I'm interested in running El Camino Del Diablo (The Devil's Highway) sometime around mid march (before or after the AZ 8 run) or late April early may when I might be in AZ for other stuff any you folks ever been, have some recommendations, interested, ?
http://www.4x4now.com/pp001.htm
http://bushducks.com/tripreps/camino.htm
http://www.coloradoriverinfo.com/attractions/national.back.shtml

Supposed to be 2WD all the way, but I have always wanted to run that.

Long weekend maybe?

As cool as that should be you'll want to check in with the gummint. Don't go alone. Last we checked you need (Federal) permits to cross some of that route.

Id like to do that too, but like Mud says, I think you need permits since you cross a military practice range.

I'd be packin wicked heat along most of that trail too. Illegals and drug trafficers.

From what I've read, you also must camp within a certain distance of the road.

Good link:

http://www.desertusa.com/mag02/may/diablo.html

quote:

If you want to travel El Camino del Diablo, I recommend that you take two 4X4 vehicles and spend at least three days. Permits (as well as historical sources) are available at no cost at the Cabeza Prieta Refuge office in Ajo. Goldwater range permits are available at the Marine Air Base in Yuma. (Note: Do not remove or handle any ordinance that you might find on the range. Note the location and report it to the authorities.) Be entirely self sufficient. Water sources are not reliable. If you come well prepared, you'll discover a wonderful and safe way to re-live some of the pioneers' experiences.

The last I heard...they'd only let 4x4's on it. 4x4 is not needed...especially if you have multiple vehicles. Also, guns are prohibited.

It is a wilderness, so you can't really camp away from the road.

Guns are prohibited?!?! Running within a mile of the border, with coyotes and drug trafficers, illegal aliens? NO thanks.

I deal with enough of that chit down here in Tucson, I would not be comfortable one bit without some protection.

Hell, read that 2nd link that was posted. It talks about the illegals circling their car, demanding water and food. What if you said "no?"

quote:

Originally posted by Sand Bag:
Guns are prohibited?!?! Running within a mile of the border, with coyotes and drug trafficers, illegal aliens? NO thanks.

I deal with enough of that chit down here in Tucson, I would not be comfortable one bit without some protection.

Hell, read that 2nd link that was posted. It talks about the illegals circling their car, demanding water and food. What if you said "no?"

hit the gas, give em a little, emmm, nudge!!
but yeah i wouldnt go on this without a weapon either. but im ex-military so i might be able to get away with it..

I'm not so sure I'd do this without at least a sidearm either. I'd love to do the trail, but getting bushwhacked 80 miles from nowhere and left stranded or worse doesn't appeal to me.

You are safer on the CDD than in Tucson. Wets that are dry, real dry, are desperate, and usually as docile as a puppy. They just want water...as in the mentioned scenario.

You'll drive the CDD and not see another soul. The LE Personel are not cut from the same mold as the "fern-fondlers" that make the rules there.

Hide your gun and don't mention it when you get your permit...if you do.

You can drive it in either way in less than a day.

We drove from Papago Well to Wellton, then to Tacna and south to, I think, Tule Well, in a day, if my memory is right (I can't even remember if it is Tule Well).

I've driven it twice. I used to live in Ajo and have been to Papago Well 5-7 times, or so. I've been to several dif places on the east side (w/in a few hours of Ajo). It is a long bump-a@@ ride.

Do some research and find out where the "Circle of Eight" is. It is on the West side, near Tinajas Altas. 8 travelers died in a circle there...a long time ago.,,,a grisley reminder of how the road got its name.

If I remember right, it is between the road and the border road. It is on a north-south road and you can drive to it...although it is not on a public road.

OK, you're talking me back into it.

http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/diablo.html

James M. Barney, "El Camino del Diablo," Arizona Highways, March 1943.

William T. Hornaday, Campfires on Desert and Lava (reprinted Tucson; University of Arizona Press, 1985).

Ronald L. Ives, From Pitic to San Gabriel in 1782: The Journey of Don Pedro Fages Journal of Arizona History, Winter 1971.

W.J. McGee, "The Old Yuma Trail," National Geographic, March-April 1901.

I'm in Xtoolbox, just keep us posted on the dates you plan to do it.

I'll be bringing plenty of personal protection devices.

I'd rather drive 2500 miles and run the Sawbill Trail in 2wd. Have fun.