PAUC Wickenburg-Stanton Goldfields/Ghost Town-Yarnell-Hassayampa River Box Canyon ride

Jan 25, 2020 – Wickenburg-Stanton Goldfields/Ghost Town-Yarnell-Hassayampa River Box Canyon

Our Phoenix ATV/UTV Club is hosting a Jan 25th Wickenburg to Yarnell ride for members of the Colorado Cliff Riders club visiting the area from Westcliffe Colorado.

RIDE DESCRIPTION

On Saturday, Jan 25th, at 9:00 AM, a number of veteran ride leaders will lead a Phoenix ATV/UTV Club Ride for members on a ride northeast of Wickenburg up to the Stanton Goldfields/Ghost Town and then to Yarnell for lunch and return via the Hassayampa River Box Canyon.   This is a 63-mile desert mountain and Hassayampa River Box Canyon ride that takes 7-8 hours (with scenic stops & lunch) through some varied and beautiful desert / mountain scenery (elev 1900′-4900′).   Depending on the group size, we should be back at the staging area between 4:30pm-5:00pm.    Bring a camera for those Kodak moments.   If time permits, we can visit the Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains in Yarnell which is a mountain path venue with stations of the cross using statues along the hillside pathway.

ALL MEMBERS, GUESTS, VISITORS, AND POTENTIAL NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOMED ON THIS RIDE.   IF YOU HAVE AN EXTRA SEAT IN YOUR SXS OR UTV FOR THE RIDE, CALL OR EMAIL ME TO LET ME KNOW.   I have a few friends that would like to go on this ride.

This is one of my FOUR POINTS OF THE COMPASS rides that gives members, visitors, and potential new members a chance to explore new areas that they might not normally ride.   This is also one of those fun rides where you want to bring the wife, family, or that friend that you been wanting to convince about getting into ATV riding to come along.   Hopefully, the weather will cooperate for that Saturday.

DIRECTIONS TO STAGING AREA AND START TIME
The general riding area is northeast of Wickenburg.   The staging area is at the north Constellation Park parking lot across from the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds at 935 Constellation Rd, Wickenburg, AZ 85390.   From SR60 (Wickenburg Way), turn north on Jack Burden Road at the McDonalds restaurant and go 300′ to the Constellation Road intersection.   Turn right on Constellation Road and head northeast 1.0 mile to the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds.   Google Maps has the approximate GPS coordinates at N33° 58.837′ W112° 42.636′ or by copying the following map coordinates [33.980617, -112.710600] into Google Maps Satellite view.   The ride will stage at the north roadside parking lot and depart at 9:00AM after the 8:45AM safety meeting.  Get there early by 8:15am to unload, sign-in, and meet-and-greet other riders.

TRAIL RATING
The Wickenburg-to-Yarnell ride is usually rated an overall Easy-to-Moderate Ride [Level 1-2, Green-Blue] but could occasionally have some difficult sections resulting from a recent washout.   Definition: May have some spots that are off-camber; some hilly/rocky spots or few steep slopes; recommended for riders with more than 12 months of riding experience).   UTVs / SxSs / ROVs okay on this trail.   2WD vehicles s/b okay.  Low range gear recommended for a very few rocky areas.   Two-Up ATVs okay for passengers.

COMMUNICATION
Flight leaders, mid-pack wingmen, and tailgunners will be on GMRS/FRS Channel 5 (sub-channel 0) in case you want to bring your walkie-talkies or CB / HAM radios.   I think the UHF channel frequency is 462.6625 MHz depending on your radio.   I highly recommend bringing a walkie-talkie to listen to approaching traffic and trail conditions.

LUNCH

The Ranch House restaurant in Yarnell only holds 40 people and is only open to 2:00pm.   Depending on the group size, we “may” arrive there at 1:00pm.   We may divide the flights between those riders that want a hot meal and those riders that bring their own lunch.   Those that bring a lunch can eat at the Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains parking lot.

VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
All ATVs, UTVs, & SxSs should be street-legal and have the Arizona Off Highway Vehicle Decal sticker.  Dress appropriately and keep hydrated.  Bring a lunch, snacks, and beverages.  Bring a camera for those Kodak moments.   Depending on the size of the group, the ride will be about 63 miles in 7-8 hours including the meal & scenic meet-and-greet stops.   Extra fuel is usually not required but each driver should know their vehicle’s gas consumption and plan accordingly.   You can buy gas in Wickenburg.

Helmet that is properly fitted, fastened, and has a USDOT safety rating for those 18 years of age and younger who ride on an OHV.  Riders in an OHV such as a ROV / UTV / SxS or similar vehicle, while recommended for safety, do not require a helmet unless a rider is under 18 years of age.  The Phoenix ATV/UTV Club promotes the use of helmets on all its rides.  Eye protection is required for operators of vehicles not equipped with a windshield.  You should use common sense for eye protection, bandanas, scarves, and dust masks for large group riding due to the dust conditions anyway.

SAFE, ETHICAL and RESPONSIBLE OPERATION OF YOUR VEHICLE

All Phoenix ATV/UTV Club members, visitors, and guests are expected to have appropriate vehicle registration, license, and personal insurance and to operate their vehicles in a responsible manner.   The Phoenix ATV/UTV Club is a responsible member of the OHV riding community.   As such the Club promotes safe and responsible operation of OHVs during club rides.   Arizona Revised Statute 28-1381 prohibits the operation of motorized vehicles, including OHVs, while under the influence of any substance that may impair the operator’s judgment or ability.   Therefore, the Club prohibits the consumption or use of any substance during a club ride that has the potential to impair the operator’s judgment or ability.

Live to Ride… Ride to Live!  Happy Trails…

Bob Maitzen
Phoenix ATV/UTV Club

(480) 363-7723
Bob.Maitzen@gmail.com