View Full Version : Martinez Canyon
I was thinking about a nice early ride to martinez canyon. Check out the mine and old mine equip, cabins etc etc. This would be a great ride to get out and see some nice desert landscape. It's a fairly easy ride so if you're new to riding or az and want to check out some neat stuff. Common along. Just chime in so there is a general idea.
We could meet just past the texaco on the 60 on the Right side of the road in that staging area. It's pretty easy to find. If you need very specific directions or need to follow someone just ask.
Meeting time: 6:30 -7:00 sat 10/4
Anyone up for this??
Why does it have to be that weekend and not the following. I would really enjoy that ride but i will be at the dunes. Let me know when you do this ride again
"Need dirt please help"
Ron
2003 Polaris Predator
I've never been to martinez canyon. I will check my calendar to see if I can join you Saturday.
Bryan
It should be a really nice early morning ride. If you've never been there check it out!!! Well worth the time and hopefully back by noon!
blatant
09/30/03, 10:28 AM
bttt
No one yet?? I almost find that hard to believe, espeically when this weekend it's supposed to be in the 90's!!
250RDude
09/30/03, 1:36 PM
Count me in, work permitting. It's been a while since I've been to the mine & beyond. :D RMBassethound will probably go also.
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
RM250bassethound
09/30/03, 3:45 PM
you got that right, also looking to ride on sunday maybe the hill climb that we seen at mt ord. that we haven't tried yet.
"WARNING!!! rider may bail off at anytime!"
RathrBdunin
09/30/03, 6:33 PM
Hey guy's, are you riding bikes or quads ? where is this area ? Sounds interesting.
Thx,
RathrBdunin
250RDude
09/30/03, 6:59 PM
Bike here. ;)
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
quad here!! Bikes, quads, doesn't matter!!
Everyone know where the meeting place is? What are you all riding or driving, so we can kinda keep an eye out!
MSzukaitis
10/01/03, 7:50 AM
I am going out riding w/ a group of guys on Sat and we are all from the far Northwest valley. I may be able to talk them into going on this ride. How far out on the 60 are you guys meeting? Is it way pasy Apache Junction?
2003 Yamaha Warrior
Why am I not out riding???
Not 100% sure how far...maybe 12miles give or take. Anyone care to chime in? It's right past the florence junction texaco station. It's a very nice riding spot.
mlbelden
10/01/03, 9:48 AM
Hairback has Martinez Mine listed as a very difficult trial. Is this the same ride? Any utility quads going? I am interested and ride a polaris sportsmen 700? I also live in the northwest valley, 107th and Deer Valley. Would be interested in hooking up with either group.
polaris sportsman 700
polaris sportsman 500
Lakota Sport Rider
10/01/03, 9:54 AM
So is the stage area right across the 60 Hwy. from the Texaco past Florence Junction? Is there a gate or something? I really wouldn't want to just stage on the side of the road of U.S. 60 with my ramp and Truck,cooler,etc. waiting for the pickins, isn't there a place on the left side of 60 right there by Texaco where you can go up in those mountains in the distance? I wont be able to make it this Saturday ( going up north camping) but always looking for places to ride, let me know?
2001 Kawasaki Lakota Sport
Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel Truck
"Getting Dirty"
"
I need the details for the meeting location.
Bringing my 400EX.
Bryan
There is a staging area east of the Florence Junction Texaco just a few miles. There are actually 2. The most commonly used is usually referred to as "the second flag pole". There is a parking area there or you can travel down the road and park out of site from the highway. I believe the staging area referenced was the first flagpole location.
Don't confuse the Florence Jct. Texaco with the one in Gold Canyon.
The ride to Martinez Canyon is very pretty, but not difficult (or extreme). The *extreme* ride posted by Hairback is for Martinez mine, which is beyond the canyon.
Of course your mileage may vary since "not difficult" and "extreme" are both subjective.
I don't think I am placing anyone in danger by stating the ride to the canyon should be possible for most any rider with decent equipment.
-Grover
-Oh Oh Honda Rancher
-86 Honda TRX 125
blatant
10/01/03, 11:50 AM
well put by tba. There is a staging area off of 79, towards the jail/tucson and another on the right side of the 60 about 3/4 of a mile(give or take) PAST the texaco in florence junction on the 60. I was wanting to meet at the one ON THE60 as it's "closer" than the one on the 79. Unless a consensus determines otherwise. I do not have specifics as to what's there as i rarely pay attention, but there is a large dirt lot etc, you won't be sitting on the road and there will most likely be jeeps/trailers and other ohv about. I believe there may be a BLM sign, as well as a flagpole for the army/bombing. I'm pretty sure it is before the tracks/queen valley turn.
so with this said, meet at the staging area off of the 60 around 6:30. Perhaps someone can chime in very specific driving directions if necessary.
Now,With that ALSO said, and to complement tba's description...the mine is past the cabins and is a rather heavy duty trail once you go past the old mine bldg. You should be fine on gas unless you're on a cr or something with a dinky tank. By the time you get to the mine you may or may not want to do the mine loop, which again, is considerably harder. The route to the mine/cabins is very, very scenic and very good for beginners, however i make no claim, ride at your own risk, my idea of beginner will vary from yours. We'll tailor the ride based on who shows etc.
What else?
Paul400EX
10/01/03, 12:09 PM
hey donnie, you still got the 250r? Has it even gotten any seat time since you bought the bike? ;)
MX #22
DFR......Ride with us or behind us.
RPM Racing
coming soon: yfz450 [8D]
250RDude
10/01/03, 12:53 PM
Hey Paul.
Oh yea still got Bling Bling :D It's my second wittle baby.;) I just thought I'd get back into riding for awhile. Ciera and I took it out just a month ago & I rode it to Roger's Trough about 3 weeks ago. I need to do some maintenance before Dune season though. Do the bottom end (First time) & put my Cool-Head on it. Have to keep it in top shape to play with the new 450's at Glamis. ;)
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
Ksand and the family of four may join in. I'm assuming that this is the Martinez Canyon also known as Box Canyon?? We ride quads...but we don't mind riding with two-wheelers as long as they don't slow us down (ha ha).
KSand
02 400EX
01 400EX
03 Z-400
01 250EX
And...one BIG trailer!
Paul400EX
10/01/03, 6:56 PM
cool don, yea I should have a yfz450 by the time i go on my first dune trip, but you're gonna need a little more work on that 250 to hang if i get my pipe on in time :D
MX #22
DFR......Ride with us or behind us.
RPM Racing
coming soon: yfz450 [8D]
Don't be pickin' on bling bling, that pipe's not gonna help you if I come after ya ;)
You going with us Oct 24 - Oct 26?
Paul400EX
10/01/03, 7:55 PM
yea i can prolly do that, no races so yea, looks good to me.
MX #22
DFR......Ride with us or behind us.
RPM Racing
coming soon: yfz450 [8D]
quote:Originally posted by blatant
Now,With that ALSO said, and to complement tba's description...the mine is past the cabins and is a rather heavy duty trail once you go past the old mine bldg. You should be fine on gas unless you're on a cr or something with a dinky tank. By the time you get to the mine you may or may not want to do the mine loop, which again, is considerably harder. The route to the mine/cabins is very, very scenic and very good for beginners, however i make no claim, ride at your own risk, my idea of beginner will vary from yours. We'll tailor the ride based on who shows etc.
What else?
From my experience, ya won't get very far past the cabin unless you have at least a utility quad and probably need 4WD at that. (don't know about two wheels)
From what I remember, you have to travel up a large wash with large boulders to get to the other side and the mine. I know my Warrior would never make it.
Good luck.
'01 Warrior (His)
'00 Warrior (Hers)
'04 Weekend Warrior Super Lite (Ours)
Lots of Fun
gnj, last time i was there with my jeep, the route to the mine structure was probably passable with either type of quad. a sport quad would probably have to be creativley ridden to get thru that bouldery stuff though, so you are right. However that route changes so frequently with use and weather. I will probably ride as far as the mine or as far as i can get to the mine. I won't do the mine loop, and can't be out all day. i'll be on a 400ex.
Right on ksand, have you been there before?
Ya a fun trip to say the least, and ya a sport quad should have no problems, heck one with enough ponies should be able to go either direction after the cabin
Hay Blatant,
Are you talking about staging on the road to Box/Martinez canyon at the flag pole? If you are, this is called the North entrance. It is approx. one mile past the train tracks and Queen Valley turn off, on the right side. There is a Flag Pole there that can be seen well before the turn, if you are looking for it. This is a large entrance with a well traveled dirt road. I suggest you meet approximately 1/4 mile up the dirt road on the right side. There are several parking areas there and you will be off the main road a little. My truck was broken into, at the flag Pole and I have spoken to others that have hade similar problems. I am hoping to join you, but I may have to work. If I don’t see you out there have a great time and I will meet you on the next ride. Rondo
250RDude
10/02/03, 8:57 AM
Agreed Zude & Blantant, I've taken my 250R Quad on this trail past the mine many times & even with my daughter Ciera as a co-driver. It's not as easy as a Ute Quad with an auto-tranny but doable on a sport quad. ;) Skidplates are mandatory past the cabins.
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
quote:Originally posted by rondo
Hay Blatant,
Are you talking about staging on the road to Box/Martinez canyon at the flag pole? If you are, this is called the North entrance. It is approx. one mile past the train tracks and Queen Valley turn off, on the right side. There is a Flag Pole there that can be seen well before the turn, if you are looking for it. This is a large entrance with a well traveled dirt road. I suggest you meet approximately 1/4 mile up the dirt road on the right side. There are several parking areas there and you will be off the main road a little. My truck was broken into, at the flag Pole and I have spoken to others that have hade similar problems. I am hoping to join you, but I may have to work. If I don’t see you out there have a great time and I will meet you on the next ride. Rondo
OK EVERY ONE: THIS IS THE MEETING AREA I WANT TO MEET AT. courtesy of Rondo.
Rondo, are you going?
Role call.......So who's all definitely go and what do you ride??
me 400ex
Sounds like a fun ride! I'm going to be out of town for a couple of days, but if I get back in time Fri. night I'll be there.
Suzuki vinson
Outlander 400 4X4
quote:Originally posted by 250RDude
Agreed Zude & Blantant, I've taken my 250R Quad on this trail past the mine many times & even with my daughter Ciera as a co-driver. It's not as easy as a Ute Quad with an auto-tranny but doable on a sport quad. ;) Skidplates are mandatory past the cabins.
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
I guess I must have taken the wrong route. One of you's will just have to show me sometime. Wouldn't mind gettin' to the mine someday. [8D]
Here's the stuff I was lookin' at.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/gnjdavis/200310334226_P2010001.jpg
'01 Warrior (His)
'00 Warrior (Hers)
'04 Weekend Warrior Super Lite (Ours)
Lots of Fun
250RDude
10/02/03, 6:58 PM
Thats the route. :D Makes it interesting on a sport quad. ;)
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
The trip to Martinez mine area is a easy and fun ride. The ride from the cabins up to the mine is not for the beginner. Most anyone with riding experience can make this trip, the scenery is worth the ride. Click on this link to see some pictures.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4554
Click on this link to see some pictures from the cabins to the mine and down the luge, and then to Coke Ovens.
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4555
Mike
Do what you can today for tomorrow may never come.
two polaris 425's 4 x 4
Polaris 700 Twin Sportsman 4x4
HardHeadedWoman
10/02/03, 9:04 PM
I'm in!
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
Well, Friday morning, the weather is so nice!! I haven't really ridden since teh end of last dune season, it's been so damn hot. Hopefully tomorrow the weather with our starting time will be perfect!!
mlbelden
10/03/03, 6:09 AM
Count me in guys. I may have a buddy with me. Stage at 6:30am?
matt
polaris sportsman 700
polaris sportsman 500
Ahhhh yes that is it! Actually gnjdavis I think a warrior would do very well, they are an awesome trail quad! If ya don't get there in the next month or so I'll get ya through it:D
Yeah between 6:30 and rolling out at 7. Stage off of the 60 as earlier specified. Anyone in the east valley going?? If so, where about do you live?
250RDude
10/03/03, 11:18 AM
I'm in for sure as long as I'm back early. (Per the Warden) East valley for me, Recker & McKellips. ;)
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
Ksand and the family are in. We likely won't be going from the mine to the cabins from the sound of it...but we'll ride whatever we can with the group. I think Gecko is going with us as well.
KSand
02 400EX
01 400EX
03 Z-400
01 250EX
And...one BIG trailer!
Looks like their is going to be a good turn out for this trip. I will be there with the yellow 700 and do the sweep thing. See ya about 6:30 a.m. Leaving from the west side around 5:15 I hope.:)
Mike
Do what you can today for tomorrow may never come.
2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
HardHeadedWoman
10/03/03, 5:22 PM
If needed I can help with a group of quadders. I know the bikes will be flying!
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
RM250bassethound
10/03/03, 5:46 PM
as far as i can tell, donnie and i are the only bikes and your right, we'd be flying. we'll stop to watch the sport quads do the rocks. thats always cool. doesn't sound like dave is coming ,is he syreda?
dirtysanchez
10/03/03, 7:16 PM
Hmmmm. I might be up for this one.
DirtySanchez
'03 Yamaha FYZ450
'93 Yamaha Banshee (For sale)
'97 Yamaha Warrior (For sale)
yeah sounds like it'll be a fairly good turn out. Looking forward to putting some names wwith faces, don't get out much with y'all but surf the board enough!! Sure Syreda, we can figure the groups out...This is a great area, we could always shoot box canyon back wards for a quick side track, that'll take but no time on quads, assuming someone in a z71 isn't trying to navigate thru!!! Should be a good time and the weather'll be perfect...see yall tomorrow. Leaving east valley at 5:45 or so. Off to reverse happy hr!!!
HardHeadedWoman
10/03/03, 9:16 PM
quote:Originally posted by RM250bassethound
as far as i can tell, donnie and i are the only bikes and your right, we'd be flying. we'll stop to watch the sport quads do the rocks. thats always cool. doesn't sound like dave is coming ,is he syreda?
NOPE :D[:p]
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
HardHeadedWoman
10/03/03, 9:17 PM
Hey, if we don't dwaddle we could do the Box Canyon and Coke Ovens, too. I'm game, providing the river is low.
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
Yes, I am definitely in for this ride!
See you tomorrow morning!!!
Bryan
I am up and loaded and leaving, see ya on the trail.:)
Mike
Do what you can today for tomorrow may never come.
2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
HardHeadedWoman
10/04/03, 1:51 PM
Had a wonderful day riding and meeting new faces!
Syreda
Honda Foreman 450es 4x4
Don't follow David. There must be an easier way.
mlbelden
10/04/03, 3:25 PM
Awsome ride today. Syreda and Mike, I had a great time, especially in the river. To bad the rest of the group missed out on the real fun. Mike, are you going to post any pictures? Off to wash the quads.
matt
polaris sportsman 700
polaris sportsman 500
Yes I will post the pictures in a bit. The only pictures that turned out were the one at the cabins and the beginning of the ride. You know that beeping that we were hearing at Coke Ovens? Well that was my camera trying to warn me that my memory card had become loose in the camera. So all the pictures that I took at we got stuck in the mud waist high did not take....All of those wonderful shot of four very muddy riders...Of course the only reason we got stuck over and over again was so we could test out the wench. LOL Any how sorry about the rest of the picturs. I will post what I have under the photo section.:) I enjoyed the ride today very much. It was nice to have a good size group to start out this morning.
Mike
Do what you can today for tomorrow may never come.
2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
mlbelden
10/04/03, 5:38 PM
This ride Kicked a$$! The mud was awsome, to bad the pictures did not come out. I would like to do this ride again dong the staircase, and Jawbreaker. Thanks for the great time.
matt
polaris sportsman 700
polaris sportsman 500
It took me 1 1/2 hours to get all the mudd off the quad. What a blast.:D
Mike
Do what you can today for tomorrow may never come.
2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4
We had a great time today. Sounds like we missed out on some fun in the mud. We'll have to stick around next time! It was nice to meet all of you.
KSand
02 400EX
01 400EX
03 Z-400
01 250EX
And...one BIG trailer!
Great ride! Had a real good time, nice meeting all you people. Sorry I had to leave early,sounds like I missed out on some fun in the mud! next time I'll be better prepared.
Suzuki vinson
Outlander 400 4X4
This was a fun ride! Thanks everyone. I had a great time!
Bryan
vpihlman
10/05/03, 6:42 PM
We just got back from that area and it looks like you could ride for weeks - what a great place!! We were in our truck - cant wait to get out there on a bike.[:p]Okay you guys, while it is fresh in your minds.... When you get to the cactus with the 60 on it - where does the right road go and where does the left trail go [?]
Also - about how many miles down which road is the cabin things you rode to today[?]
Thank you!![8D]
CRAZY CRF 230 F- Vince
Not so Crazy CRF230F - Jeff
Baby Bike XR80 - Vicky
it goes out to the 79, the other staging area.
vpihlman
10/07/03, 5:44 AM
When you get to the cactus with the 60 on it from the HWY 60 entrance and I am looking at 2 roads - the cactus is on my right - Which way goes to the 79 and which way goes to the cabins[?][:p]East - West - North - South - Right - Left [?]
CRAZY CRF 230 F- Vince
Not so Crazy CRF230F - Jeff
Baby Bike XR80 - Vicky