I don't have one. I do have a hunting license! It gets me access to state trust land for hunting and darn, if I don't have to drive across to go hunting...

Oh yeah, I should have pointed out that hunting and fishing licenses work, assuming that you are hunting or fishing, or can make an excuse like you are

Mark

I'm hosed, not going to throw more money at it by buying more licenses. I'll have my permit for the next time it's needed. Have fun on this one guys.

Not to mention that the permits help fund these great trails to STAY trails instead of a new subdivision.

I purchased the $20 family permit. Just won't be here in time. I work 9 to 6, so no way to make it down town before or after work while they are open. If they process it tomorrow when they get it, then send it out tomorrow or Thursday, I might be lucky. No way my mail will be here on Saturday tho before 8am.

Any comments on "Guide to Arizona Backroads and 4-Wheel Drive Trails" by Charles A. Wells - worth the money or not ?

I don't have the AZ one, but do have the UTAH version from Charles Wells (I had California, but gave it away after we moved here). All of his books are top-notch. I would highly recommend one written by him.

Wells' book is worth having. It's great in conjunction with the Atlas or Gazetteer. And so are:

• The Four Wheel Drive Trails of Arizona Vol 1,
• 4 Wheel Drive & Back Roads of Yavapai County, AZ,
• 4 Wheel Drive Roads of Mohave County, AZ,
• The Black River A Fishing and Camping Guide,
• Backcountry Adventures, Arizona

The trail books will give you trail-specific details, while the Atlas/Gazetteer will give you the larger context.

So now that we have decided the permit status, who is planning on going? And is 9 am an OK time to meet at the abandoned gas station?

I will be going and I'm bringing at Friend with a TJ who knows the area out there.

I plan on going! I'll probably have a buddy with me.

Are we meeting at the wrecked gas station or the one that is open? I assume the one gas station is still open in Florence Junction.

We are meeting at the Wrecked Gas Station that is at the junction of US60 and SR79. See you there.

Just want to let everyone know that the Gila River is running so we probably won't be able to cross after the Coke Ovens. Expect a long drive that day as we'll probably have to go out the same way we go in.

Here is the link to the USGS Gila River Info:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv/?site_no=09474000&agency_cd=USGS

I am 80% sure Kaelyn, Kuma and I will be there. What time do you expect to be back home?

Mark

I'm planning on being home by 5 or 6pm.

I'm planning on being home all day

Awesome link, was wondering how to tell if the water was flowing without making the drive.

I've crossed the river several times while it was flowing, crossing due south of the ovens at that broad shallow crossing. Problem is I have no idea of the flow rate. And the last time I was down there south of the tracks on the wash (Donnelly Wash??) the crossing point at the railroad track was blocked off. Don't know if it still is blocked or if somebody has found an alternative.

I've never crossed at Cochran with the river flowing, the drop-off ledge was more than I felt comfortable with when the water was flowing. It would be something for Dan...

Personally, I find the way back from the ovens more challenging/fun than the way in. The ledges at the halfway point, and hill at the ovens are all fun to ascend.

Don't forget, the last 1/2 mile from the ovens to the river can be a major AZ pinstriping opportunity, but from Box to the ovens there is usually minimal if any striping.

I'm gonna call the permit office tomorrow and see if there is any chance they can fax me the permit, if they have issued it by then. Then mail me the original. Fingers crossed they are nice folks down there.

I didnt spend 800$ on new tires to not go this weekend. ive got my fishing liscense, whos got a fishing pole i can throw in the back?

I'm going and my license is expired if that makes anyone feel better

Mark

Roger my brother!

Gwynn went and picked up a Permit (even though I have a hunting license) for our family, my brother, my family member, we have two mirror hangers for "our" family vehicles.

So we'll see you Saturday!

Nice - I'll be there. Looking forward to getting her dirty finally.

So you guys are doing Box Canyon and Coke Ovens this weekend? I might have to join in on this one. I ran Box Canyon when my truck was stock and it was a blast! Now, were you guys talking about permits earlier in this thread?

oh nm I read the whole thing. You need a permit to cross state trust land. Oh well, I.... uhhh.... dropped mine in the mud

Permit panic over for me anywayz. The lovely lady at the State Land office faxed me it

Im definately going tomorrow, but I dont really remember how to get to the meeting place. Dont know have to get off on Ft. McDowell Rd. or something? I dont know. Help me out