I had a day open up so me and my Dad went out to explore the east side a little since I don't get out there much. Decided on Montana Mountain since it was easy and I've never done it. Saw Ryan at the Shell station gassing up that morning... small world!
The start was about 2 miles east of the Florence Junction turn-off onto a paved road that quickly turns to dirt and crosses Queen Creek. Traveling north-northwest of FR 172, at about 2100foot elevation, the beginning was classic sonoran landscape. We diddled around a couple sideroads and check out a mine, a well, etc. The main road is pretty smooth and well-traveled. At about 10 miles in there's a good hill climb that took us up into the pinyon/juniper coolness. This is as bad as the trail gets... about a 2.0 in the good conditions we had. There's a few minor rough spots and short steep sections.
Eventually we topped out adjacent to the Superstition Wilderness at about 5400 feet. The views are superb, especially the west to northwest vistas into the craggy Superstitions and surrounding valleys. This is as close and you can get to wheeling in the Superstitions. We hung out in the pines at the top for a while eating and popping some caps. Continuing, we jumped on FR 650 which takes you back south to Hwy60. The descent off Montana Mountain comes quick and you'll see the trail ahead of you as it hairpins its way down 2000 feet in about a mile and a half of absurd twists and turns. Once past that it's a fairly simple short ride out. We popped out onto the highway about 3 miles west of Superior.
One website said it was one of the best 4x4 loop trails in the state. I'm not so sure about that... there's no real outstanding points of interest other than hiking trailheads. It's still a great little ride with excellent panaramic views that's perfect for a quick, easy getaway. The off road challenges are barely moderate and a decent stock vehicle with skilled driver will negotiate the trail with no problem.
This was the scene going in... water was flowing in the primary washes
The view back once we started the serious climbing
This was the top area. Plenty of nice places to camp or chill.
Airing back up near the highway with Picketpost Mountain in the background.