NMBR’s Ghost Divide: Overland to the EXPO 2013
Update: Trip is Full
Monday, May 13th – Thursday, May 16th
Who: A few good overlanders—adventurists seeking an overland route to the Overland Expo. Limited to participants of Overland Expo 2013 (Day Pass or Overland Experience). Only the most self-sufficient, open-minded and good spirited overlanders need apply.
What: A fast paced 475-mile overland adventure through New Mexico’s Gila National Forest and Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to Mormon Lake, AZ. Over two thirds of the Ghost Divide route will be dirt!
Where: Participants will meet in Southern New Mexico (location TBA) before departing into the vast backcountry of New Mexico and Arizona.
When: Monday, May 13th – Thursday, May 16th (Overland Expo May 17th-19th)
Limit 8 Vehicles – All trip applicants must meet Driver, Vehicle, Equipment & Navigation Requirements as listed below – Inquiries and RSVPs by Email only: NMBackroads (at) gmail.com
Intro & Invite:
Looking to go the road less traveled to the 2013 Overland Expo? New Mexico Backroads will be guiding a four day adventure that will traverse some of New Mexico and Arizona’s loneliest backroads. The route will cover two unique and rugged areas; New Mexico’s Gila National Forest (Continental Divide) and Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (Mogollon Rim). Scenery along the route will include desert, grasslands and forest. Over two-thirds of the 475-mile route will be comprised of dirt roads. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night will include camping and relaxing around the campfire, deep in the backcountry. For those that make the Ghost Divide trip, the only guarantee is that participants will arrive at the Overland Expo with dirty rigs, big smiles, and stories that will make their fellow overlanders envious.
Ghost Divide Route:
Continental Divide (160-miles no services): The Contenental Divide segment of the adventure begins in Mimbres, NM, at the foot of the Black Range, and enters the Gila Wilderness via the North Star Road. The route will shadow the Continental Divide through the heart of two distinct wilderness areas—Gila Wilderness and Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The Continental Divide route will follow various Forest Service Roads thorough Black Canyon, Kemp Mesa, Beaverhead, Wolf Hollow, T Bar Ridge, and Negrito before meeting pavement some 160 miles later in Mogollon, NM.
Mogollon Rim (100-miles limited services): The Mogollon Rim segment of the adventure begins in Pinetop, AZ and enters “The Rim” via Forest Road 300. The Rim is an escarpment defining the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, characterized by high limestone and sandstone cliffs and spectacular vistas. The Mogollon Rim route will follow The Rim, roughly 100-miles northwest, though Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest before meeting pavement above Pine, AZ at Highway 87.
Participant Requirements:
Driver, Vehicle, Equipment & Navigation Requirements (all Ghost Divide participants must possess the following):
Driver Skill- Minimum 5-years off-road/overland driving experience; Ability to negotiate challenging and rugged terrain (in any weather condition) for up to 10-hours per day; Basic knowledge of vehicle mechanics & repair; Ability to work on vehicle in the event of breakdown; Understanding of safe jack operation; Understanding of safe vehicle recovery techniques and recovery equipment use; Ability to repair tire punctures; Ability to follow directions and orders from trail leader; Ability to work with others in a team environment
Vehicle- High clearance 4WD vehicle equipped with selectable high/low range transfer case; Vehicle must be in good mechanical condition (including no fluid leaks) and able to safely maintain highway speeds, Solid front and rear mounted recovery points; All terrain tires with 50% tread or better in good condition; Spare tire (same height as four on ground); Appropriate jack to accommodate vehicle weight and suspension lift (if applicable); CB radio; Extra fuel (optional if fuel tank range is greater than 200 miles); Extensive tool/repair kit, Recovery kit (shackles, loop-ended straps; gloves, etc.); Tire repair kit; Fire extinguisher; First aid kit; All drivers must have a valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance and current vehicle registration
Equipment & Provisions- All clothing, camping gear, water, food, shelter and supplies required for four days of unsupported backcountry/overland travel. All such items should be appropriate for temperatures ranging from 20F to 100F and suitable for all weather conditions
Navigation- Basic understanding of map reading, compass orienteering and GPS use; Navigation tools to include: Compass; Portable GPS device, (1) New Mexico and (1) Arizona large-format topographic atlas by Delorme and/or Benchmark Maps
Additional Details:
The Ghost Divide trip is limited to participants of Overland Expo 2013 (Day Pass or Overland Experience)—only the most self-sufficient, open-minded and good spirited overlanders need apply. All travel distances and times are approximate. The trip route may be subject to change due to time constraints, bad weather, road closures, and/or poor road conditions. Please be aware that water, fuel and cell service will not be available for remote stretches up to 200-miles. Cell phone service, as well as any other type of service, will be limited throughout the entire trip. Because a large amount of terrain will be covered in a relatively short period of time, this trip will be fast paced; all departure times are firm—no exceptions. While the regions this trip will cover are statistically safe, dangerous illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking are ever-present. Drivers and passengers alike will need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. No persons under the age of 18 allowed on trip.
All inquiries can be directed to Jake Quinones, Owner of New Mexico Backroads. Full contact info: http://newmexicobackroads.blogspot.com/p/contact.html
Resources:
Gila National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gila/home
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Maps: New Mexico & Arizona large-format topographic atlas/gazetteers by Delorme and Benchmark Maps (Required for Ghost Divide participants)
New Mexico BLM 100K map guide: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/geographic_sciences/100k_index/100k_alpha_list0.html
About the 2013 Overland Expo:
The 2013 Overland Expo will be held May 17th-19th in Flagstaff, AZ. The Overland Expo is an international event that educates and inspires people to get out and explore the world, by bike and vehicle. Register for a full, all-inclusive education package—the Overland Experience (single or double)—or come on a Day Pass and enjoy a la carte programs. For more information on the event, please visit the official Overland Expo website HERE
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