SCF-ORIG - 2025 September 4x4 Group Ride - Vulture Mountain Loop

On Saturday, September 27th, sixteen riders in eight rigs gathered bright and early at the Shell Gas Station for our first 4x4 adventure of the year. The morning was sunny but cool from the monsoon rain we had the day before. In the eastern sky we watched rain clouds building but today the group was heading west towards the beautiful blue sky. The Vulture Mountains were picture perfect with zero haze. Chico & Lori lead the way while Jim and Kate Monahan served as tail gunners. The convoy made a turn onto 219th Ave and things got interesting right from the start. The group immediately witnessed the destructive power of the monsoon flooding. When the group reached the dirt section, the road was wet, and a few puddles remained which of course the 4x4's were more than happy to cross. Just before reaching pavement again off to our right the group noticed a pickup truck stuck in the mud with folks frantically trying to get it out. The rigs stopped to give them a hand. Don & Becky Linn positioned their rig behind the pickup and deployed the winch. In just a few minutes the pickup was freed from the mud holes' firm grip.

Upon reaching the Hassayampa River we made a short stop to air down and contemplated how to cross the flowing water. One by one all rigs successfully crossed the Hassayampa and the off-road adventure began. We were surprised to not find much evidence of rain, but super happy to not have any dust on the trail. As we climbed higher, the group paused several times on ridgelines to enjoy the scenic views of the various peaks in the Vulture Mountains. Soon a right turn took the group into the pin-stripping section of the trail. Folks did some rockhounding and cholla skeleton hunting while on this section. This was the first time that our 4x4's had been on this trail section and it appears that everyone enjoyed it. It is nice to know that there are still unexplored places in the Vulture Mountains that the 4x4's have not yet seen. From a distance the Vulture Cave trail came into sight, and it became evident that the climb would be steep. The drivers steered their rigs up the mountain. The majority of the crew had never been to the Vulture Cave, so we decided to remain up there more than the usual time. Folks started to say how hungry they were getting, so we made good time getting back to the Hassayampa and again crossed the flowing river to our air up location. In no time at all, the rigs were on their way to Dillons where everyone had a fantastic time sharing stories, shopping, and of course enjoying a delicious BBQ meal. After lunch the riders parted and everyone took the highway to their next destination. It was an amazing day of off-roading for our first outing of the season and certain that it will leave lasting impressions for all who participated.

Music:
Taking Chances by The Soundlings; YouTube Audio Library
Beast Mode by The Soundlings; YouTube Audio Library
Keys to Unravel by The Soundlings; YouTube Audio Library
Feeling Fab by Everet Almond; YouTube Audio Library
Doc and Wyatt by Everet Almond; YouTube Audio Library