It seems like everywhere you turn a new hardcore trail is being tamed by the baddest new rock buggy. While we think that is admirable as well as cool, we also realize that not everyone can sink major cash into a daily driver and then ... well, not have a daily driver. And the fact is that there are probably 100 times more moderate trails available than death defying boulder hopping. That's why we went on a cruise in the Arizona backcountry last spring, with the Arizona Classic Bronco Club. Now, this isn't to say that this club doesn't have its share of hardcore guys or rigs. They take on local trails like Terminator and Anacondas. But when the club puts on the massive Bronco Daze event each June, there are runs of many varieties for anyone into wheeling, from scenic cruising to hardcore carnage. Our trip was a prerun of the Bronco Daze. We were accompanied by a good group into the Bradshaw Mountains south of Prescott. Trip leader Mitch Ragsdale showed us a day full of 4x4 stuff, from mud to sand to rocks and lot of incredible scenery in between. Luckily the spring rains held off, as the washes can rise dramatically and dangerously during a heavy rain. We skirted disaster and ended up in Cleator, Arizona, which consists of a bar and general store. If you're in the area, you owe it to yourself to cruise to Cleator as well as take a trip through the Bradshaws. For more Bronco fun contact the Arizona Classic Bronco Club at www.azbronco.org. Also check out Bronco Daze on that site and get ready for next year's event! Sometimes auto hubs have their advantages! Trip leader Mitch Ragsdale decided to lock in his hubs after the fact, but before coming to the mud on the other side. Jenna Ragsdale simply knew better.Sometimes auto hubs have their advantages! Trip leader Mitch Ragsdale decided to lock in h Mike Speakes showed us how to rockcrawl with wet tires in his '68 Bronco. While this particular trail didn't have huge boulders or waterfalls, there are plenty in the area to wheel on.Mike Speakes showed us how to rockcrawl with wet tires in his '68 Bronco. While this parti Arizona Classic Broncos aren't limited to the vintage rigs. Jason Todd took his '96 Bronco everywhere the little ones went. His rig just made for bigger splashes!Arizona Classic Broncos aren't limited to the vintage rigs. Jason Todd took his '96 Bronco Many of the trails and roads in the Bradshaws are from the gold mining era of the 1800s. Dave Young took his '71 Bronco on a narrow shelf road while making the grade.Many of the trails and roads in the Bradshaws are from the gold mining era of the 1800s. D Mud is everywhere in Arizona after a rain; it just doesn't stick around too long. Todd Zuecher shows us how to chuck some mud while exiting the slop. He ferried us around in his '69 Bronco, complete with Parnelli Jones paraphernalia. Thanks, Todd!Mud is everywhere in Arizona after a rain; it just doesn't stick around too long. Todd Zue On our trip the water level in the creeks was rising, so Riley Kingaman in his '71 Bronco tiptoed through the rocks to make sure we wouldn't need to be pulling cable. Rain came the following week and made this crossing nearly impassable.On our trip the water level in the creeks was rising, so Riley Kingaman in his '71 Bronco Shane Clay found one of those deep holes and had to be extracted back before he could get his '94 fullsize across the creek. Luckily he didn't swamp the engine, so some quick draining was all that was needed.Shane Clay found one of those deep holes and had to be extracted back before he could get Many of the access roads are simply graded gravel, and they quickly turn into washed-out gullies. Dan Moore cruises his '74 Bronco along the trail with ease, even in the tough stuff.Many of the access roads are simply graded gravel, and they quickly turn into washed-out g Robert Carver took his '67 Bronco way around to the shallow side of a major crossing. While it doesn't look too deep, many hidden holes can swallow a tire hole and drown your ride.Robert Carver took his '67 Bronco way around to the shallow side of a major crossing. Whil By Rick Péwé Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
