North Rim

[Joe Dunne]

Hello,

Circumstances have me traveling to Sedona/Flagstaff area end of March. My plan was to head up to the North Rim, I have never been there. However it seems like all the trails will be closed? I am just looking for a good camping spot to stay for a few days. I have seen conflicting information on wether or not its even possible at this time of year. I am solo, but have a pretty good setup and cold is not an issue. No sure I want to try traveling in a lot of snow though.

Alternately I might stick with Sedona area, but its my experience they have made it rather tough to primitive camp.

I have been doing a lot of desert overlanding and camping Since I live in San Diego. I Was hoping to take advantage of being in the area to find some epic location. Something a little different than the desert anyway.

Any suggestions welcome for this time of year.

thanks in advance.

 

[Renegade]

Closed till May 15.

North Rim - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

[Soapy]

If you have a high clearance vehicle and not a soft roader like a Subaru, or similar low clearance vehicle I would suggest going down the Washington wash on the North side. Look to travel through Wolf Hollow past TrumBull school to the Bar 10 Ranch. The Bar 10 Ranch is a small resort that sits at the entrance to the Wash. There is a gate and a public road that goes past the Bar 10 that wonders about 10 miles and ends up half way down the Grand Canyon to a large open area that over looks the Colorado River. Good tires are a must as you will be driving over lava rock. Last time some people tried to go there after I warned them they ended up having to be towed out because of blown tires. A good 6 ply rated or higher should provide the protection needed. Easiest access is to go to Saint George UT. and head off I15 to the airport and take the first south road towards Wolf Hollow. You can also get there by going through the Gold Butte wilderness area getting off I15 at Bunkerville Nevada. It is a longer route but with more scenery.

 

[Joe Dunne]

If you have a high clearance vehicle and not a soft roader like a Subaru, or similar low clearance vehicle I would suggest going down the Washington wash on the North side. Look to travel through Wolf Hollow past TrumBull school to the Bar 10 Ranch. The Bar 10 Ranch is a small resort that sits at the entrance to the Wash. There is a gate and a public road that goes past the Bar 10 that wonders about 10 miles and ends up half way down the Grand Canyon to a large open area that over looks the Colorado River. Good tires are a must as you will be driving over lava rock. Last time some people tried to go there after I warned them they ended up having to be towed out because of blown tires. A good 6 ply rated or higher should provide the protection needed. Easiest access is to go to Saint George UT. and head off I15 to the airport and take the first south road towards Wolf Hollow. You can also get there by going through the Gold Butte wilderness area getting off I15 at Bunkerville Nevada. It is a longer route but with more scenery.

thanks Soapy for the recommendations. I am sporting a fully upgraded FJ cruiser. Running 33 BFGs. I should be OK.. Its heavy with all storage and gear, and I am pulling a small offroad trailer. So its not quite as nimble as it could be. But I think it can handle most anything.

 

[freak4life]

Hello,

Circumstances have me traveling to Sedona/Flagstaff area end of March. My plan was to head up to the North Rim, I have never been there. However it seems like all the trails will be closed? I am just looking for a good camping spot to stay for a few days. I have seen conflicting information on wether or not its even possible at this time of year. I am solo, but have a pretty good setup and cold is not an issue. No sure I want to try traveling in a lot of snow though.

Alternately I might stick with Sedona area, but its my experience they have made it rather tough to primitive camp.

I have been doing a lot of desert overlanding and camping Since I live in San Diego. I Was hoping to take advantage of being in the area to find some epic location. Something a little different than the desert anyway.

Any suggestions welcome for this time of year.

thanks in advance.

The North rim would be a lot of extra driving from Flag area. Normally trails in the North rim don’t open until May/June lots of snow. Check out Schnebly Hill area, it’s between Flag and Sedona and has the forest you seem to be looking for, and overlooks the very beautiful Sedona red rocks,here is a link.

Coconino National Forest - Schnebly Hill Vista Observation Site

Coconino National Forest - Schnebly Hill Vista Observation Site

www.fs.usda.gov

Blessings

 

[slowcarfast]

A few years ago I camped at a gorgeous spot off forest road 525 West of Sedona. Don't know if they've changed the rules since then. If the goal is to be close to the grand canyon, there's some spots close to the Grandview Lookout Tower. The sites themselves are nothing spectacular, although a pleasant forested location, but close to the south rim.

 

[Soapy]

FJ cruiser will be more than enough for the trail I reccomended.

 

[Joe Dunne]

The North rim would be a lot of extra driving from Flag area. Normally trails in the North rim don’t open until May/June lots of snow. Check out Schnebly Hill area, it’s between Flag and Sedona and has the forest you seem to be looking for, and overlooks the very beautiful Sedona red rocks,here is a link.

Coconino National Forest - Schnebly Hill Vista Observation Site

Coconino National Forest - Schnebly Hill Vista Observation Site

www.fs.usda.gov

Blessings

Yeah Schnebly Hill area is likely the smartest plan. I had initially shied away from that area due to my last visit to Sedona. They have really cracked down on dispersed camping. I had a few great spots in the past where I would mountain bike and camp close to Sedona. But all are now blocked and prohibited from camping. Such a bummer. I totally get why they did it. Trash, and general abuse of the area was terrible. I do not understand who people are that come to places and just "crap" all over them. End of rant.

Any who, never been to Schnebly Hill area, so I think that will be my plan. Hopefully find a secluded spot where the pink jeeps arent driving by constantly. I am sure that is possible.

really appreciate the feedback.

thanks!

 

[freak4life]

Yeah Schnebly Hill area is likely the smartest plan. I had initially shied away from that area due to my last visit to Sedona. They have really cracked down on dispersed camping. I had a few great spots in the past where I would mountain bike and camp close to Sedona. But all are now blocked and prohibited from camping. Such a bummer. I totally get why they did it. Trash, and general abuse of the area was terrible. I do not understand who people are that come to places and just "crap" all over them. End of rant.

Any who, never been to Schnebly Hill area, so I think that will be my plan. Hopefully find a secluded spot where the pink jeeps arent driving by constantly. I am sure that is possible.

really appreciate the feedback.

thanks!

You are most welcome, I’d come in from the I-17 hwy. There is an exit with the Schnebly Hill name.
Blessings Joe