shrink
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- Phoenix, AZ and Kailua-Kona, HI
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- '23 R1S (x2); '22 R1T; '14 Jeep Cherokee
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First off-road trip of the new year over the holidays was in the Lake Pleasant area just north of Phoenix, AZ on what is known as the China Dam/Tule Homestead Trail.
Here's some info from Trails Offroad:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/arizona/trails/2098-china-damtule-creek-homestead
Additional info from another site:
https://azoffroad.net/tule-creekchina-dam-trail
Briefly, it's an out and back trail about 20 miles round trip and took about 4 hours with a lunch stop and short walks around the two main sights. It's mostly pretty easy, but the wash crossing (Waypoint 12 on Trails Offfaod) was a little intimidating. Trails Offroad aptly describes the section as such:
As you exit the creek bed, you must navigate a short and steep 20-degree climb covered with loose baseball and football-sized stones. Additionally, heavy rains have cut an 18'' erosion rut diagonally across the hill, which will stretch stock suspensions to the max.
As I approached that section, I said aloud to my confused passengers, "I have to go up that?" I just approached slowly, envisioned my line, lined up my tires, and started climbing. The rear of my Gen 1 Quad Large R1T actually fishtailed briefly, but I gave it more juice and the truck regained traction quickly and easily climbed the obstacle. Coming down the opposite way was surprisingly easily. I just used the same line and took it slow.
The rest of the route is honestly pretty easy (and a little boring), although it is rockier farther out near the Homestead.
Overall, it was not the most exciting trail, but the areas around the dam and homestead are very picturesque. I wouldn't mind returning one day and hiking a bit farther out and explore a bit more. It's a good trail for a beginner - just have some confidence and take your time at Waypoint 12. You're going to make it.
My one Rivian owner friend locally backed out on this trip. If anyone in the Phoenix area wants to plan a trip, message me. I'd be happy to hit some trails with some other Rivians.
Some photos are below:
Trailhead with my buddy's enormous and lifted F-150. This was his first off-road trip in his truck. We were both airing down at this point.
Start:
Descending into the China Dam parking area:
Parking at China Dam:
China Dam:
En route to Tule Creek Homestead:
Tule Creek Homestead:
Tule Creek behind the Homestead:
About to descend down Waypoint 12 (might be able to see steep drop in the distance if you zoom):
Just some cacti while backtracking out:
Here's some info from Trails Offroad:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/arizona/trails/2098-china-damtule-creek-homestead
Additional info from another site:
https://azoffroad.net/tule-creekchina-dam-trail
Briefly, it's an out and back trail about 20 miles round trip and took about 4 hours with a lunch stop and short walks around the two main sights. It's mostly pretty easy, but the wash crossing (Waypoint 12 on Trails Offfaod) was a little intimidating. Trails Offroad aptly describes the section as such:
As you exit the creek bed, you must navigate a short and steep 20-degree climb covered with loose baseball and football-sized stones. Additionally, heavy rains have cut an 18'' erosion rut diagonally across the hill, which will stretch stock suspensions to the max.
As I approached that section, I said aloud to my confused passengers, "I have to go up that?" I just approached slowly, envisioned my line, lined up my tires, and started climbing. The rear of my Gen 1 Quad Large R1T actually fishtailed briefly, but I gave it more juice and the truck regained traction quickly and easily climbed the obstacle. Coming down the opposite way was surprisingly easily. I just used the same line and took it slow.
The rest of the route is honestly pretty easy (and a little boring), although it is rockier farther out near the Homestead.
Overall, it was not the most exciting trail, but the areas around the dam and homestead are very picturesque. I wouldn't mind returning one day and hiking a bit farther out and explore a bit more. It's a good trail for a beginner - just have some confidence and take your time at Waypoint 12. You're going to make it.
My one Rivian owner friend locally backed out on this trip. If anyone in the Phoenix area wants to plan a trip, message me. I'd be happy to hit some trails with some other Rivians.
Some photos are below:
Trailhead with my buddy's enormous and lifted F-150. This was his first off-road trip in his truck. We were both airing down at this point.
Start:
Descending into the China Dam parking area:
Parking at China Dam:
China Dam:
En route to Tule Creek Homestead:
Tule Creek Homestead:
Tule Creek behind the Homestead:
About to descend down Waypoint 12 (might be able to see steep drop in the distance if you zoom):
Just some cacti while backtracking out:
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