metau Report post Posted July 30, 2019 I am mentoring a kid who drew his first elk tag, and was curious how bad the roads are to get back to the Verde Rim in unit 21? Specifically looking at FR68G to the Tule Mesa area and the drop down into Houston Creek, FR68 up Sycamore Creek, 9709M to Chalk Tank, 68E to Arnold Mesa Tank and FS574 back into Table Mountain and McCraken down below? Can a 2wd truck make it down these roads or is a 4WD/ATV required? I don't mind AZ pinstriping, but I will have limited time to scout for his hunt and don't want to waste a weekend breaking down or being stuck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FancyRedneck Report post Posted July 30, 2019 I haven't been there in years but when I was , I was happy I had the 4wd just in the few spots i did need it and it was a rough road . Plan on that FR68G to take a lot longer than you think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted July 30, 2019 I wouldnt do it in 2wd. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6AYoteHunter Report post Posted July 31, 2019 Need 10 ply mud tires and 4wd to make it easier. Lots of rock and clay to deal with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ruthunter Report post Posted August 1, 2019 On 7/30/2019 at 12:58 PM, metau said: I am mentoring a kid who drew his first elk tag, and was curious how bad the roads are to get back to the Verde Rim in unit 21? Specifically looking at FR68G to the Tule Mesa area and the drop down into Houston Creek, FR68 up Sycamore Creek, 9709M to Chalk Tank, 68E to Arnold Mesa Tank and FS574 back into Table Mountain and McCraken down below? Can a 2wd truck make it down these roads or is a 4WD/ATV required? I don't mind AZ pinstriping, but I will have limited time to scout for his hunt and don't want to waste a weekend breaking down or being stuck. 21 will beat you up in a truck. If you must use a truck a 4wd is a must. I would try and get a Utv or quads. Did he draw an archery tag or rifle? Good luck! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swivelhead Report post Posted August 1, 2019 The roads you mention are rough. If it rains/snows as mentioned above, lots of clay = slippery. Good on you for mentoring a new hunter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZDirtyTaco Report post Posted August 1, 2019 Super sucky roads and that rim road is among the worst around and gets flat ugly with any weather. It'll break the spirit of even a new truck with a novice driver behind the wheel. I haven't been on a couple of the roads you mentioned, but that whole part of the unit is nothing but mean on a rig and not a place to venture without a reliable 4x4. As already mentioned, best off with an ATV/UTV to spare your vehicle. Helluva 1st time draw for the kid!!! A lot of the local herd has moved out of the area but there are still some fantastic bulls hanging around back in there. Which tag did he draw? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azbirdhunter88 Report post Posted August 5, 2019 Rough as crap roads Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metau Report post Posted August 6, 2019 I appreciate the feedback. There's still plenty of time for me to try to find a decent used SxS (I've been looking for an ATV anyways) or I can rent. As for his tag, it is the mid Oct rifle cow hunt. He is excited to go and looking forward to trying his luck at elk hunting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted August 6, 2019 At least during October the roads should be relatively dryer than say late November. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
