The scenic off road trail is accessible from the Bumble Bee-Crown King exit (Exit #248) off I-17. This is the same southern entrance to Crown King Arizona – Home of the Crowned King Mine . Crown King is a so-called living ghost town nestled on the southern top of the Bradshaw Mountains. Although the loop starts from Crown King Rd., it follows the Bradshaw foothills and remains in the lower elevations. This is an ideal 4x4 trail in the winter and is dangerously hot in the summer. The complete loop takes just over 5 hours by Jeep, allowing time to stop to explore the mines and other features. The trail head is left (south) just before the town of Cleator (N 34º16’29.5 W 112º13’07.4). Route finding in this area is complex, an Off Road Trail Guide and Off Road GPS are strongly recommended.
(Road to Bumble Bee) (Charles Wells, Author came to document Trail)
(Town of Bumble Bee, AZ) (Town of Cleater, AZ)
The first point of interest is the Grey Goose Mine. There is no abandoned equipment or interesting features other than the shaft entrance itself. There is evidence of resent selective mining activities near and around the shaft entrance. After passing the Grey Goose Mine, make a left at the first “T” (FSR 101). After a series of hill climes and descents, turn right onto FSR 239 which is clearly marked.
(Golden Belt Mine Ruins) (Grey Goose Mine)
As you travel further south keep an eye out for the crested Saguaro on the western end of the trail. Encountering a crested Saguaro is a very rare sight. Some experts speculate that this strange growth is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of a lightning strike or freeze damage. At this point scientists simply don't know what causes this rare crested formation to develop.
(Crested Saguaro)
As you continue, the trail will start descending into the Poland Creek creek area. This region's lower washes are covered with massive cottonwood trees and coarse canyon walls - all of which are surrounded by lush Sonoran desert.
(Poland Creek) (View from FSR 239)
Remain on FSR 239 through the wash until you see the Thunderbolt Mine. The trail to the base of the mine is extremely narrow and rutted with large washouts. Taking this trail in an attempt to reach the mine was a bad idea. Aside from the dangerous route, the base is blocked by a makeshift homestead that appeared to be occupied and is covered with “No Trespassing” signs. Since the mine appears to still be active I recommend staying on FSR 239. You will still be able to see the mine tailings from a distance along with some old mining equipment.
(Side Road to the Thunderbolt Mine & Mine Tailings)
When driving through Poland Creek you will encounter pools of water (full almost all year round) and rock gardens that will provide some off road excitement - especially for stock 4x4's. Just before exiting the Poland Creek area you will run into Dead Cow Gulch. This is the deepest water hole in the area and is located just before the most dangerous part of this off road trail.
(Dead Cow Gulch)
Carved out of the side of the mountain is a narrow pass that cannot be safely passed in anything wider than a Jeep. Without careful tire placement and a good spotter, you risk rolling off the side of a shear cliff into a 20-foot gorge. There is no bypass for this section.
The last feature located on this loop is the Howard Copper Mine. As the trail curves up hill, you will pass the main entrance to the mine.
To exit, follow the best traveled trail to Castle Creek Road and take a left. Once you reach Crown King Road head south to I-17.
(Howard Copper Mine)
I strongly recommend using an Off Road GPS with Topographical software as route finding is complex and a wrong turn can take you 25 plus miles off course.
(Golden Belt Mine Wash) (Golden Turkey Mine)
Posted
May 27 2008, 04:36 PM
by
ryangibson