After attending the Overland Expo I meet with a group from Expeditionportal in Chino Valley to run Smiley Rock trail (the trail is rated a 2.5 out of 5). I had run this trail once last year on a solo trip though Sedona, Arizona and had a blast and wanted to hit it up again. Eleven vehicles in total were to run the trail (3 Tacoma’s, 2 4runner’s, Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2 early Ford Broncos, Mitsubishi Montero, a Nissan Pathfinder and Frontier) only ten made it though, the Montero turned around before the rock garden portion of Martin Canyon to avoid undercarriage and rocker panel damage. Prior to that the Montero did a great job and surprise me a bit how well it did.
Heading out to trailhead (I think I need to clean bugs off the windshield next time)
Mark moving a snake off the trail.
At the trailhead the line up
These two where hiding from the camera
But I think they were spotted by these guys
Off to the trail:
Again I really need to clean those dang bugs off
Catus in bloom
The dang rock I missed last year and I don’t know how after seeing it
Looking up out of the canyon
Shameless plug of my 4runner
This is where the Montero had to turn around.
The reason being
First rock ledge (dented my gas tank here last year).
Up next was the Frontier. Frontier had a little problem with this area but eventfully made it though a little dinged up.
Followed by one of the Bronco’s
Next up was the another little rock ledge that made for some good poser shots and some rock slider action. I’ll throw in a dented gas tank skid plate as well.
Only video of the trip. It’s not the greatest due to tight location and trees but it is what it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0CSwW1-B-k
Next up was the Frontier. The longer wheelbase was causing it to get hung up some, which eventfully lead to a tug by another vehicle to get up and over.
Giving a little tug
Lastly the Bronco’s which I didn’t get very many photo’s of.
The weather at the top where the other’s from the group were to was in the 50’s, with a slight breeze. It felt great compared to tempatures in Yuma. Tired from the long day it was time to air up, grab some grub and gas and head for home. This was a nice break that over due and sorely needed.
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