After many years of mapping and planning, I was able to complete one of my bucket list items and visit the Arizona Strip aka Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument two weeks ago. I hooked up with friends that I met in 2015, after I first purchased my 2014 Toyota 4Runner, and we spent 7 days on the trails completing over 450 miles of off-road driving. We left pavement in Mesquite, Nevada and didn’t see it again until St. George, Utah.
To my knowledge, there are no single books dedicated to this area of Arizona and so research was done from reading other people's trips online and talking to people thru social media over the years (Instagram, YouTube, Expedition Portal, and Trails Offroad Crew). With no visitor centers or service stations in an area larger than the size of Rhode Island, we each carried an additional 20 gallons of gas and approximately 20 gallons of water. Some of us had no cell service for 6 of those 7 days, so it was truly being off the grid with solar, extra batteries, tools, good tires, and great attitudes all required. We did visit the spectacular Bar 10 Ranch in Whitmore Canyon and after paying for an amazing dinner, we were treated like royalty and allowed to shower, procure some additional supplies and more fuel.
I also can’t say enough about this crew of friends. No drama, no politics, and willing to try anything. I proposed changes along the way (hikes to mountain peaks, more difficult routes, etc) and they were all game. We also helped each other with any mechanical issues. Truly a great group of people.
When I did finally have some cell coverage on Day 6, I spoke to my wife and when she asked if I was tired of driving, my reply was "Nope". This place is truly special.
We met at Mesquite in the afternoon and camped at Red Pocket Tanks. The drive up Lime Kiln Canyon Road was beautiful.
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