Bugout4x4

My Wife and I bought 5 acres of Wilderness for $1000 back in 98 and have been trying to actually walk on it ever since. The last 5 times, I kid you not, As soon as we got up there it started to Rain. And I mean RAIN, our Desert Monsoon Flash Floods can be incredible so we had to hightail it out of there or be stuck for several days. Barely made it out in time all these five trips.

So we got caught up with our responsibilities enough to try it again last week. This time we finally made it onto the property. The Road in was pretty tore up from the last recent rain and it was 1st-low Wheeling the last 5 miles in. The road getting up there is a very steep "Switchback" through slippery slate and shale. The first part climbs about 3000 ft in 1.5 miles, but it was well worth it! I can't wait to start working on getting a Cherokee Campground set up there to share!


Stopped and talked to the guard on the way in. He was actually pretty laid back.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027661

If you see this sign it's time to shift into low range, you're gonna need it.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027585

Most of it was like this:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027224

And this:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027279

Looking out the Passenger Window down at one of the switchbacks we just came around:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027134

Looking back from the top of the hump:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027354

Finally! There it is! The bigger part of the more level "Saddle" area of this Hill turns out to be ours!
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027308

A picture of camp and the Jeep from the top of our hill, see it? Enlarge and zoom, it is only about 3 pixels because we are so far up! This is looking across the Grand Canyon at the North Rim.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027721

Saying thank you to the the Old Timer Pinyon Pine on the way out:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/g/picture/4027547


No Flat Tires and just a couple small sidewall Knicks, Looks like we have our work cut out for us!

XJlimitedx99

Man that looks too cool!

Bugout4x4

You sure wouldn't want to commute back and forth to work from there though! lol.

CherokeeHoonigan

You sure about that?

aroundincircles

Where did you buy it? I'm in AZ, and thinking about doing the same. but not sure what or where. Prices have gone up a bit, but its something on my to-do list for sure.

Bugout4x4

This is up in the Seligman/Ashfork area. Here's the deal...If you want a decent bargain it needs to be a place where most folks would not normally want to go like mine.


I would start by purchasing a good Az atlas, These show all the State/BLM/Private land sections. look at the most remote areas with close Access roads, Even if it is just a BLM fire access road like mine. Private property will be shaded white even in the most remote of locations such as Parks Etc.


Then do a parcel search using state tax assessors maps to see what these parcels sold for last, not what they are asking. This will give you an example of what to offer. These parcels are very hard to sell because of their very remote location and access.


These properties are available all over the State of Az and the last tax payers mailing address can also be found there.

CR-Snow

Very cool. I'm planning something similar here in KY. Land can be scooped up for pretty cheap, so long as you don't mind being in the middle of nowhere. The atlas is a good idea for looking for property too! Congrats on making up the climb.

Bugout4x4

Although one can camp on public lands for 14 days, far too many times I have had a bored to death Barney Fife Ranger harassing me 2 or 3 times a day because he has nothing else to do. Couple of times I thought to myself I would probably be bothered less camping out in a back alley down in South Central L.A.


There is some satisfaction in having the right to tell him he is trespassing on private property.

CR-Snow

That's a really good point. Besides. I May or may not enjoy a recreational endeavor into a few "non legal in most states" substances from time to time. And always best to do that on your own land.

XJwonders

That look fantastical. I ll love to drive up there one day.

Bugout4x4

I would like to first extend my congratulations for COTM! Well earned!


You would be absolutely welcome to come check it out anytime you like Az has some pretty country, Most do not realize what a mixed bag of different environments we have here. It is easy to think of Az as mostly Desert but we have a little of everything here normally just a short trip away. Mountains, Rivers, Lakes and Prairies along with the Desert areas. Here's an interesting fact...Supposedly because of the Rivers and lakes Az has more miles of "Shoreline" than any other state in the Union! Who would have thought?


I have to tell you though, The greatest experience of my early life was visiting your State of Pennsylvania! When I was about 12 my stepfather took us to visit the small coal mining town of Arcadia in Indiana County. What I noticed and enjoyed most was the abundance of wild foods available for foraging! Coming from Cactus Country this was just incredible to me. We have a few here but not like you have there. Huckleberries, Blackberries, Watercress, Etc., Although the indigenous of that area thought I was crazy, I loved the tart Crabapple pies I talked Grandma Pierce into baking Pretty easy to live off the land if you had to where you are compared to here!

XJwonders

thank you! Much appreciated.

Yes I would agree with you about how abundant food is in Pennsylvania. One day I ll take you up on the offer to drive up on the land. Cheers

CherokeeHoonigan

Seligman is a cute little town lol.

Bugout4x4

Did you go through there? I like the combination of grass prairie and mountains in that area. Yep, it's little for sure, lol


The little Café downtown has the best Biscuits and Gravy in the world

CherokeeHoonigan

Yea passed through awhile back beautiful area. got nailed by a cop going through there for speeding.