into our immediate surroundings. The nearest house was about five miles away along the route. These animals did not accidentally wander here. Instead, regardless of the lack of reason, they were purposely abandoned here to die. Since I was headed north and near Kanab, UT, at first, I thought to bring them with me and leave them at Best Friends, a place My Life and I have visited a few times, to include for volunteering. Hence the “Save them ALL” magnet inside the 4Runner’s raised hatch. Best Friends is the animal sanctuary where an NFL quarterback's surviving Pitbulls were court-ordered to live out their lives, many were adopted. That was the plan. However, two of the dogs were short on energy and one of them vomited at least five times between where I found them and where airing up before getting on the pavement. Not able to care for them sick I Googled the nearest no-kill animal shelter, which was just north of Flagstaff, AZ, and they took them in. Thank you!


Infuriated with what just happened I turned home as continuing the trip would have been difficult. Additionally, I needed to clean and disinfect the 4Runner as the rapid Parvovirus test was positive for the tested animal, which was the most ill-appearing of the four dogs.

Two days later, after much cleaning and disinfecting but a bit hesitant of the same happening, I headed out to finish the last segment of the AZBDR, Cameron, AZ to the Utah state line. The AZBDR’s instructions for this segment recommend purchasing a Navajo Nation camping pass. However, after asking at the gas station where I could purchase a pass the attendant said he never heard of such a pass and encouraged me to drive on. I have traveled to, thru, and even worked on the Navajo Nation several times and never heard of a camping pass either. However, online there is such, but the application must be paid in cash, which is not done online.


With the blessing of the gas station attendant, fingers crossed and hoping for the best, I crossed the Little Colorado River and headed north.


After some incredible views while driving an absolutely incredible camp spot, the Little Colorado River below. Unfortunately, without a camping pass, even if never heard of, by the gas attendant or me, I did not want to hear the knock as this point is very easy to access. And I am sure Navajo Nation police come out here to check on camping passes.


Yes, this spot, denoted by the camera icon in the pictured map, is that accessible.


Shortly after, crossing the Little Colorado River again. This time over the Navajo Bridge.


Then making the right towards the Lee’s Ferry entrance station to find a place to park at the Paria Beach parking lot to spend a new first night this time.


The next morning left early just to have breakfast at a BLM dispersed camping spot NOT part of the AZBDR but mentioned elsewhere. Another amazing view and much worth the visit or for camping as well.


In the pictured map marked by the camera icon near Glen Canyon.


Then circled the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which crosses the Arizona/Utah state line and the end of the AZBDR, from south (USA/Mexico International Border) to north (AZ/UT state line). From there I head home, the long way, which included back through the Gray Mountain valley hoping to see the incredible herds of wild horses. Sadly, at the risk of finding more abandoned animals. None found. Drive safe.

 

Amazing trek, thanks for sharing. As a side note, my daughter successfully defended her comps yesterday and is now ABD. Very proud of her.

 

Congratulations to both, Father and Daughter! Wish her great success!

 

I wanted to say thank you @MeefZah for all the tips for the lost coast. I'm planning on going back again next year but probably early spring vs my winter trip. I wish you were there so we could've linked up and bought you drinks and food! So much to explore I wish I lived closer.

 

YW bro. Looked fun. It's a beautiful area but 5 years was about all we could take of California....

 

Thought l would hop on this thread…

It was the perfect spot to hang out over the weekend.

 

Spring can be really windy, FYI. If that doesn't bother you, then disregard.

Early fall will typically have the best weather.

 

thanks for the tip! maybe I can try to go back this fall or next fall. Which month would you recommend?

 

late august to early october is the safest bet for good weather.

 

When we still lived in SoCal, my Wife and I would quite often travel to the central coast in the later months of the year.
Always wet, green and beautiful. Most of the time we would be in our FJ-40, either camping or staying in a B&B.

 

A super-bloom is underway in Western Nevada! Pictures don't do justice. Totally worth the allergies.

 

Off of Hwy 87 near Strawberry, AZ

 

Where is it exactly? Do you mind giving the coordinates please?

 

So pretty.

 

The turn off from Hwy 87N is Control Rd., 34° 21' 37 11" N, 111° 25' 28.31" W. The roads running or either side of the road for the next 14 miles have good to great sites. The 3 digit forest roads are relatively easy and the 4 digit roads are much rougher. I don't have coordinates for specific sites. The ones on the south tend to have great views but are exposed, to the north the sites are wooded.

 

Cripple Creek, CO

 

Awesome!

Thanks for the details

 

Certainly not the most artistic pic and definitely not even remotely close to the nicest beach we saw...

 

Castello di Amorosa @ Napa Valley

 

Hey, I've been there! Absolutely wonderful!

 

Yosemite NP

 

Awesome ^^^

 

You guys are spending WAAAAYYY too much time in the city!

 

That's pretty nice. I haven't seen a view like that since I've been to Austria.

 

I have to say, this is a gorgeous picture. The way the blackness of the street reflect on the 4runner's gray color, and the waterfall on top. Real nice

 

Thank you!


Tahoe Backcountry

 

On the Mogollon Rim, north of Strawberry Az

 

We were just up there when driving back to North Carolina. I loved that part of Arizona. That drop off is a beautiful view.