Terrain.org Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 Just returned from a five-hour drive on the backcountry trails of Gardner Canyon, nestled among the high grasslands and rolling foothills along the southern edge of the Santa Rita Mountains, south of Tucson. I tried to complete the Gardner Canyon 'moderate'-rated trail loop in the Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails in my trusty OBXT. I made it about 2/3 of the way through before having to turn back. I didn't have low-enough gearing nor quite high-enough ground clearance for the section, in the book, labled "Toughest Spot." No kidding. Many photos, with commentary: http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in1.jpg No flooding today, much to my chagrin, as I enter the wide dirt road off Highway 83. Santa Rita Mountains in the distance. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in2.jpg Got Indy, as we call her, all prettied up for some early photos before hitting the dust and rocky sections of the trail higher up. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in3.jpg http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/side2.jpg After a couple miles I found an "ATV-only" trail that went up at a nice angle and seemed pretty wide, so I took it. This is near the top. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/side1.jpg Looking up the trail as I begin my descent. Probably not much more then a 45-degree angle or so. (Just kidding: not sure of angle, but it was fairly steep: 15 or 20 percent, perhaps?) http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/side3.jpg Hmmm, I wonder what the sign said before "Passenger Cars" was added? http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in6.jpg This is at the Kentucky Camp primitive parking area. After this, high ground clearance is a must. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in7.jpg http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/top1.jpg On one of the foothill crests here. Road alternated between fairly standard dirt, sharp gravel, and big rocks (and in some few cases, boulders). To be continued.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrain.org Posted June 25, 2006 Author Share Posted June 25, 2006 http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/top2.jpg I love it when Indy winks at me...! http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/top3.jpg This photo makes me realize that if I ever want the dual color scheme of blue and gray like some of the OBs have, I just need to find a dusty trail. Kind of the best of both worlds, no? http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/top4.jpg At the base of Snyder Mine, deep in rocky hills of juniper and oak scrub (plus a few Arizona madrones). It was obvious here and there where last year's (I think) wildfire ran through. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/apex1.jpg The loathsome "Toughest Spot." First, I got out and walked the hill, which doesn't look too bad in this photo but was both moderately steep and, more importantly, littered with large rocks, many more than 10 inches high. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/apex2.jpg Then, after identifying two possible routes, I tried both, and just couldn't make it past the first step. I really needed a low gear, and higher ground clearance would have been an asset, too. I bottomed out lightly backing out. I also dug a couple wheel trenches on the right side before trying the left. Needless to say, my clutch was not happy with me. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/back1.jpg The trail back was a bit tougher than I expected (given that I'd come the opposite way on the same trail), but offered great views, like this one of the oak-, mesquite-, and agave-dotted grasslands and the Whetstone Mountains to the east. http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in4.jpg All in all, a great trip even if I couldn't complete the full loop. Next, the back side of Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, which climbs via dirt road from 3,000 to 9,000 feet and offers pretty stunning views. Not sure when I'll get to do that, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegGTLT Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 WOW! I'd like to see this in the main Legacy photo section so more people can compliment you on your great work! Well done! Please PM joeleodee For All Site Questions. He is the acting Admin and can resolve anything related to LegacyGT.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2hondas Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 Thats awesome! A Subie in its Natural environment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanger Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 what if there's a bear creeping up on you when you were taking pictures of your beautiful ride... what would You DO.....? ○ ○ ○ Instagram: itshangertime :spin: ○ ○ ○ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub strong Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 awesome pics, i heart dirty subies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
axis008 Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 Mmm looks good dirty! Thanks for sharing your adventure and pictures. -ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DukeTrout Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 what if there's a bear creeping up on you when you were taking pictures of your beautiful ride... what would You DO.....? Well, if it's a grizzly, it would have to ride on the roof rack. A black bear fits just fine in the cargo area... Ich bin echt viel netter, wenn ich nuechtern bin. Echt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackacc Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Awesome pics and trail ride. I wonder if my Legacy could have hung in there? Someitmes I think I should have went with the Outback. I guess I could always install a lift kit Not that many trails like that in northeast PA though... well at least many that a farmer or property owner wouldn't chase you off anyway. JDM GT Bilsteins (F-Tanabe R-Pinks) JDM RSB - Modded Kartboy SS - Subaru Momo Knob Subastyle Grille Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest *Jedimaster* Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 BEAUTIFUL pix! Do you have any fullsize ones? You should enter these in the car of the month and calendar threads. Especially this one: http://www.riverfall.com/img_new/blog/2006/outback/gardner/in2.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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