View Full Version : Happy Valley & I-17 Riding Area - Tracks?
digitaladdict
07/24/03, 6:36 AM
I heard that there are a couple of tracks in the riding area that is several miles above Happy Valley (south of Carefree Hwy)...
I have ridden out there several times and can't seem to locate where they are at. I heard there is also a small one above the staging area near Happy Valley & I-17, but can't locate it either. Anyone ever seen any out there?
Also, has anyone come across any sandy areas for some roosting? I found a couple of tiny 4 foot wide sandy washes. I haven't been too deep into the area, as it's so big. Thx!
jonason321
07/24/03, 7:42 PM
I've been out in that general area staged and the bar thats at carefree and lake pleasant road but we didn't go all the way to I17. We couldn't find any marked trails but there was tons of unmarked trails that went all over in that area.
Oh ya by new river and carefree there is some sand not sure how deep it was just passed through it.
I ride in that area too, and stage at the resturant/bar at Carefree Hwy and Lake Pleasant. I would discourage people from staging off of the I-17 frontage road north of Happy Valley. That area is just a few hundred yards from some new homes. The dust and noise will definatly attract the kind of attention we don't need. Also, don't ride in circles around the staging area, get on the bike and explore all the good trails. Get your noise and dust out of sight, out of mind. The area is also state trust land. Don't know of any tracks but it's a fun area for trail riding.
rgalati27
08/15/03, 2:05 PM
I staged off of I-17 last friday for the first time. Eric is right it does cause lots of dust in the new homes area. As for tracks. We found a few jumps but no real track. It's a nice place to ride but I would recomend staging at the bar.
1999 YZ 125
2004 KFX 700
2003 Unilli Attacker(Off-Road Go-Kart)
200? Yellow Jacket(Off-Road Go-Kart)
Stagging at a bar is always a good thing to do.
IT'S ALL MINE
2003 Polaris Predator
digitaladdict
08/23/03, 12:22 PM
As mentioned in another topic, the staging area and some hills west of I-17 will most likely be incorporated into a preserve, as per a notice I received in the mail. Bummer. :(
Digital,
I have not heard of this area turning into a preserve. Could you please give a little more info like how much and when.
Thanks,
Ragdoll
ps, It sure is amazing how fast I ride after a rest stop at the WildHorse...[^]
digitaladdict
08/28/03, 3:41 PM
Concerning the preserve, I can't find the original letter from about 4 months ago that I rec'd in the mail.
One link for preserves show some of the hills that may be affected.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/digitaladdict/20038290407_sonoran preserve.jpg
Here is the actual link for preserve info in General, which includes other areas. I am sure there are other links as well. This will no doubt take time to implement, so I'm not going to worry. Not all areas are affected, but the pretty mountain areas evidently are part of the plan. Notice the areas just north of the canal (CAP)- That's a popular staging area.
http://www.asu.edu/caed/proceedings99/NSC/EWAN.HTM