Elbow Canyon Trail, Scenic, AZ

After a day of rest following the FMCA 4Wheeler rally we met up with another couple and tried one last trail. The Elbow Canyon trail departs from the small town of Scenic, AZ and our club rates it an easy trail. It was not offered this year as a part of the rally, but we had GPS tracks on the iPad to show us the way. What could go wrong, right?

Heading due East out of Scenic it was a steady climb towards Mount Bangs and Black Rock Mountain. The trail was an unimproved road that may have supported early mining activity many decades ago, but is now a forest service road and best left to serious four wheel vehicles. It was a good workout, but not a major off-road challenge. At the top we could look back done the mountain to the valley we departed from.

This part of Arizona is just north and a bit west of the Grand Canyon. We hoped to get a glimpse of the canyon from a few of the vantage points that allowed a view in that direction, but did not see the canyon itself.

We ran the ridges and gullies back North to Utah. At times it was simple dirt roads, but at others it was hard to determine exactly where the trail was. It was obvious that no one had been on parts of this trail in a long time since vegetation was taking over.

It turned out to be a long trail and we got back to St George just as the sun was setting. We celebrated our safe return by having dinner at Irmita’s Casita Mexican Restaurant. The food was great. The only thing missing was the cerveza! No liquor license.

We now have two days to get chores and errands done before heading to Kingman and then Mesa, AZ to spend time with several old friends. Old as in knowing them since the 60’s and 70’s for they are certainly young in spirit.