View Full Version : Riding Near Ahwatukee
I think I know the answer, but I'm hoping I don't. Are there any places to ride near Hwy 10 & Ray road?? We usually head out to Butterfied Stage Rt (about 45 miles on 238 - back way to Gila Bend) or Sycamore (even further). Just hoping I might have missed something closer in.
Nuge
C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
HardHeadedWoman
11/05/03, 11:28 AM
nuge, it's my understanding that riding isn't allowed in that area.
I've wanted to explore the Butterfield area.. how is it?
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
Its a matrix of mostly flat, twisting jeep sized trails that get a little rocky in some areas. Its not the most challenging riding area, but its a great place to take the family. Riding the portion of the area where the "Butterfield Stage" used to run (about six miles) is especially nice. There are historic markers on the way that tell about the old stage coach route (civil war era): http://www.over-land.com/mail.html It also takes you through a pass in the Maricopa Mountains (??) that's quite scenic. This area is now part of the new Sonoran Desert National Monument. Signs are posted that still allow OHVs on the trails only. There is growing concern about OHV access in the future. I'll take some pics next time I go out there & post them. Hope this helps.
Nuge
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C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
"So tired....tired of way-den....tired of way-den for you..ooo..ooo." The Kinks
I would love to go out and ride out there one of these days
"Need dirt please help"
Ron
2003 Polaris Predator
HardHeadedWoman
11/06/03, 10:54 AM
quote:Originally posted by nuge
Its a matrix of mostly flat, twisting jeep sized trails that get a little rocky in some areas. Its not the most challenging riding area, but its a great place to take the family. Riding the portion of the area where the "Butterfield Stage" used to run (about six miles) is especially nice. There are historic markers on the way that tell about the old stage coach route (civil war era): http://www.over-land.com/mail.html It also takes you through a pass in the Maricopa Mountains (??) that's quite scenic. This area is now part of the new Sonoran Desert National Monument. Signs are posted that still allow OHVs on the trails only. There is growing concern about OHV access in the future. I'll take some pics next time I go out there & post them. Hope this helps.
Nuge
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C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
"So tired....tired of way-den....tired of way-den for you..ooo..ooo." The Kinks
Thanks for the info.. guess we'll have to get down there before they toss us out of another area.;)
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
Crash177
11/07/03, 7:26 PM
Hum I live in Maricopa, that cant be too far. Do you have directions?
Brandon
Take Maricopa Road south, head west on 238 and you'll run right into it.
Crash177
11/08/03, 5:30 PM
Gmoney do you know how far on 238? Thanks
Brandon
quote:Originally posted by Crash177
Gmoney do you know how far on 238? Thanks
Brandon
There are two access points to this area. Both are unmarked dirt roads to the north side of 238. The first is about 23 miles west on 238 from the Maricopa road intersection, just to the east of a ridge of hills that are part of the Maricopa Mountains. Turn north and you'll see signs denoting the new national monument within a hundred yards. You can stage or camp anywhere in that area. The Butterfied Stage route through Butterfield Pass is about 4 miles north from that point and is a left hand turn that goes west through the pass. The other access point is about 29 miles west on 238 just before the last ridge of hills before gradual downhill stretch into Gila Bend. You will pass a white washed memorial shrine on the north side of the road a couple hundred yards (+/-) before the turnoff on the north side of the road. As I recall this access point is also unmarked, but you will see the national monument postings a little way down this road. About 2 miles further in you will come to an old corale and a well - Gap Well. This is a common staging and camping area. Acouple of hundred yards beyond the corale take a right and you'll be on the Butterfield Stage route heading toward Butterfied Pass from the west this time. Good luck.
Nuge
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C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
"So tired....tired of way-den....tired of way-den for you..ooo..ooo." The Kinks
Crash177
11/09/03, 9:39 PM
Nuge, thanks for the info. I will check that out!
Brandon
My wife and I were out at Butterfield Stage Rt area last Saturday so here are some pics for those who never have been there.
About 22 to 23 miles west of Maricopa Road on 238 is the "eastern access" point - turn right.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/2003112021407_First Turnoff.jpg
General staging area for trails to the north.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/2003112021425_First Turnoff Staging Area.jpg
OHV Use Sign
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120214314_OHV sign.jpg
Western access about 28-29 miles west of Maricopa Road on 238.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/2003112022140_Second Turnoff.jpg
Head about two miles down this road (north) until you get to a corale - that's the general staging/camping area from that side of the mountains.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/2003112022321_2nd Turnoff a bit in.jpg
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C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
"So tired....tired of way-den....tired of way-den for you..ooo..ooo." The Kinks
Here are pics of the actual stagecoach route from the west side of Maricopa mountains to Butterfield Pass.
Corral and Gap Well area
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120235030_Corale and Gap Well Area.jpg
Turnoff to stagecoach route just after Gap Well
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120235212_Turn-off after Gap Well.jpg
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120235257_Butterfield Stage Rt Sign.jpg
Trail to the Pass
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120235953_Straight Stretch.jpg
Half Way to the Pass
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120235417_Bikes by the Sign.jpg
The Story
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031120235519_Description Sign3.jpg
The Cistern
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031121098_Sistern3.jpg
Hill near the Pass
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/2003112114577_Mtn near Pass.jpg
Gate at the Pass (unlocked) that leads to the eastern side of the mountains
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/nuge/20031121011_Gate at the Pass.jpg
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C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
"So tired....tired of way-den....tired of way-den for you..ooo..ooo." The Kinks
Crash177
11/21/03, 5:30 PM
Wow, this is really cool. Thanks for the pics and the info. And only 25 miles from my house!!
Brandon
jsfitter
11/21/03, 6:12 PM
Is this place on the reservation?
quote:Originally posted by jsfitter
Is this place on the reservation?
No, its part of the new Sonoran Desert National Monument.
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C-dale Glamis 03
Fo Fitty Oh Fo
"So tired....tired of way-den....tired of way-den for you..ooo..ooo." The Kinks
dietblendsaz
11/29/03, 9:56 AM
i saw another entrance approx. 16 miles from maricopa rd on the north side of 238. There is a gate that you have to open and a sign that says ohv use. What area is this? Does it lead to the trail or staging route?
jsfitter
11/29/03, 2:56 PM
I have never been on that route before, so I looked it up on my Topo map and it shows that trail going north off of 238 and then goes east and then south a little and connects to the Pass. Maybe I will try that one next time.
Is there an easy route to get there to the staging area from I-8. We are coming out for Christmas and looking for cool places to ride. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
03Rincon, 04Rancher 4x4, 3,Recons, Trx90, Couple of 250r's
jsfitter
11/30/03, 12:06 PM
Getting to the staging from I-8 should not be a problem. May have to go to Gila bend and come in from the West on 238. Here are the GPS coordinates of the trail
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/trailguide/trail.asp?TRAIL_ID=49
jjs007us
12/24/03, 12:36 PM
i saw another entrance approx. 16 miles from maricopa rd on the north side of 238. There is a gate that you have to open and a sign that says ohv use. What area is this? Does it lead to the trail or staging route?
went there this sat, through that gate 16 miles from turm off, decent riding and not as far as the other staging area, i will go back ans venture some other trails there........
Mr. yz426er
billygoat
12/26/03, 9:32 PM
Special note: If you use this area, be sure to have a map that shows "designated wilderness boundaries".
The Butterfield stage route is the boundary of one of the three wilderness areas in the area and it's signed pretty well. It might not be signed well in other areas, so don't rely on signs to tell you where you are. You should be able to get a good map at the BLM office on 7th Ave and Deer Valley or the PLIC.
This area is in the Sonoran Desert National Monument and OHVers are under scrutiny there. Don't be parking lot rat, pick up your trash and stay on trails. Using washes in the monument is generally considered cross-country travel and not allowed. Don't hesitate to call BLM if you have questions. The number is 623-580-5500.
b12jared
12/26/03, 10:58 PM
The photos showed a coral and a rock formation. This area is where the origional town of Maricopa Wells first sat when the Butterfield stage went through. I grew up in Maricopa, and helped with the building of the signs and markers when I was in Boy Scouts. According to the BLM there are over 100 miles of trails, and most are just that trails. Not a whole lot of fun for sport quads, but is a nice place for the family. The glider air park is nearby, and they will take people up for flights in the gliders for a small fee. It is something everyone should expirience, because they take you right by the mountains. The quiet of a glider is almost scary, but the view is unreal.
You can access 238 from I-8 via either the exit a couple of miles west of the Stanfield exit, the road will take you to Maricopa road and follow it north 20 miles to 238. The other way is via Gila Bend.
The local Maricopa library should have a book written by my fourth grade teacher available with the history of the area. Check it out, I helped write it.
22 years or riding in AZ.